Micro Lending Program
Grow your Atlantic Indigenous business through the Atlantic Indigenous Business Fund: micro loans up to $5,000, women and youth loans up to $25,000, and general loans up to $750,000 for individuals (up to $1.5 million for communities), plus non-repayable contributions covering 40% to 90% of eligible costs. The loans are repayable with interest; confirm contribution tax status and timing on the official page.
“Loan amounts available up to $5,000, at a rate of 9.25% over a maximum 2-year term, with a 5% cash equity recommended.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Approval precedes spending; the application process involves assessment before funding options are reviewed, so confirm specific disbursement timing on the official page.
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 (Status, Non-Status, Metis, or Inuit) operating in the Atlantic provinces.
- You need funding for planning, marketing, or expansion and want to explore both loan and contribution options.
- You are a community-owned business or development corporation seeking support for larger projects up to $1.5 million.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not of Indigenous heritage or do not operate within the Atlantic provinces.
- You are looking for a grant with no strings attached, as this program includes loans with interest rates up to 9.25% and requires assessment.
- You need immediate cash without an application process, since this program requires a Client Inquiry Form and assessment before funding options are reviewed.
How much you'd realistically get
Loans range from $5,000 to $1.5 million depending on the lending tier; contributions cover 40% to 90% of eligible costs depending on the project type.
What may be supported
- Business planning and feasibility studies
- Establishment and operating costs
- Business acquisitions and expansions
- Marketing initiatives (local, domestic, or export)
- New product or process development
- Technology upgrades for operations
- Management training and business advisors
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a Client Inquiry Form, use recommended tools, and submit a completed application package with help from a Client Services Officer.
- 01Complete the Client Inquiry Form online at the provided URL.
- 02Use recommended tools like the loan calculator while your form is reviewed.
- 03Review funding program options based on your business situation with a Client Services Officer.
- 04Submit the completed application package for assessment.
Who to ask: 1-888-766-2376
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
- Completed Client Inquiry Form
- Business plan or feasibility study (for contribution tiers)
- Proof of Indigenous status or heritage
- Proof of operation within the Atlantic provinces
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your business a modern digital storefront that works for you 24/7.
- BBN configures Local SEO and your Google Business Profile with the loan proceeds, so local customers find you when searching online.
- BBN uses the loan to launch digital marketing campaigns, turning satisfied customers into steady referrals and new sales.
- BBN upgrades your operations with POS systems and automation tools, put in place with the loan, making daily tasks faster and more efficient.
- You focus on running your business while BBN watches the process to ensure no steps are missed.
What to know before you count on it
- Loans carry interest: 9.25% for Micro Lending, 8% for Women & Youth Lending, and various rates for General Lending, with terms up to 20 years.
- Contributions are non-repayable but capped: up to 75% for planning, 40% for establishment, 60% for marketing, and 90% for support services.
- Disbursement timing (upfront vs reimbursement) is not published; confirm on the official page.
- Taxability of contributions is not published; confirm on the official page.
What are your odds?
Funding is subject to assessment and eligibility review; there is no guarantee of approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is the money a loan or a grant?
It is a mixed suite: loans with interest (9.25% to 8%) and non-repayable contributions (40% to 90%). Confirm specific terms on the official page.
Who administers this program?
Ulnooweg Development Group administers the Atlantic Indigenous Business Fund for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Atlantic provinces.
Can I use this for marketing?
Yes, contributions cover up to 60% for marketing initiatives and up to 75% for marketing plans.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is published; confirm on the official page.
Related BBN services
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
Business Websites
Fast, search-ready websites your customers can actually use. Built, hosted and maintained by one accountable team.
Digital Menu Boards & Signage Systems
Managed menu screens with cloud updates, breakfast-to-dinner scheduling and a design service. A bare TV on the wall does none of that.
Loyalty Programs & CRM
Know your customers and bring them back: databases, loyalty mechanics, email/SMS and gift cards that fit your counter.
What you can combine it with
Related programs include the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship (IWE) Program and Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurs (IYE) Program; check if you can combine these.
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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 yesterday with the official source. Source: official program page.