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Strategic Partnerships Initiative
Supports Indigenous economic development through coordinated federal partnerships
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Utilities
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Strategic Partnerships Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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.
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?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Strategic Partnerships Initiative?
You can contact Government of Canada 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 Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Strategic Partnerships Initiative?
Strategic Partnerships Initiative is funded by Government of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)