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Indigenous Economic Development Fund: Business and Community Fund
Ontario offers grants for Indigenous business growth and community capital projects. The application windows for the IEDF and ICCGP streams are currently closed, so watch the official portal for reopening dates. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
Before you spend any money
Approval must precede spending for most grant streams, and current intake windows are closed.
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 or business owner in Ontario looking for capital to start or expand your venture.
- You represent an Indigenous community seeking funding for capital projects like construction or feasibility studies.
- You need support to build capacity for engaging with governments and the private sector on lands and resources.
Probably not the right fit if
- You do not meet the program's specific definition of an Indigenous individual, business, or community.
- You need funding immediately, as the current application windows for the IEDF and ICCGP streams are closed.
- You are looking for a loan, since this program gives grants.
How much you'd realistically get
The official page does not list amounts. Ask the program office before you apply.
What may be supported
- Start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized businesses
- Community capital projects such as construction, renovation, or feasibility studies
- Skills training and economic development initiatives
- Building expertise for engagement with governments and the private sector
How applying works
Effort: involvedGrant applications typically require detailed project plans, budgets, and evidence of community benefit or economic impact.
- 01Review the eligibility criteria on the Ontario government portal to ensure you qualify as an Indigenous entrepreneur or community.
- 02Prepare your project proposal, including budgets and timelines, focusing on economic diversification or community capacity.
- 03Submit your application through the official portal when the intake window reopens.
- 04Respond to any requests for additional information or interviews from the Ministry.
Who to ask: NewRelationshipFund@ontario.ca (for NRF); https://www.ontario.ca/feedback/contact-us?id=24884&nid=49974 (General Government of Ontario contact)
Documents commonly required
- Proof of Indigenous status or community affiliation
- Detailed project proposal and budget
- Business registration documents
- Evidence of community benefit or economic impact
What to know before you count on it
- The program is selective and competitive, often requiring discretionary scoring or interviews.
- Grant income is generally taxable, so ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
- Application windows are strict and have already closed for the main IEDF and ICCGP streams.
- The official page does not say how payments are made. Ask the program office before you apply.
What are your odds?
Selection is competitive and discretionary; success depends on how well your project aligns with the Ministry's current economic development priorities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply now?
No, the IEDF and ICCGP application windows closed in late 2025. Monitor the Ontario government portal for future openings.
Do I have to repay the grant?
No, grants are non-repayable, but the income is generally taxable. Ask your accountant for advice.
Who administers this program?
The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation.
How do I get more information?
Visit the 'Get funding from the Ontario government' portal or contact the NRF team at NewRelationshipFund@ontario.ca for specific stream inquiries.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Check with the administering body to see if this grant can be combined with other provincial or federal funding sources.
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.