Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital
Get up to $99,999 for individuals or up to $250,000 for community businesses as a non-repayable equity contribution. This is not a loan, but it is taxable income, and you apply directly through your local Indigenous Financial Institution or Métis Capital Corporation.
“Individual Indigenous entrepreneurs may receive up to $99,999 in funding assistance and eligible Indigenous community businesses may receive up to $250,000.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The official page does not say whether you need approval before you spend. Ask your IFI or MCC before you start.
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 individual or community organization looking to start, expand, or acquire a business.
- You want non-repayable funding rather than a loan, with limits of $99,999 for individuals or $250,000 for community entities.
- You are ready to work directly with your local Indigenous Financial Institution or Métis Capital Corporation for assessment.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your organization has charitable or religious purposes, which are explicitly excluded from this program.
- You are not Indigenous or your business is not owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples.
- You expect a standardized online application, as you must contact your local Indigenous Financial Institution or Métis Capital Corporation directly to apply.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $99,999 for individual entrepreneurs or up to $250,000 for eligible community businesses.
What may be supported
- Starting a new business.
- Expanding an existing business.
- Acquiring an existing business.
- Purchasing business services.
What's excluded or restricted
- Organizations with charitable purposes
- Organizations with religious purposes
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact your local IFI or MCC directly to apply and likely prepare a business plan or proposal for their review.
- 01Identify your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) or Métis Capital Corporation (MCC).
- 02Contact them directly to discuss eligibility and required documents.
- 03Prepare your business plan or proposal as requested by the IFI or MCC.
- 04Submit your application to the IFI or MCC for review.
- 05Wait for the decision. If you are approved, ask how and when the money is paid.
Who to ask: Contact NACCA or your local MCC: National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (nacca.ca), Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc., Métis Financial Corporation of BC, Louis Riel Capital Corporation, Métis Voyageur Development Fund Inc., SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation.
Documents commonly required
- Proof of Indigenous status or ownership control.
- Business plan or proposal detailing start, expansion, or acquisition plans.
- Financial statements or projections as requested by the IFI or MCC.
- Confirmation that the organization is not charitable or religious.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a non-repayable equity contribution, not a simple grant, which may involve specific terms regarding ownership or reporting.
- Eligibility and processes vary between Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs), so you must consult your local body.
- The official page does not say how or when the money is paid (up front or as a refund of costs you paid). Ask your IFI or MCC before you spend.
- The funding is taxable income, so ask your accountant about the tax implications.
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary and varies by local IFI or MCC; success depends on your business viability and alignment with their specific criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay this money?
No, it is a non-repayable equity contribution, but it is taxable income. Ask your accountant.
How do I apply?
Contact your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) or Métis Capital Corporation (MCC) directly. There is no central online portal.
Is there a deadline?
The official page does not give intake dates. Ask your local IFI or MCC when they take applications.
Can charitable organizations apply?
No, organizations with charitable or religious purposes are excluded.
What you can combine it with
Ask your IFI whether you can combine this with other federal programs.
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.