How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Women in Business Program?

Women in Business Program is funded by Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund

What are Women in Business Program's eligibility criterias?

Be an Indigenous woman over the age of 18 years. Must be a wholly owned or majority-owned (51%) Indigenous women-led business. Business must be located and operating in NADF’s service area.

Women in Business Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Support and financing for Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario

Women in Business Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $50,000

Timeline

Open Date : December 21, 2022

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund

Program status

Open

Overview of the Women in Business Program program

Access capital as well as online and in-person business training to start or grow a business.

Financing terms and conditions

The Indigenous Women in Business programs offer tailored financing modalities designed to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs in starting or expanding their businesses. These programs provide a range of financial options to accommodate different business needs and circumstances.

Loans available up to $50,000, targeting small-scale business operations that may not qualify for traditional financing.
A required equity contribution of 5% from the business owner to secure financing.
Repayment terms extending over five years, providing manageable financial planning for entrepreneurs.
Interest rate set at 8.5%, applied to the amount borrowed.
Opportunities for non-repayable grants can be accessed through specific initiatives available during the application period.
Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the need for timely application submission.

Eligible projects & activities

The Indigenous Women in Business program is designed to support actionable projects by Indigenous women in Northern Ontario aiming to start or expand their businesses. This includes initiatives that provide financial access, enhance business strategies, and support entrepreneurial growth.

Starting a new business venture by Indigenous women.
Expanding an existing business in Northern Ontario.
Developing financial literacy and business skills through workshops.
Accessing financing and business support services to overcome economic barriers.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 45,000

Set up a community kitchen for food-insecure households

$ 50,000

Initiate a tech startup focusing on AI-driven health solutions

$ 25,000

Expand services for a wellness center offering holistic therapies and workshops

$ 15,000

Launch a digital marketing agency aiming to help local businesses improve their online presence

$ 20,000

Develop an e-commerce platform for local artisans to sell their products online

$ 40,000

Establish a cooperative for local organic farmers to share resources and market products

Eligibility criteria of the Women in Business Program program

Eligibility for this grant requires adherence to specific criteria concerning the business ownership and location.

The applicant must be an Indigenous woman over the age of 18 years.
The business must be wholly owned or majority-owned (51%) by an Indigenous woman.
The business must be located and operating within NADF’s service area.

Who is eligible?

This grant is available to Indigenous women who are over the age of 18, lead or own at least 51% of their business, and have their business located and operating in the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund's service area. It is designed to support these entrepreneurs whether they are at the start-up phase or looking to expand their existing business, particularly in cases where they seek financing and support in overcoming barriers to business growth.

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:

Must be a wholly owned or majority-owned (51%) Indigenous women-led business
Business must be located and operating in NADF’s service area

Eligible expenses

The grant offers Indigenous women entrepreneurs the opportunity to start or expand their businesses through comprehensive support and funding. These initiatives focus on skill development, overcoming financial barriers, and increasing business acumen among participants.

Business start-up support for new Indigenous women-led ventures.
Expansion support for existing Indigenous women-led businesses.
Financial assistance through loans up to $50,000 under specified conditions.
Training workshops on business strategies and skills development.
Opportunities to build credit and access further funding.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant supports Indigenous women-led businesses located within specific areas defined by the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. It is designed to promote entrepreneurship among Indigenous communities in these regions.

Businesses must be located and operating within the service area of the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.

Eligibility criteria of the Women in Business Program program

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The eligibility criteria include being an Indigenous woman over 18 years old, owning a majority Indigenous women-led business, and operating within NADF's service area.

Must be an Indigenous woman over the age of 18 years
Must have a wholly owned or majority-owned (51%) Indigenous women-led business
Business must be located and operating in NADF’s service area

How to apply to the Women in Business Program program

Contact the Business Support Team

Get in touch with NADF's Business Support Team to express your interest in the Indigenous Women in Business program.
Discuss your business needs and determine which program best suits you: Women Entrepreneurship Fund or Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program.

Gather Documentation

Collect necessary documentation to demonstrate eligibility, such as proof of Indigenous status and ownership details.
Prepare financial documents if applicable, showcasing current business status or projections for start-ups.

Complete Application

Fill out the detailed application form provided by NADF’s Business Support Team.
Ensure all required fields are completed and supporting documents are attached.

Submit Application

Submit your completed application form and any supporting documents to the designated contact at NADF.
If instructed, send via email or submit through any provided online platform.

Await Confirmation

Receive confirmation that your application has been received by NADF.
Follow up if you do not receive confirmation within a reasonable timeframe.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Non-repayable grants may be available alongside the loan, depending on specific funding initiatives at the time of application.
Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Workshops are available to improve business skills, strategic planning, and networking.
There is a 5% equity requirement for financing.

Apply to this program