Women in Business Program
ON, Canada
Support and financing for Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 21, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Access capital as well as online and in-person business training to start or grow a business.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible companies for this grant need to be located within NADF's service area. This geographical limitation aims to focus resources on Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario.
- Businesses located and operating in Northern Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$45,000
Sault Ste. Marie
Set up a community kitchen for food-insecure households
$25,000
North Bay
Expand services for a wellness center offering holistic therapies and workshops
$15,000
Thunder Bay
Launch a digital marketing agency aiming to help local businesses improve their online presence
$50,000
Sudbury
Initiate a tech startup focusing on AI-driven health solutions
$20,000
Timmins
Develop an e-commerce platform for local artisans to sell their products online
$40,000
Kenora
Establish a cooperative for local organic farmers to share resources and market products
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
NADF's programs are available to Indigenous women entrepreneurs located and operating in their service area in Northern Ontario.
- Indigenous women over 18 years old
- Wholly or majority-owned Indigenous women-led businesses
- Businesses located and operating in NADF’s service area
grant_single_labels|criteria
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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: Await Confirmation
- Receive confirmation that your application has been received by NADF.
- Follow up if you do not receive confirmation within a reasonable timeframe.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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
An Empowering Journey for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs
The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund offers the Indigenous Women in Business initiative to support Indigenous women in Northern Ontario who are eager to start or expand their businesses. This program provides vital financial services, business training, and developmental tools aimed at empowering Indigenous women in business ventures.
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential Among Indigenous Women
The Indigenous Women in Business initiative, delivered by the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF), operates in strategic partnership with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association to provide bespoke support systems that address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women entrepreneurs. This strategic collaboration offers two main programs: the Women Entrepreneurship Fund and the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program, each tailored to meet the dynamic needs of Indigenous women embarking on or enlarging their entrepreneurial paths.
These programs are meticulously designed to bridge the gap in access to financial resources and expert business guidance for Indigenous women living in NADF’s service area. They recognize the importance of creating robust support networks and developing business acumen among Indigenous women, thereby cultivating self-reliance and entrepreneurial confidence. By addressing critical entrepreneurship barriers such as access to capital, lack of credit history, and networking opportunities, the initiative aims to empower women through financial means and comprehensive educational tools.
Central to the initiative is the provision of financing options that cater to various business scales, including full-time, part-time, and home-based enterprises. With a financial provision of up to $50,000 available in loans, the initiative prioritizes assistance for those who may find traditional banking services inaccessible due to stringent credit requirements. This financial component is structured with a competitive interest rate and an equitable repayment plan, which includes a 5% equity requirement, acknowledging the importance of sustainable financial planning and growth prospects for these burgeoning businesses.
Apart from financial assistance, the program is keen on fostering an environment of continual learning and strategic growth through its workshop offerings. These workshops are geared towards equipping Indigenous women entrepreneurs with necessary skills in business strategy formulation, financial management, and innovation within the business sphere. By participating, women can cultivate a robust network that facilitates knowledge sharing and mentorship, which are indispensable for business sustainability and success.
The workshops delve into crucial areas such as financial literacy, strategic planning, and market expansion, all crafted to align with the entrepreneurs' growth objectives. They serve not only as educational platforms but also as community-building forums where women can share experiences, seek advice, and develop supportive peer networks. This communal aspect enriches the learning environment, making it both practical and inspiring.
The program's structured approach also emphasizes individualized support whereby each participant receives personalized guidance from NADF’s Business Support Team. This team plays a pivotal role in assisting women to navigate the complexities of business funding applications, operational challenges, and strategic planning. Such close, personalized support ensures that entrepreneurial ventures are not only conceived but are also sustainable and capable of thriving in competitive markets.
It is this comprehensive suite of financial assistance, educational resources, and personalized business support that makes the Indigenous Women in Business initiative a cornerstone of entrepreneurial development for Indigenous women in Northern Ontario. It builds a foundational pathway to overcoming the systemic and unique challenges Indigenous women face in the business landscape, fostering a future where they not only participate in the economy but lead in innovation and influence within their communities.
Moreover, the initiative’s impact is designed to extend beyond individual entrepreneurs to stimulate broader economic and social empowerment within Indigenous communities. By investing in Indigenous women and their businesses, the initiative contributes to the broader efforts of socioeconomic development and cultural preservation, essential elements for the prosperity and resilience of these communities.
This proactive and inclusive support system offered by NADF typifies a model of empowerment that is culturally sensitive and economically impactful, setting a precedent in Indigenous entrepreneurship development programs. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of targeted financial and educational interventions in altering the trajectories of Indigenous businesses toward sustainable success and community advancement.
