NADF Financing Solutions
Fuel your Northern Ontario business growth with loans up to $500,000 (with exceptions to $1,000,000) or microloans at 8.5% interest. This is repayable financing for Indigenous-owned enterprises, requiring 10-15% cash equity from you.
“At NADF, we work with you to simplify the application process on all of our financing solutions.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
You must secure the loan and provide your equity contribution before spending the 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 (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit) living in Northern Ontario.
- You own at least 51% of an existing business or are launching a new venture in the region.
- You can contribute the required cash equity, which is 10% if you are under 40 or 15% if you are 40 or older.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not of Indigenous heritage or do not reside in Northern Ontario.
- You cannot provide the mandatory cash equity contribution of 10-15% of the loan amount.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding, as this program offers loans with interest.
How much you'd realistically get
Microloans for startups or working capital; business loans up to $500,000 standard, with exceptions up to $1,000,000.
What may be supported
- Kickstarting a new project or launching a startup.
- Acquiring an existing business.
- Startup costs, working capital, or equipment for new or expanding ventures (microloans).
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact NADF to assess eligibility and likely develop a business plan with their guidance before applying.
- 01Contact NADF by phone or email to assess your eligibility and discuss your project.
- 02Prepare your cash equity contribution (10-15% depending on age and loan type).
- 03Work with NADF's business planning guidance to develop your application materials.
- 04Submit your application for the loan or microloan.
- 05Await approval and disbursement of funds.
Who to ask: Phone: 807-623-5397 or 1-800-465-6821; Email: info@nadf.org; Hours: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
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
- Proof of Indigenous heritage and Northern Ontario residency.
- Proof of business ownership (minimum 51% for existing businesses).
- Evidence of cash equity contribution.
- Business plan or project details (developed with NADF guidance).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your new venture a credible digital home that attracts customers from day one.
- BBN designs your storefront signage and vehicle wraps using the financing, creating a strong visual identity that draws more foot traffic to your location.
- BBN sets up your POS system and digital booking tools with the loan capital, streamlining daily operations and helping you manage growth efficiently.
- BBN guides you through the NADF application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan, not a grant. You must repay the principal plus interest (8.5% to 12%) over the term.
- You must contribute your own cash equity upfront (10% for ages 18-39, 15% for ages 40+).
- The maximum dollar amount for microloans is not stated; confirm on the official page.
- Repayment terms for the main business loan are not stated; confirm on the official page.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on meeting the strict Indigenous ownership and Northern Ontario residency criteria, plus having the required cash equity.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be Indigenous to qualify?
Yes. You must be an individual over 18 of Indigenous heritage (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit) residing in Northern Ontario, or own at least 51% of an Indigenous business in Northern Ontario.
How much cash do I need to put in myself?
You need minimum 10% cash equity if you are aged 18-39, and minimum 15% cash equity if you are aged 40+. Microloans require 10% equity.
What is the interest rate?
Business loans range from 8.5% to 12%. Microloans are at 8.5%.
Is there a deadline to apply?
No deadline is stated; the program appears ongoing. Contact NADF to start the process.
Related BBN services
What you can combine it with
NADF also offers a separate Business Financing Program grant of up to $99,999; check if you qualify for both.
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 6 days ago with the official source. Source: official program page.