Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
AIIC lends money to First Nation entrepreneurs to start or expand a business in Alberta, usually for up to 5 years. AIIC describes its interest rates as competitive. This is a loan, not a grant: you repay the principal plus interest.
“The proceeds of the loan applied for will be used for business purposes and not for personal, family or household purposes.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The official page does not say when the loan money is paid out. Ask AIIC before you apply.
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 a Status Indian who has lived in Alberta for at least one year.
- You own at least 51% of your business shares and are actively managing it.
- You need capital for equipment, working capital, or expansion and have a solid business plan.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not a Status Indian or do not meet the 51% ownership and management requirement.
- Your business is in farming, ranching, agriculture, or involves investment properties.
- You are seeking funding for personal housing, consumer loans, or feasibility studies.
How much you'd realistically get
AIIC does not publish a maximum loan amount. Ask AIIC how much you can borrow.
What may be supported
- Setting up a new business
- Expanding an existing business
- Purchasing equipment
- Working capital needs
- Acquiring a business
What's excluded or restricted
- Personal, housing or consumer loans
- Farming, ranching or other agricultural ventures
- Feasibility studies
- Investment properties
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a detailed business plan, secure collateral, and submit a formal credit application.
- 01Ensure you meet the Status Indian residency and ownership requirements.
- 02Prepare a business plan that demonstrates profitability.
- 03Secure your own equity contribution and identify collateral security.
- 04Download and complete the AIIC Application for Credit PDF.
- 05Submit the application and contact AIIC directly for next steps.
Who to ask: Phone: 780.470.3600; Toll Free: 1.888.308.6789; Fax: 780.470.3605; Email: info@aiicbusiness.org; Address: #103, 21553 Chief Lapotac Blvd, Enoch, Alberta
Documents commonly required
- Completed AIIC Application for Credit (PDF)
- Business plan showing profitability
- Proof of Status Indian status and Alberta residency
- Evidence of equity contribution and collateral security
What to know before you count on it
- This is a repayable loan with interest, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest.
- You must contribute your own equity and provide adequate collateral security.
- You need an acceptable credit rating and a business plan proving profitability.
- AIIC does not publish its interest rates, so compare its offer with other lenders before you sign.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your credit rating, collateral, and the profitability shown in your business plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a Status Indian to apply?
Yes, you must be a Status Indian who has resided in Alberta for at least one year.
What is the maximum loan amount?
AIIC does not publish a maximum loan amount. Ask AIIC directly.
Can I use this loan for agricultural ventures?
No, farming, ranching, and other agricultural ventures are excluded.
Is the interest rate fixed or floating?
AIIC offers both fixed and floating interest rates. Ask AIIC for the rate on your loan.
What you can combine it with
Check with AIIC if this loan can be combined with other funding sources.
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.