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Strategic Partnerships Initiative
Supports Indigenous economic development through coordinated federal partnerships
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Overview
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) provides up to $14.45 million annually to support Indigenous participation in economic development through investments in business development, infrastructure, feasibility studies, and workforce training. The program funds multi-year, multi-community projects aimed at fostering economic growth and supporting clean energy initiatives within Indigenous communities.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Identification and development of business and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
- Expansion and growth of Indigenous-owned businesses and joint ventures.
- Development of economic infrastructure supporting regional and community needs.
- Community economic development planning and feasibility studies.
- Workforce skills development and training initiatives for economic participation.
Sources and recorded changes
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous businesses
- Indigenous organizations
- Indigenous partnerships and joint ventures
- Indigenous communities and local governments
- Academic institutions
Eligible expenses
- Economic infrastructure development costs.
- Expenses related to business expansion and growth.
- Costs for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
- Environmental diagnostic and evaluation expenses.
- Community economic development planning costs.
- Workforce skills development and training expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada
- All Canadian provinces and territories
- Rural and remote communities in Canada
How to apply
- Step 1: Engage with Federal Partners
- Work collaboratively with relevant federal partners who participate in the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI).
- Discuss your economic development project and identify promising opportunities.
- Step 2: Project Identification and Review
- The project or opportunity is identified and proposed in partnership with federal departments.
- The proposed initiative is reviewed and evaluated by an interdepartmental investment committee for consideration.
- Step 3: Approval and Coordination
- If approved, the initiative is coordinated by a lead federal partner in collaboration with participating federal departments.
- Communities and organizations receive support via a single, streamlined process through the collaborating federal partner.
- Step 4: Contact for Further Information
- For questions or guidance, contact the SPI Secretariat at IPS-SPI@sac-isc.gc.ca.
- Refer to official SPI contacts for project updates or additional support.
Additional information
- SPI promotes collaboration among at least two federal departments for each initiative.
- Initiatives are intended to benefit multiple communities and support regional economic growth over several years.
- Additional annual funding is available until 2027 specifically for clean energy projects within Indigenous communities.
- SPI simplifies access to government support through a single streamlined process involving multiple federal partners.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Strategic Partnerships Initiative Program
What is the Strategic Partnerships Initiative?
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) provides up to $14.45 million annually to support Indigenous participation in economic development through investments in business development, infrastructure, feasibility studies, and workforce training. The program funds multi-year, multi-community projects aimed at fostering economic growth and supporting clean energy initiatives within Indigenous communities.
How much funding can be received?
Strategic Partnerships Initiative Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Strategic Partnerships Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Strategic Partnerships Initiative program, you must:
Indigenous businesses, organizations, partnerships, and joint ventures
What expenses are eligible under Strategic Partnerships Initiative?
Economic infrastructure development costs.
Expenses related to business expansion and growth.
Costs for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
Environmental diagnostic and evaluation expenses.
Community economic development planning costs.
Workforce skills development and training expenses.
Who can I contact for more information about the Strategic Partnerships Initiative?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at IPS-SPI@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Where is the Strategic Partnerships Initiative available?
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Strategic Partnerships Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Strategic Partnerships Initiative is a Grant and Funding