Corporate

Eight funding opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities

From new businesses just opening their doors to thriving rural communities, there are grants and loans to spur new growth.

We're grateful to Lisa Ford, Regional Economic Development Specialist with the Government of Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade. She regularly shares updates on new programs and initiatives. We're highlighting these nine Indigenous funding opportunities from her most recent update.

If your role involves Economic Development for a community or region, contact her to receive her updates.

Government of Canada

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Business Opportunities

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) provides access to capital and access to business opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.

AIIC

Status Entrepreneur Assistance Program (SEAP)

This program provides equity assistance for the start-up or the expansion of small businesses for Status individuals.

APEETOGOSAN

Métis Entrepreneurs’ Assistance Program (MEAP)

This program provides equity assistance for the start-up or the expansion of small businesses.

Government of Alberta

Ethnocultural grant

Grant funding for initiatives that create intercultural connections and celebration of diversity among ethnocultural and Indigenous groups.

Government of Alberta

First Nations Development Fund Grant Program

Provincial lottery grant program designed specifically for First Nations in Alberta to fund economic, social and community projects.

Government of Alberta

Indigenous Employment Training Partnerships Program

Grants for eligible Indigenous organizations to assist the unemployed or under-employed with skills training and work experience.

Government of Alberta

Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative

Advances reconciliation by funding Indigenous-led cultural and economic projects.

Government of Canada

Wah-ila-toos: Funding opportunities

On April 25, 2022, the Ministers of Natural Ressources Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and Indigenous Services Canada announced a federal investment of $300 million to further support clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities as part of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan.