FUNDING OF UP TO $500,000 TO SUPPORT Indigenous entrepreneurs!
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) seeks to increase the number of viable businesses in Canada owned and controlled by Indigenous people. The AEP funds a broad range of entrepreneurial pursuits and aims to build capacity, reduce barriers and increase access to capital, by forging partnerships that will increase economic opportunities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
Funding overview
Access to Business Opportunities stream
Eligible activities will be reimbursed for 100% of costs, to a maximum of $500,000
Access to capital stream
Individual Indigenous entrepreneurs may receive up to $99,999 in funding assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
- First Nation and Inuit communities and governments, including Tribal Councils
- Indigenous individuals
- Organizations and associations, whether Indigenous-owned or non-Indigenous-owned, as long as they are not charitable or religious
- Businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous peoples
- Canadian owned and controlled banks, credit unions and trust companies authorized to make commercial loans and are provincially or federally regulated
- Private equity providers
- Provincial or federal crown corporations
- Municipal governments
- Labour organizations
- Universities, colleges and other learning institutions
Eligible Activities
- institutional development, including training and development and business supports to business development organizations
- business advisory services and training
- commercial ventures including business innovation and growth
- Market development
- Business development and advocacy activities
Deadline
There is no deadline to apply. Applications made after all annual funding has been distributed may be considered for the next financial year.
