Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)
Get non-repayable grants up to 75% for planning or 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 a dollar
Confirm on the official page whether approval must precede spending, as the official page does not state the payment timing relative to project start.
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 an Indigenous entrepreneur (Status, Non-Status, Metis, or Inuit) operating in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- You need funding for business planning, feasibility studies, or professional support services where the grant covers the highest percentage of costs.
- 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 upgrades 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 online at the provided URL.
- 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 assessment outcome and confirm payment mechanics if approved.
Who to ask: 1-888-766-2376
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
- 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
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with establishment funds, giving your new venture a credible digital home that attracts customers from day one.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and Google Business Profile using marketing budget, designed so local buyers find you when searching for your services.
- BBN designs your brand identity and print materials with funding, creating a cohesive look that builds trust and stands out in your community.
- BBN upgrades your POS and retail systems with technology funds, streamlining operations and improving competitiveness for daily sales.
- Focus on your business growth while BBN keeps an eye on the process to ensure no steps are missed.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a selective grant, not a loan, but it is competitive and requires a formal assessment by a Client Services Officer.
- 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%).
- Intake status and deadlines are not published; confirm current availability on the official page.
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary based on assessment by Ulnooweg Development Group. Projects with clear planning phases or support service needs may align better with higher funding percentages.
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?
No application fee is published, but confirm on the official page.
Related BBN services
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
Business Websites
Fast, search-ready websites your customers can actually use. Built, hosted and maintained by one accountable team.
Digital Menu Boards & Signage Systems
Managed menu screens with cloud updates, breakfast-to-dinner scheduling and a design service. A bare TV on the wall does none of that.
Loyalty Programs & CRM
Know your customers and bring them back: databases, loyalty mechanics, email/SMS and gift cards that fit your counter.
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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.