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
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
- 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
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 the province of Quebec.
Is the CDEM — Non-refundable contributions a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CDEM — Non-refundable contributions is a Grant and Funding