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SOCCA – Support and coaching - Canada

SOCCA – Support and coaching

Last Update: January 24, 2025
Canada
Advice and coaching for First Nations-owned businesses

SOCCA – Support and coaching at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : May 7, 2021
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • SOCCA
Status
Open

Overview of the SOCCA – Support and coaching program

If you’re an Indigenous business owner, you can access loans, consulting services, and help with developing a project through the Native Commercial Credit Corporation.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant program offers diverse financing options designed to support the growth and development of Aboriginal businesses. Financing is provided to cater to the distinct needs and aspirations of First Nations entrepreneurs.
  • Non-refundable contributions to assist in business development initiatives.
  • Term loans available for starting, acquiring, or expanding businesses.
  • Comprehensive coaching services to guide entrepreneurs throughout their business journey.
  • Involvement in creating a financing package tailored to individual project needs.
  • Ongoing business monitoring to ensure project sustainability and success.

Eligible projects & activities

SOCCA's Support and Coaching grant is designed to empower First Nations by enabling the growth and establishment of businesses. The eligible activities focus on financial assistance and guidance to new and existing enterprises.
  • Non-refundable contributions for the start-up of Aboriginal businesses.
  • Term loans for the acquisition of new businesses within First Nations communities.
  • Coaching support to expand business operations effectively.
  • Project development consulting to help shape and refine business ideas.
  • Financial package participation assisting in securing comprehensive funding solutions.
  • Continuous business monitoring to ensure sustained growth and success.
Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,000

Opening a community coffee shop offering fair-trade Indigenous coffee

$ 20,000

Launching a consultancy to support Indigenous entrepreneurs

$ 75,000

Establishing an Indigenous cultural heritage center

$ 25,000

Expanding an Indigenous handicraft business online

$ 40,000

Setting up an Indigenous art gallery space

$ 60,000

Developing a mobile app for Indigenous language learning

Eligibility criteria of the SOCCA – Support and coaching program

This grant is specifically designed for certain First Nations communities and organizations.
  • Eligible applicants must belong to one of the following First Nations: Abenaki, Algonquin, Atikamekw, Huron-Wendat, Malecite, or Micmac.
  • Organizations must be affiliated with the Native Alliance of Quebec to be eligible.

Who is eligible?

SOCCA provides financial support and coaching specifically tailored for Aboriginal businesses. The eligible clientele for their grant programs includes Aboriginal entrepreneurs from specific First Nations communities and members of the Native Alliance of Quebec. Eligible communities are:- Abenaki- Algonquin- Atikamekw- Huron-Wendat- Malecite- MicmacAdditionally, applicants should be involved in developing or expanding business projects within these First Nations communities to qualify for SOCCA's support and services.

Eligible expenses

SOCCA provides financial and coaching support for business projects within the First Nations community. The eligible activities revolve around starting, acquiring, or expanding Aboriginal businesses through various financial products and consultancy services.
  • Providing non-refundable contributions to Aboriginal business initiatives.
  • Offering term loans to support start-ups, acquisitions, or expansions.
  • Business project consultancy and development planning services.
  • Participation in the financing package formulation for business projects.
  • Continuous business monitoring and support services.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant specifically targets First Nations and the Native Alliance of Quebec to support the growth and establishment of Indigenous businesses. The eligible geographical areas are focused within the territories associated with the following First Nations groups.
  • Abenaki
  • Algonquin
  • Atikamekw
  • Huron-Wendat
  • Malecite
  • Micmac

Eligibility criteria of the SOCCA – Support and coaching program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
  • Project feasibility
  • Ability to repay financing
  • Alignment with SOCCA's mandate
  • Client's business experience and skills
  • Positive impact on the community
  • Support from other financial partners

How to apply to the SOCCA – Support and coaching program

1
Initial Inquiry and Consultation
  • Reach out to SOCCA via phone at 1 800 241-0972 or email at administration@socca.qc.ca to express interest and discuss your project.
  • Schedule a consultation meeting with a SOCCA advisor for personalized advice and guidance.
2
Documentation and Preparation
  • Gather necessary documentation related to your business and project proposal.
  • Ensure that your business aligns with the eligibility requirements for First Nations businesses.
3
Application Form Submission
  • Complete the application form provided by SOCCA.
  • Prepare a comprehensive business plan outlining your project details, financing requirements, and expected outcomes.
  • Submit the application along with supporting documents to SOCCA either online or by mail to their Wendake office.
4
Submission Confirmation
  • Receive confirmation of application receipt from SOCCA.
  • Keep track of any follow-up communication or requests for additional information.

Additional information

SOCCA provides financing products and services specifically for First Nations and the Native Alliance of Quebec. Eligible types of companies include:
  • Abenaki
  • Algonquin
  • Atikamekw
  • Huron-Wendat
  • Malecite
  • Micmac
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
  • Development of the project
  • Participation in the financing package of your project
  • Business monitoring
SOCCA offers financing products and services in the form of non-refundable contributions, term loans, and coaching to start, acquire, or expand Aboriginal businesses.
  • Support in the development of the project
  • Participation in the financing package of your project
  • Business monitoring
There are specific eligible First Nations listed for this grant. The eligible First Nations include:
  • Abenaki
  • Algonquin
  • Atikamekw
  • Huron-Wendat
  • Malecite
  • Micmac
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
  • Project feasibility
  • Ability to repay financing
  • Alignment with SOCCA's mandate
  • Client's business experience and skills
  • Positive impact on the community
  • Support from other financial partners
  • Step 1: Fill out the application form
  • Step 2: Submit required supporting documentation
  • Step 3: Review and approval process by the grant provider
  • Step 4: Receive notification of grant approval or denial
  • Step 5: Follow any additional instructions provided upon approval

Documents and links

SOCCA – Support and coaching

Apply to this program

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