How Grant Funding Supports Indigenous-Owned Businesses in Canada

Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada have access to funding most other founders don't: dedicated federal and provincial programs built specifically around Indigenous economic development, on top of every general program the business would otherwise qualify for based on sector and size.

Dedicated Indigenous business funding

Federal programs support Indigenous entrepreneurs with financing, business planning support, and grants tied to specific sectors, often administered through Indigenous financial institutions rather than directly through a federal department. These programs frequently have lower barriers to entry than mainstream equivalents.

General programs still apply

An Indigenous-owned tech startup still qualifies for IRAP and SR&ED the same way any tech startup does. An Indigenous-owned manufacturer still qualifies for manufacturing and export funding. Dedicated Indigenous programs add to this, they don't replace it.

Where to start

Indigenous financial institutions and regional Indigenous economic development organizations are usually the fastest path to the dedicated programs, since they often have direct funding relationships that a general search won't surface.

Next steps

Run FundScout's free eligibility check to see your general federal and provincial matches, then check with an Indigenous financial institution for dedicated programs layered on top. Check your matches.