Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program — Access to Capital
Get up to $99,999 for individuals or $250,000 for community businesses as a non-repayable equity contribution. This is not a loan, but it is taxable income and requires direct engagement with your local Indigenous Financial Institution or Métis Capital Corporation. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Individual Indigenous entrepreneurs may receive up to $99,999 in funding assistance and eligible Indigenous community businesses may receive up to $250,000.”
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm with your IFI or MCC whether approval must precede spending, as payment mechanics are not stated in the source.
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 individual or community organization looking to start, expand, or acquire a business.
- You want non-repayable funding rather than a loan, with limits of $99,999 for individuals or $250,000 for community entities.
- You are ready to work directly with your local Indigenous Financial Institution or Métis Capital Corporation for assessment.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your organization has charitable or religious purposes, which are explicitly excluded from this program.
- You are not Indigenous or your business is not owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples.
- You expect a standardized online application, as you must contact your local Indigenous Financial Institution or Métis Capital Corporation directly to apply.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $99,999 for individual entrepreneurs or up to $250,000 for eligible community businesses.
What may be supported
- Starting a new business.
- Expanding an existing business.
- Acquiring an existing business.
- Purchasing business services.
What's excluded or restricted
- Organizations with charitable purposes
- Organizations with religious purposes
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact your local IFI or MCC directly to apply and likely prepare a business plan or proposal for their review.
- 01Identify your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) or Métis Capital Corporation (MCC).
- 02Contact them directly to discuss eligibility and required documents.
- 03Prepare your business plan or proposal as requested by the IFI or MCC.
- 04Submit your application to the IFI or MCC for review.
- 05Await decision and confirm payment mechanics if approved.
Who to ask: Contact NACCA or your local MCC: National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (nacca.ca), Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc., Métis Financial Corporation of BC, Louis Riel Capital Corporation, Métis Voyageur Development Fund Inc., SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation.
Documents commonly required
- Proof of Indigenous status or ownership control.
- Business plan or proposal detailing start, expansion, or acquisition plans.
- Financial statements or projections as requested by the IFI or MCC.
- Confirmation that the organization is not charitable or religious.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and online store to establish a credible digital presence for your new or expanded venture.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and Google Business Profile to help customers find your storefront and drive more foot traffic.
- BBN designs digital marketing materials and loyalty systems to turn first-time buyers into repeat customers who recommend you.
- BBN guides you through the application process and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a non-repayable equity contribution, not a simple grant, which may involve specific terms regarding ownership or reporting.
- Eligibility and processes vary between Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs), so you must consult your local body.
- Payment timing and structure (upfront vs reimbursement) are not stated, so confirm these details with your IFI or MCC before spending.
- The funding is taxable income, so ask your accountant about the tax implications.
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary and varies by local IFI or MCC; success depends on your business viability and alignment with their specific criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay this money?
No, it is a non-repayable equity contribution, but it is taxable income. Ask your accountant.
How do I apply?
Contact your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) or Métis Capital Corporation (MCC) directly. There is no central online portal.
Is there a deadline?
Intake is ongoing/annual, but you should contact your local IFI or MCC as soon as possible to start the process.
Can charitable organizations apply?
No, organizations with charitable or religious purposes are excluded.
What you can combine it with
Can potentially be stacked with other federal programs like the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program, but confirm with your IFI.
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 June 20, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.