A guide to funding and resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada 

TL;DR

•     Indigenous businesses drive billions in economic activity and continue to grow across Canada
•     A wide range of funding exists, including federal grants, loan guarantees and Indigenous Financial Institutions
•     Programs support every stage, from start-up to expansion and large-scale projects
•     National organizations and directories help you build connections and access new opportunities 

Indigenous businesses continue to shape Canada’s economy in measurable ways. More than 50,000 Indigenous-owned businesses operate across the country today, with activity across every major sector from natural resources to retail and technology. These businesses contribute tens of billions in GDP each year and support jobs in communities across Canada. 

Recent data from Statistics Canada shows continued growth in entrepreneurship and employment tied to Indigenous-owned businesses, reinforcing their role as key drivers of economic participation and self-determination. This momentum reflects long-term progress and a clear shift toward Indigenous-led growth.

Your business sits within this broader movement. Access to funding, financing and support networks helps you scale faster and strengthen that impact.

This guide brings together current resources available across Canada.

Core federal funding programs

Indigenous services Canada funding programs

The Government of Canada maintains a full list of funding streams for Indigenous Peoples through programs like Funding for Indigenous Peoples.

Key business and economic development programs include:

•     Indigenous Business Development support for start-up and expansion
•     Community Opportunity Readiness Program for business planning and market readiness
•     Strategic Partnerships Initiative for large-scale growth projects 

These programs support everything from early planning to expansion.

Indigenous loan guarantee program

Launched in 2025, this program improves access to large-scale financing.

•     Up to $5 billion in loan guarantees for Indigenous-led projects 
•     Supports ownership in energy, infrastructure and resource development

This program reduces barriers to capital and supports long-term ownership.

Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships program

Supports Indigenous participation in resource development and funds Indigenous-led energy and forestry projects across Canada.

Financing and capital options

Indigenous financial institutions

A national network of Indigenous Financial Institutions provides lending and advisory support.

•     Offer business loans, planning support and aftercare services
•     Focus on community-based lending across all provinces and territories

These institutions understand local needs and offer flexible financing.

Indigenous growth and loan programs

Recent policy changes have expanded access to capital.

•     Federal loan guarantee capacity expanded up to $10 billion by 2025 
•     Provincial programs like Ontario’s Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program expanded to $3 billion

These changes support equity participation in major projects.

Indigenous banking and lending

Indigenous-owned financial institutions continue to grow.

•     New investments in 2025 expanded lending capacity for Indigenous entrepreneurs 

This growth increases access to capital across business stages.

Grants and funding programs to explore

In addition to core programs, targeted grants support specific needs.

•     Indigenous infrastructure grants support community and business projects in 2025 
•     TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund provides flexible funding for Indigenous-led initiatives
•     Canada Council for the Arts offers Indigenous arts and culture grants 
•     Climate and environmental funding supports Indigenous-led sustainability projects

Funding changes often. Review open calls for proposals throughout the year.

Non-funding resources that support growth

Canadian council for Indigenous business

A national organization focused on connections and growth.

•     Certification programs to increase visibility
•     Procurement programs that connect you with buyers
•     Events and tools for networking and partnerships

Indigenous business data and insights

Access to data improves decision-making.

•     The Indigenous Business Insights Tracker launched in 2026 provides current data on trends, trade and performance 

National Aboriginal capital corporations association

Supports Indigenous entrepreneurs through financing networks.

•     Connects you to Indigenous Financial Institutions across Canada

Calls for proposals and funding updates

Stay current with active funding opportunities.

•     Federal and non-federal calls for proposals update regularly across sectors including business, infrastructure and youth programs 

Take the next step

Review your current priorities and match them to one federal program and one financing option listed above. Connect with a local Indigenous Financial Institution and start a funding conversation this month.

Register with a national organization to increase your visibility and access procurement opportunities. Then set a goal to submit at least one funding application in the next 60 days.

Your business contributes to a fast-growing Indigenous economy. Use these programs and networks to expand your reach, strengthen operations and create long-term value for your community.

Links of interest

Parry Sound Friendship Center

Bear Cave Silent Booths

Aaniin Retail Inc.

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Sources:

https://indigenomics.com/the-100-billion-economic-engine-how-indigenous-entrepreneurs-are-powering-canadas-economy/

https://chamber.ca/news/ccib-and-bdl-launch-new-tracker-to-measure-real-and-ongoing-impact-of-indigenous-businesses/

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2026001/article/00002-eng.htm

https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1591289631120/1591289804651