Access to capital can be one of the biggest barriers for Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to start, acquire, or expand a business. The Aboriginal Business Financing Program – Private Project is designed to help address that gap by offering meaningful, non-repayable funding to eligible Indigenous-owned businesses. Delivered by the Native Commercial Credit Corporation, this program supports private projects led by members of a First Nation or the Native Alliance of Quebec, as well as corporations they majority own.
Funding through this program can reach close to $100,000 for individual private projects and is intended to reduce the financial pressure of launching or growing a business. Support can be applied toward a wide range of business needs, including early-stage planning work, purchasing equipment or other assets, marketing initiatives, and professional management support. By covering a portion of these costs, the program helps entrepreneurs move forward with viable projects that might otherwise be difficult to finance through traditional lending alone.
The program is best suited for active business owners who are directly involved in day-to-day operations and who are building commercially viable ventures outside of restricted industries. Applications are currently being accepted on an ongoing basis, with funding decisions based on the overall strength and feasibility of the project. For Indigenous entrepreneurs considering their next step, exploring the full details of this program can help determine whether it aligns with their business plans and financing strategy.
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