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

This grant is targeted at businesses and organizations operating in southern Ontario. Eligible regions encompass a broad area covering numerous census divisions within the specified region.

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|admissibleProjectsExample

$140,000

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

$68,000

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

$80,000

Develop a mentorship program for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the tech industry

$200,000

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

$36,000

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

$60,000

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

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's identity and proposed activities.

The applicant must be an Indigenous business or entrepreneur, Indigenous economic development corporation, or Indigenous not-for-profit organization or association.
The applicant must operate within the FedDev Ontario catchment area, specifically in southern Ontario covering any of the 37 recognized Statistics Canada census divisions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, economic development corporations (IEDCs), and not-for-profit organizations or associations in southern Ontario.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports initiatives aimed at fostering economic development and increasing Indigenous participation in the economy of southern Ontario. Eligible projects are focused on capacity building, enhancing services, and investing in infrastructure for Indigenous businesses and organizations.

Increase production capacity, purchase and install equipment for Indigenous businesses or IEDCs.
Develop new products, services or solutions for the market.
Access necessary services or expertise to complete projects.
Participate in trade shows, business functions or other market development activities.
Strengthen business, management and marketing capacities.
Attract and develop a skilled workforce.
Invest in businesses in the region and provide financial support to advance community interests.
Provide services such as access to capital, networking, and mentoring for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Promote participation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in new or growing sectors.
Offer services to support a skilled workforce in Indigenous businesses.
Increase technical and managerial capacity of Indigenous businesses.
Develop new tools, technologies, products, services, or systems for economic development.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible expenses for this grant are specifically aligned with supporting the economic development and capacity-building of Indigenous businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Purchase and installation of equipment to increase production capacity.
Costs related to the development of new products, services, or solutions.
Access to services or expertise necessary to complete the project.
Expenses for participating in trade shows, business functions, or market development activities.
Costs associated with strengthening business, management, and marketing capacity.
Investment in regional businesses to provide financial support for community interests.
Providing services to Indigenous businesses, such as access to capital, networking, and mentoring opportunities.
Expenses for enabling participation in new or growing sectors.
Offer services to support a skilled workforce within Indigenous businesses.
Increase technical capacity, including new equipment or software adoption, marketing, sales, and product design.
Enhancing managerial capacity, including financial management and human resources.

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: Initial Contact
- Reach out to the dedicated team at FedDev Ontario via email at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca.
- Discuss your project idea and objectives related to economic development.
Step 2: Consultation
- Engage in a conversation with FedDev Ontario officers to understand the available programs and services.
- Clarify eligibility requirements and potential funding opportunities for your project.
Step 3: Develop Proposal
- Based on guidance received, prepare a detailed project proposal explaining the scope and goals.
- Gather any necessary documentation as suggested during your consultation.
Step 4: Submit Proposal
- Submit your detailed project proposal to the FedDev Ontario team via the contact email provided.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

FedDev Ontario proudly acknowledges its head office is on land traditionally occupied by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral Peoples, highlighting the importance of Indigenous stewardship over the land.
Beyond individual projects, FedDev Ontario is actively involved in supporting Indigenous economic ecosystems through collaborative efforts like the Aboriginal Impact Capital and partnerships with national Indigenous organizations.
FedDev Ontario supports initiatives that prioritize and foster the success of Indigenous women's businesses through targeted funding programs.

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

Supporting Indigenous Economic Growth in Southern Ontario

The FedDev Ontario grant offers financial backing to Indigenous businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and economic development corporations located in southern Ontario, helping them to boost economic development, increase participation in the economy, and enhance community prosperity. Through this program, recipients can access funding aimed at expanding their operational capacities, enhancing workforce skills, and exploring new market opportunities.

Detailed Insights into the FedDev Ontario Indigenous Grant Program

The FedDev Ontario Indigenous grant is a unique funding initiative designed to empower Indigenous communities across southern Ontario by fostering economic growth and enhancing business capabilities. Targeted at Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and economic development corporations, the grant seeks to address economic disparities and encourage participation in the local economy. The funding initiative supports a variety of project activities that range from increasing production capabilities and acquiring new technology, to enhancing workforce skills and participating in market development activities such as trade shows and business functions.

One of the primary goals of this grant program is to strengthen the business and managerial capacities within Indigenous communities. This involves not only providing the necessary capital for physical expansion and technological upgrades but also facilitating access to expertise, services, and strategic market opportunities. By investing in tools, technologies, and managerial skills, the program enhances the competitive potential of Indigenous businesses, ensuring their sustainability and growth within the broader economic landscape of southern Ontario.

Additionally, the grant recognizes the pivotal role of not-for-profit organizations in supporting Indigenous economic development. Through funding, these organizations can expand their services to provide better access to capital, networking, mentorship, and specialized business support services. This holistic approach aims to create a robust ecosystem where Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive, reducing barriers and fostering a landscape that encourages prosperity and self-sufficiency.

The grant also plays a vital role in promoting new and innovative projects that align with sustainable development goals. By funding projects that invest in community interests and regional economic development, the program helps Indigenous communities to not only preserve their cultural heritage but also to integrate it into viable business models. Projects that focus on workforce attraction and skill development are particularly emphasized, as they contribute significantly to reducing employment gaps and nurturing talent within Indigenous populations.

Remarkably, FedDev Ontario's commitment to supporting Indigenous economic development extends beyond mere financial contribution; it includes strategic partnerships with organizations like Aboriginal Impact Capital and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association. These collaborations expand the range of opportunities and resources available to Indigenous businesses, providing them with a comprehensive support system to overcome unique challenges and seize emerging opportunities in a competitive economy.

The flexibility of this grant program allows Indigenous businesses and organizations to tailor the funds towards specific needs, whether it be through purchasing equipment, enhancing digital capabilities, or developing new market strategies. As such, the grant positions itself as a fundamental tool for economic empowerment, enabling Indigenous communities to build resilience and advocate for their economic interests actively.

FedDev Ontario’s approach to selecting projects is rigorous, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to initiatives with the highest potential impact. Through comprehensive evaluations that consider feasibility, impact potential, innovation, and alignment with strategic priorities, the program assures that each funded project brings tangible benefits not only to the Indigenous community but also to the southern Ontario region as a whole.

Overall, the FedDev Ontario Indigenous Grant serves as a catalyst for meaningful economic transformation, fostering a nurturing environment for Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations to flourish. By investing in projects that benefit Indigenous populations and enhance regional economic landscapes, the grant contributes significantly to a more inclusive and prosperous economic future for all stakeholders involved.