Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)
Get non-repayable grants of up to 75% for planning or up to 90% for support services to grow your Indigenous business in the Atlantic provinces. This is a competitive grant, not a loan, so you do not repay the funds.
Before you spend any money
The official page does not say whether you need approval before you spend. Ask Ulnooweg before you start your project.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are an Indigenous entrepreneur (Status, Non-Status, Metis, or Inuit) operating in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- You need help paying for business planning, feasibility studies, or business support services. These costs get the largest share: up to 75% for planning and up to 90% for support services.
- You are a community-owned business or development corporation seeking growth capital without debt repayment obligations.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate outside the Atlantic provinces, as this program is regional only.
- You are not of Indigenous heritage or do not meet the specific eligibility criteria for Indigenous status.
- You need immediate cash for inventory or payroll without a structured project plan, since this program focuses on planning, establishment, and strategic growth.
How much you'd realistically get
Varies by project type: up to 75% for planning, 40% for expansion, 60% for marketing, or 90% for support services.
What may be supported
- Business planning and feasibility studies
- Establishment and operating costs for new businesses
- Business acquisitions and expansions
- Marketing initiatives (local, domestic, or export)
- New product or process development
- Technology improvements for operations
- Financial services and business mentoring
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a Client Inquiry Form and submit a full application package for assessment. Expect to provide detailed business plans or feasibility studies depending on the funding type.
- 01Complete the Client Inquiry Form on the Ulnooweg website.
- 02Prepare your application package, including business plans or feasibility studies as relevant to your project type.
- 03Submit the completed application package to the Client Services Officer for assessment.
- 04Wait for the decision. If you are approved, ask how and when the money is paid.
Who to ask: 1-888-766-2376
Documents commonly required
- Completed Client Inquiry Form
- Business plan or feasibility study (for planning grants)
- Proof of Indigenous status or heritage
- Proof of business operation in the Atlantic provinces
What to know before you count on it
- This is a grant, not a loan, but it is competitive. A Client Services Officer assesses every application.
- The grant is likely taxable income; ask your accountant how this affects your net profit.
- Funding percentages drop significantly for establishment and expansion (40%) compared to planning (75%) or support services (90%).
- The official page does not list intake dates or deadlines. Ask Ulnooweg if they are accepting applications before you apply.
What are your odds?
Ulnooweg Development Group reviews each application and decides case by case.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay this money?
No, the ABFP provides non-repayable contributions. However, it is likely taxable income, so consult your accountant.
What percentage of costs can I claim?
Up to 75% for planning/feasibility, 40% for establishment/expansion, 60% for marketing, and 90% for business support or management services.
Who administers this program?
Ulnooweg Development Group administers the program for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Atlantic provinces.
Is there an application fee?
The official page does not list an application fee. Ask Ulnooweg before you apply.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Funding for Online Ordering and Booking
Grants and loans may help pay for online ordering, booking and reservation systems.
Funding for Manufacturing
Grants and loans that may help pay for automation and productivity tools.
What you can combine it with
Related programs include the Micro Lending Program and Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program; check if you can combine grants with loans for larger projects.
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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.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.