First Citizens Fund: Business Loan Program
The First Citizens Fund offers loans to Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia who want to grow a business. This is a repayable loan, so you will pay back the principal plus interest.
“Business loans are available to Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Confirm approval and terms with the lender before spending any funds.
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 running a business in British Columbia.
- You need a loan to fund growth or keep your operations running smoothly.
- You are ready to repay the loan with interest over time.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not an Indigenous entrepreneur or your business is not in British Columbia.
- You are looking for a grant or funding that does not need to be repaid.
- You cannot provide the financial documentation required by the lending partners.
How much you'd realistically get
Ask a regional lender how much you can borrow for your project.
What may be supported
- Business expansion
- Equipment purchase
- Working capital
- Storefront improvements
- Inventory acquisition
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact a regional lender directly to start the process. Prepare your business plan and financial records for review.
- 01Review the eligibility criteria on the official page to confirm you qualify as an Indigenous entrepreneur in BC.
- 02Contact one of the four regional Aboriginal Capital Corporations or All Nations Trust Company for application details.
- 03Prepare your business plan, financial statements, and other required documents.
- 04Submit your application to the chosen lender for review.
- 05Negotiate terms and finalize the loan agreement if approved.
Who to ask: Phone: 1-800-880-1022; Email: IRRInfo@gov.bc.ca. Each of the four regional Aboriginal Capital Corporations also lists its own contact details on the official page.
Documents commonly required
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Proof of Indigenous status
- Proof of BC business registration
- Tax returns
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan, not a grant. You must repay the principal plus interest.
- The official page does not list the interest rate or repayment terms. Ask the lender before you apply.
- Eligibility is restricted to Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia.
- The official page does not list deadlines. Contact one of the regional lenders to ask how and when to apply.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your creditworthiness and business viability. There is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Who administers this program?
All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) delivers the program in partnership with four Aboriginal Capital Corporations. The Province of BC Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation provides oversight.
What is the maximum loan amount?
Ask one of the regional lenders how much you can borrow.
What is the interest rate?
Ask the regional lender you contact for the current interest rate and repayment terms.
How do I apply?
Contact one of the regional lenders listed on the official page for application information.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Accessibility
Grants for ramps, doors and washrooms may help pay for accessibility improvements.
Funding for Storefront Signage
Grants and loans that may help pay for new storefront signage.
Funding for Storefronts and Facades
Grants and loans that may help pay for storefront and facade work.
What you can combine it with
Loans can often be combined with other funding sources, but confirm with the lender how this affects your debt-to-income ratio.
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.