Open
CDEM — Non-refundable contributions
Supports Indigenous business start-up, growth, and planning activities
Last Update: May 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Côte-Nord, Quebec, Canada
Overview
Provides up to $99,999 (private projects) or $250,000 (collective/community projects) to support Indigenous business development. Funding can support business planning, business start-up/expansion/acquisition, marketing implementation, and training and skills development.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Côte-Nord
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing a business plan, marketing plan, or conducting preliminary studies
- Starting, expanding, or acquiring a business
- Implementing marketing activities
- Supporting training and skills development
Documents Needed
- Financing request form (“Demande de financement”)
- Supporting documents requested based on the type of application
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered members of eligible Innu communities in Quebec and the Naskapi community (on- or off-community in Quebec)
- For-profit incorporated businesses (provincial or federal) with 51%+ voting shares owned by Innu or Naskapi persons
- General partnerships or cooperatives operating a commercial business with 51%+ Innu or Naskapi partners/members
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that are not majority-owned (less than 51%) by Innu or Naskapi.
Eligible expenses
- Capital costs, operating costs, and post-startup costs, as specified in the contribution offer
- Eligible claim documents and supporting payment evidence
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Taxes
- Costs already claimed in a previous request
- Costs incurred or legally committed before final approval
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec (Innu communities and Naskapi community; applicants may be located on or off community)
Processing and Agreement
- A director of accounts contacts the applicant after the financing request form is submitted.
- If approved, a letter of offer is issued that specifies a follow-up (“control”) period.
- During the control period, the organization may monitor progress and provide operational support.
Additional information
- Costs incurred or legally committed before final approval are not eligible for the non-refundable contribution calculation.
- After the project is completed and the business is operating, the organization may stay in contact during a “control period” stated in the offer letter to follow progress and provide operational support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions?
Provides up to $99,999 (private projects) or $250,000 (collective/community projects) to support Indigenous business development. Funding can support business planning, business start-up/expansion/acquisition, marketing implementation, and training and skills development.
How much funding can be received?
CDEM — Non-refundable contributions Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions program?
To be eligible for the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions program, you must:
Majority-owned (51%+) by Innu or Naskapi members
Band members from Quebec Innu communities or Naskapi community
What expenses are eligible under CDEM — Non-refundable contributions?
Developing a business plan, marketing plan, or conducting preliminary studies
Starting, expanding, or acquiring a business
Implementing marketing activities
Supporting training and skills development
Who can I contact for more information about the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions?
You can contact Corporation de développement économique montagnaise (CDEM) by email at info@cdem.ca or by phone at 4189681246.
Where is the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions available?
The CDEM — Non-refundable contributions program is available Côte-Nord, Quebec.
Is the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CDEM — Non-refundable contributions is a Grant and Funding