Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program

Collaborative economic development projects can be complex to fund, especially when they involve multiple Indigenous partners and regional priorities. For Indigenous businesses and organizations in Ontario looking to scale impact through partnership, the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Regional Partnership Grants Program is designed to support initiatives that bring communities, organizations, and businesses together to drive long-term economic growth. Delivered by Ontario’s Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, this stream focuses on projects that strengthen regional economies while creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for Indigenous people.

The Regional Partnership Grants Program supports joint initiatives led by Indigenous businesses or organizations working alongside other Indigenous partners such as First Nations, Métis communities, Tribal Councils, or Political Territorial Organizations. Partnerships may also include non-Indigenous businesses or organizations where collaboration advances shared economic goals. Funding is non-repayable and tailored to the scope of each project, making it suitable for initiatives such as business expansion, skills development, sector diversification, and community-driven economic development efforts that benefit multiple partners.

This program is part of Ontario’s broader Indigenous Economic Development Fund and typically opens through intake-based application periods rather than year-round submission. For Indigenous-led organizations considering a partnership-based project and wanting to understand how funding levels, project fit, and application requirements come together, reviewing the full program details through GrantHub is a smart next step.