First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program
Get the capital you need to grow your business in British Columbia with a loan from the First Citizens Fund. This is a repayable loan for Indigenous entrepreneurs, 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 a dollar
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.
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 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
The maximum loan amount is not published. Confirm the specific cap and available amounts on the official page or with the regional lender.
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; plus individual contact details for the four regional Aboriginal Capital Corporations.
Before you apply
Your lender will want to see what the money buys
A written quote for the project makes your application concrete and shows the lender exactly where the money goes. 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
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Proof of Indigenous status
- Proof of BC business registration
- Tax returns
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs your storefront upgrades and coordinates qualified partners for physical work, using the loan to make your location more inviting and professional.
- BBN builds your e-commerce site and online ordering system with the financing, letting you capture sales beyond your physical hours and location.
- BBN sets up your POS and inventory tools with the loan funds, streamlining operations so you can manage stock and sales with less daily stress.
- You stay ahead of every deadline because BBN quietly keeps your application schedule on course for you.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan, not a grant. You must repay the principal plus interest.
- The interest rate and repayment terms are not published. Confirm these details on the official page.
- Eligibility is restricted to Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia.
- Application details and deadlines are not stated. Contact the regional lenders directly for current intake status.
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?
The maximum amount is not published. Confirm the specific limit on the official page or with the regional lender.
What is the interest rate?
The interest rate is not published. Confirm the rate and terms on the official page.
How do I apply?
Contact one of the regional lenders listed on the official page for application information.
Related BBN services
Accessibility Improvements
Accessible websites, clear signage, and ramps or entrance work handled by licensed trades.
Storefront Signs & Sign Boards
Sign concepts, mockups and measurements done right. Fabrication and installation quoted and managed for you.
Storefront & Facade Improvements
Facade refresh concepts, visualizations and contractor coordination, scoped the way municipal improvement programs expect.
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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.