BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan
Fuel your growth with up to $350,000 in financing for Indigenous-owned businesses operating for at least 12 months. This is a repayable loan, so confirm interest rates and fees on the official BDC page. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
This is a loan, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest over time.
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 business owner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Your business has been operating for at least 12 months.
- You need between $100,001 and $350,000 for general growth or scaling projects.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business has been open for less than 12 months.
- You are not an Indigenous entrepreneur.
- You need less than $100,001 in funding.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $350,000, with the application form specifying a range of $100,001 to $350,000.
What may be supported
- General business growth and scaling.
- Expansion of operations.
- Investment in equipment or inventory (confirm specific eligible uses on the official page).
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a multi-step online application form detailing your business, project, and contact information.
- 01Verify you meet the eligibility criteria: Indigenous entrepreneur, Canadian citizen/permanent resident, and business operating for at least 12 months.
- 02Prepare details about your business, the specific growth project, and how the loan will be used.
- 03Complete the multi-step online application form at the BDC website.
- 04Submit the application and await BDC's review and decision.
Who to ask: BDC: 1-877-232-2269; contact form at https://www.bdc.ca/en/contact-us/contact-us-form
Documents commonly required
- Business details and history (operating for at least 12 months).
- Description of the growth project and use of funds.
- Contact information for the business and owner.
- Financial information (implied by loan application, confirm specifics on the official page).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds a modern website and online store to capture customers 24/7, putting the loan funds to work on your digital storefront.
- BBN designs and coordinates physical signage and storefront upgrades with qualified partners, using the financing to modernize your business presence.
- BBN sets up POS systems and automation tools to streamline operations, helping you scale efficiently with the loan investment.
- BBN guides you through the application process and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- Interest rates and specific repayment terms are not stated on the program page; confirm these details on the official BDC page.
- Fees associated with the loan are not stated; confirm on the official page.
- The exact mechanics of fund disbursement are not stated; confirm on the official page.
- The minimum Indigenous ownership percentage is not stated; confirm eligibility criteria on the official page.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on BDC's credit assessment and your business's financial health; there is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money free?
No, this is a loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) that must be repaid with interest.
What can I use the loan for?
The program supports general business growth and scaling. The application asks you to describe your project and how the funds will be used, but specific eligible cost categories are not enumerated on the page.
How quickly can I get the funds?
The application form asks when funds are needed, with options ranging from under 1 month to 6+ months, but the exact disbursement timing is not stated; confirm on the official page.
Who administers this program?
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Canada's federal Crown-corporation bank for entrepreneurs.
What you can combine it with
This loan can potentially be combined with other programs like the Indigenous Growth Fund or Futurpreneur, but confirm with BDC to ensure no conflicts.
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 July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.