Aboriginal Business Financing Program - Private Project
Get up to $99,999 in non-repayable grant funding for your private project in Quebec. This support covers studies, equipment, and marketing, but you must prove you have exhausted all other borrowing options first.
“If you have not yet completed your business plan, you may be eligible for a non-refundable contribution of up to 75% of the cost.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come BEFORE spending. No costs incurred prior to approval of the project will be considered eligible.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a First Nation member or part of the Native Alliance of Quebec and own at least 51% of the business.
- You are launching, buying, or growing a business in Quebec and need help with studies, equipment, or marketing.
- You have already secured the maximum borrowing and down payment from other sources since this is last-resort funding.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate in excluded sectors like gambling, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or cryptocurrency.
- You plan to be a passive investor because you must work full-time in the business operations.
- You have already spent money on the project before getting approval since pre-approval costs are not eligible.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $99,999 for private projects or up to $1,000,000 for community projects, depending on the category of expense.
What may be supported
- Preliminary studies such as business plans, forecasts, or environmental assessments.
- Fixed assets including equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, or commercial buildings.
- Marketing activities like business cards, lettering, advertising, or website development.
- Management support for accounting, human resources, or marketing services.
What's excluded or restricted
- Businesses operating in gambling, sex, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, electronic cigarette, cryptocurrency, etc.
- Passive investments (owner must be fully involved full-time).
- Costs incurred prior to approval of the project.
- Projects with a negative impact on competition.
- Projects where the applicant has not maximized other funding sources (borrowing capacity and down payment must be at maximum).
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must demonstrate that you have exhausted other funding options and provide detailed documentation for a viable business plan.
- 01Confirm your business is majority owned by a First Nation member or the Native Alliance of Quebec.
- 02Ensure you have maximized other funding sources and have the required 10% to 25% equity.
- 03Prepare a viable business plan and gather required documents as listed on the SOCCA documentation page.
- 04Contact SOCCA to submit your application and await approval before incurring any costs.
Who to ask: 1 800 241-0972; administration@socca.qc.ca; 2936, rue de la Faune, bur. 200, Wendake (Québec) G0A 4V0
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Proof of Indigenous ownership (First Nation or Native Alliance of Quebec).
- Detailed business plan showing viability and profitability.
- Evidence of maximized borrowing capacity and down payment from other sources.
- Financial statements or proof of good credit rating.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store using the marketing funds, giving you a digital storefront that captures customers 24/7.
- BBN designs your signage and storefront branding, coordinating with qualified partners to execute the physical work covered by fixed asset funds.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile with the grant, helping you get found when local Quebec customers search for your services.
- BBN launches a Google review system and digital marketing campaigns with the funding, turning satisfied clients into steady referrals and new sales.
- Focus on growing your business while BBN watches the process to keep your application on schedule and error-free.
What to know before you count on it
- This is last-resort funding. You must prove you have maximized borrowing capacity and down payment from other sources.
- Contribution rates vary by expense type. Preliminary studies and management support get up to 75%, marketing up to 60%, and fixed assets only up to 40%.
- You must have the necessary financial resources to cover 10% to 25% of the project cost yourself.
- The program is selective. You must present a viable and profitable business project with a good credit rating and relevant experience.
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary and competitive. Approval depends on the viability of your project, your credit rating, and your ability to show you have maximized other funding sources.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay this grant?
No, it is a non-refundable contribution. However, it is likely taxable income, so ask your accountant.
Can I use this for costs I have already spent?
No. Costs incurred prior to approval of the project are not eligible.
What percentage of my costs will be covered?
It depends on the expense. Preliminary studies and management support are up to 75%, marketing up to 60%, and fixed assets up to 40%.
Do I need to have other funding first?
Yes. You must show that you have maximized your borrowing capacity and down payment from other sources.
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What you can combine it with
This program requires you to have already considered all complementary sources of funding. It is designed to fill gaps after other financing is secured.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.