Micro Lending Program
The Atlantic Indigenous Business Fund offers 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 must be repaid with interest.
“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 any money
Get approval before you spend. After you send the Client Inquiry Form, a Client Services Officer goes over the funding options with you. Then you send your application package for assessment.
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 (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 want funding with no repayment and no review. This program's loans charge interest of up to 9.25%, and every application is assessed.
- 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
A micro loan is up to $5,000 at 9.25% interest, over a maximum 2-year term. The fund also offers larger loans and non-repayable contributions.
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 improvements 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 on the official page.
- 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
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
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.
- The official page does not say whether the money is paid upfront or after you spend. Ask the program office before you apply.
- The official page does not say whether the contributions are taxable. Ask the program office before you apply.
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 both. Loans carry interest of 8% to 9.25% and must be repaid. Contributions do not have to be repaid. 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?
The official page does not list an application fee. Ask the program office before you apply.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Funding for Online Ordering and Booking
Grants and loans may help pay for online ordering, booking and reservation systems.
Funding for Manufacturing
Grants and loans that may help pay for automation and productivity tools.
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.
Related programs
BDC Financing: Start-up
Up to $150,000
A BDC loan of up to $150,000 for businesses that have operated at least 12 months. Use it to buy assets, pay start-up fees, buy a franchise, or pay…
Checked
E-tools for Exporting
Up to $15,000
This cost-share program helps PEI SMEs cover eligible expenses for export market development activities like SEO, paid advertising, and e-commerce…
Checked
Export Market Access Program (EMAP)
Up to $15,000
This cost-share program helps PEI small businesses expand into international markets by reimbursing eligible expenses for digital export activities…
Checked
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.