BDC Financing: Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan
Indigenous-owned businesses that have operated for at least 12 months can borrow up to $350,000. This is a repayable loan. Ask BDC about interest rates and fees.
Before you spend any money
This is a loan, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest over time.
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 business owner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Your business has been operating for at least 12 months.
- You need between $100,001 and $350,000 for general growth or scaling projects.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business has been open for less than 12 months.
- You are not an Indigenous entrepreneur.
- You need less than $100,001 in funding.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $350,000, with the application form specifying a range of $100,001 to $350,000.
What may be supported
- General business growth and scaling.
- Expansion of operations.
- Equipment or inventory, if BDC confirms these uses for your project.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a multi-step online application form detailing your business, project, and contact information.
- 01Verify you meet the eligibility criteria: Indigenous entrepreneur, Canadian citizen/permanent resident, and business operating for at least 12 months.
- 02Prepare details about your business, the specific growth project, and how the loan will be used.
- 03Complete the multi-step online application form at the BDC website.
- 04Submit the application and await BDC's review and decision.
Who to ask: BDC: 1-877-232-2269; contact form at https://www.bdc.ca/en/contact-us/contact-us-form
Documents commonly required
- Business details and history (operating for at least 12 months).
- Description of the growth project and use of funds.
- Contact information for the business and owner.
- Financial information about your business. Ask BDC exactly what they need.
What to know before you count on it
- The official page does not list interest rates, fees or repayment terms. Ask BDC before you apply.
- The official page does not say how or when the money is paid out.
- The official page does not list a minimum Indigenous ownership share. Ask BDC whether your business qualifies.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on BDC's credit assessment and your business's financial health; there is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money free?
No, this is a loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) that must be repaid with interest.
What can I use the loan for?
The loan is for general business growth. The application asks you to describe your project and how you will use the money. The official page does not list specific eligible costs. Ask BDC before you apply.
How quickly can I get the funds?
The application form asks when you need the money, from under 1 month to 6 months or more. Ask BDC how long its review and payout take.
Who administers this program?
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Canada's federal Crown-corporation bank for entrepreneurs.
What you can combine it with
This loan can potentially be combined with other programs like the Indigenous Growth Fund or Futurpreneur, but confirm with BDC to ensure no conflicts.
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.