How much funding can be received?

Access funding to increase production capacity, develop new products, services, solutions, or provide support and services for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.

grant_single_labels|projects

Eligible projects and activities for this grant include those aimed at supporting Indigenous businesses, economic development corporations, and not-for-profit organizations within southern Ontario. These initiatives focus on enhancing production capacity, market development, workforce attraction, and business support services.

Increase production capacity, purchase and install equipment
Develop new products, services, or solutions
Access services or expertise necessary to complete your project
Participate in trade shows, business functions, or other market development activities
Strengthen business, management, and marketing capacity
Attract and develop workers
Invest in businesses in your region, provide financial support to advance community interests
Provide services for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs such as access to capital, networking, and mentoring opportunities
Enable First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples’ participation in new or growing sectors
Offer services to Indigenous businesses to support a skilled workforce
Increase technical capacity (new equipment or software adoption, marketing, sales, product design, etc.) and managerial capacity (financial management, human resources, etc.) of Indigenous businesses
Develop new tools, technology, products, services, or systems for Indigenous economic development

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$140,000

Ottawa

Develop an online platform for Indigenous artisans to sell their products worldwide

$68,000

Vancouver

Participate in international trade shows to market eco-friendly Indigenous apparel

$80,000

Waterloo

Develop a mentorship program for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the tech industry

$200,000

Toronto

Purchase and install advanced machinery to increase production capacity for a local furniture manufacturer

$36,000

Calgary

Increase technical capacity by adopting new software for an Indigenous-owned marketing firm

$60,000

Kelowna

Purchase equipment to increase the production of organic honey by an Indigenous cooperative

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Indigenous businesses and organizations in southern Ontario are eligible for funding to support economic development projects. Detailed eligibility criteria are as follows:

Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs
Indigenous economic development corporations (IEDCs)
Indigenous not-for-profit organizations or associations

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, economic development corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario may qualify for funding.

Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs
Economic development corporations (IEDCs)
Not-for-profit organizations or associations

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include costs associated with increasing production capacity, developing new products and services, accessing necessary expertise, participating in market development activities, and more.

Increase production capacity, purchase and install equipment
Develop new products, services, or solutions
Access services or expertise necessary to complete your project
Participate in trade shows, business functions, or other market development activities
Strengthen business, management, and marketing capacity
Attract and develop workers
Invest in businesses to advance community interests
Provide services for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, such as access to capital, networking and mentoring opportunities, or specialized business support services
Enable First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples' participation in new or growing sectors
Support a skilled workforce for Indigenous businesses
Increase technical and managerial capacity of Indigenous businesses
Develop new tools, technology, products, services, or systems for Indigenous economic development

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are the 37 Statistics Canada census divisions in southern Ontario. These areas are supported by FedDev Ontario for economic development initiatives.

Brant
Bruce
Chatham-Kent
Dufferin
Durham
Elgin
Essex
Frontenac
Grey
Haldimand–Norfolk
Haliburton
Halton
Hamilton
Hastings
Huron
Kawartha Lakes
Lambton
Lanark
Leeds and Grenville
Lennox and Addington
Middlesex
Niagara
Northumberland
Ottawa
Oxford
Peel
Perth
Peterborough
Prescott and Russell
Prince Edward and Lambton
Renfrew
Simcoe
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
Toronto
Waterloo
Wellington
York

grant_single_labels|criteria

- Projects must be in southern Ontario - Projects must benefit Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, economic development corporations (IEDCs), or not-for-profit organizations or associations - Projects must align with the funding objectives outlined in the grant information - Projects must demonstrate a clear plan on how the funding will be used to achieve the desired outcomes - Projects must show potential for economic development and positive impact on Indigenous communities - Projects must meet the full eligibility requirements outlined by FedDev Ontario for Indigenous businesses and organizations

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Contact FedDev Ontario via email at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca to discuss your project idea and objectives.
Step 2: Consult with the dedicated officers to obtain information on full eligibility requirements for your specific project or organization.
Step 3: If deemed eligible, work with FedDev Ontario's team to navigate available programming and services that align with your project or business goals.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

FedDev Ontario offers multiple ways for Indigenous businesses, organizations, and not-for-profits in southern Ontario to achieve their economic development goals.

No deadline to apply.
No need to complete an application form before contacting the team.

grant_single_labels|documents

Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous

grant_single_labels|contact

indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca

1-877-553-5507

Apply to this program

FedDev Ontario Indigenous Economic Development Grant

FedDev Ontario provides funding support for Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario to enhance economic development. This grant focuses on increasing production capacity, developing new products and services, and improving market access among other objectives to support the southern Ontario economy.

Comprehensive Guide to the FedDev Ontario Indigenous Economic Development Grant

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) plays a crucial role in accelerating economic development and growth in southern Ontario. One of the special initiatives under its umbrella is the Indigenous Economic Development Grant, which aims to increase the participation and success of Indigenous businesses and organizations in this region. This detailed guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the grant, its objectives, eligibility criteria, and the range of opportunities it unlocks for Indigenous communities in southern Ontario.

Introduction to the Grant

FedDev Ontario acknowledges the ancestral lands it operates on, which are traditionally occupied by Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral Peoples. This initiative respects and builds upon these legacies by fostering economic growth among Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Economic Development Grant serves as a comprehensive mechanism for providing financial resources, expertise, and opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, economic development corporations (IEDCs), and not-for-profit organizations.

Objectives of the Grant

The primary objective of the grant is to support and increase the economic footprint of Indigenous Peoples in southern Ontario. By offering targeted funding, FedDev Ontario seeks to: - Enhance Production Capacity: Funds are provided to help Indigenous businesses expand their production capabilities, purchase, and install new equipment. - Innovate New Products and Services: Support is extended to develop novel and market-ready products, services, or solutions. - Improve Market Access: Subsidies are available to participate in trade shows, business events, and other market development opportunities. - Strengthen Business and Management Skills: With funds directed at improving business management, marketing capacity, and skill development initiatives. - Promote Workforce Development: Investments are made to attract skilled workers and bolster workforce training programs. - Advance Community Interests: Financial support is available to foster economic projects that align with regional and community interests.

Who is Eligible?

The grant is designed to support various Indigenous entities within southern Ontario. Eligible candidates for the grant include: - Indigenous Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Privately owned businesses and individual entrepreneurs who identify as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit. - Indigenous Economic Development Corporations (IEDCs): Organizations focused on fostering economic development within their Indigenous communities. - Indigenous Not-for-Profit Organizations or Associations: Nonprofit organizations that provide services or support to Indigenous businesses, or those that drive community-based economic developments. There is no strict application deadline, providing flexibility for eligible applicants to reach out to the dedicated FedDev Ontario team for discussions and guidance.

Project Activities

The funding can be directed towards various project activities, tailored to meet specific needs and goals:

For Indigenous Businesses and IEDCs:

- **Increase Production Capacity:** Invest in new machinery, equipment, and technology to boost production. - **Develop New Innovations:** Utilize funds to research, develop, and bring new products or services to market. - **Access Expertise and Services:** Hire consulting services, expert advice, or specialized skills required for project completion. - **Market Development Opportunities:** Participate in trade shows, exhibitions, and business functions to increase visibility and market presence. - **Strengthen Business Capabilities:** Develop and implement improved business management, marketing, and operational strategies. - **Workforce Development:** Invest in training, attracting, and retaining skilled workers necessary for business growth. - **Community Investment:** Provide direct financial support or investment to business ventures that benefit the community at large.

For Indigenous Not-for-Profit Organizations or Associations:

- **Provide Business Services:** Offering essential services like access to capital, networking, mentoring, and specialized business support to Indigenous entrepreneurs. - **Sector Participation:** Enable Indigenous Peoples to join new and growing sectors by providing necessary training and resources. - **Workforce Support:** Service improvements that support a skilled and efficient workforce within Indigenous businesses. - **Capacity Building:** Increase both technical (e.g., software, equipment) and managerial (e.g., financial, HR management) capacities of Indigenous businesses. - **Develop New Tools and Technologies:** Innovate and implement new tools, products, services, or systems vital for Indigenous economic development.

Regional Coverage

FedDev Ontario's mandate covers 37 Statistics Canada census divisions within southern Ontario, including but not limited to: - Brant - Bruce - Chatham-Kent - Dufferin - Durham - Elgin - Essex - Frontenac - Grey - Haldimand–Norfolk - Haliburton - Halton - Hamilton - Hastings - Huron - Kawartha Lakes - Lambton - Lanark - Leeds and Grenville - Lennox and Addington - Middlesex - Niagara - Northumberland - Ottawa - Oxford - Peel - Perth - Peterborough - Prescott and Russell - Prince Edward and Lambton - Renfrew - Simcoe - Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry - Toronto - Waterloo - Wellington - York These areas are diverse, offering a wide range of opportunities and resources for Indigenous communities to tap into.

Contact and Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to contact the FedDev Ontario team via email at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca. This initial contact is essential for discussing project ideas, eligibility criteria, and obtaining detailed guidance on the application process. The agency emphasizes that there is no need to complete an application form before contacting their team, thereby offering a personalized approach to understanding and supporting each applicant’s unique needs.

Past Recipients and Success Stories

Past recipients of the grant have demonstrated the diverse applications and impactful outcomes of the funding: - **Mādahòkì Farm:** Located in Nepean, Ontario, this not-for-profit has created a year-round Indigenous Marketplace, offering space for Indigenous artists, creators, and farmers. The farm also fosters the conservation of Ojibwe Spirit Horses and promotes Indigenous culinary and farm-to-table experiences. - **Ojibway Bay Marina Ltd.:** This business, owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, has made substantial upgrades to its facilities, enhancing safety and accessibility, and incorporating environmentally friendly practices. - **Drader Manufacturing Industries Ltd.:** A Métis-led plastics manufacturer in Brampton, Ontario, received funding to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, supporting the local cricket protein market. - **First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI):** With funds to support its aviation technology program, FNTI has doubled the number of Indigenous students trained as commercial pilots, addressing skills shortages in the aviation sector.

Partners Supporting Indigenous Economic Development

FedDev Ontario collaborates with several partners to bolster Indigenous economic development: - **Aboriginal Impact Capital:** This initiative provides Indigenous mid-market companies with tools and opportunities to engage in the southern Ontario economy. - **National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association:** Addresses barriers faced by Indigenous women entrepreneurs and ensures access to necessary resources and capital.

Conclusion

The FedDev Ontario Indigenous Economic Development Grant is a vital resource designed to enhance the economic participation and success of Indigenous communities in southern Ontario. With its broad spectrum of funding opportunities, flexible application process, and strong support network, this grant facilitates meaningful growth and innovation among Indigenous businesses and organizations. For more details and to begin the application process, interested parties should reach out to the dedicated team at FedDev Ontario via indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca.