Comprehensive guide to 10 indigenous business funding programs in Alberta
Businesses in Alberta can access 10 specialized indigenous business programs combining federal and provincial funding opportunities.
Organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $500,000
Supported community-led projects that create jobs and economic opportunities in communities across Canada (program now closed).
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $250,000 per project
Supports the development and adoption of assurance systems, standards and certifications to meet buyer and market demands for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $200,000 per year (50% of costs)
Supports under-represented groups in agriculture (such as women, Indigenous peoples, youth, persons with disabilities) to develop skills, gain knowledge and grow their businesses.
Organization: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Varies
A national plan with various funding initiatives to support marine safety, environmental protection, and Indigenous partnerships in ocean protection.
Organization: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $100,000
Supports the development of Indigenous tourism experiences and businesses through grants (often project-based funding for product development, marketing, etc.).
Organization: Canadian Heritage
Level: federal
Amount: Varies
Offers numerous grants and contributions programs supporting culture, heritage, official languages, Indigenous languages and sport (e.g., Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, Canada Book Fund, Athlete Assistance Program, etc.).
Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $25,000 (community stream)
Supports projects that empower seniors, encourage social participation and inclusion of seniors, and improve their quality of life, including small community-based grants and larger pan-Canadian projects.
Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Varies
Supports skills development and employment training for Indigenous peoples through funding agreements with Indigenous service delivery organizations across Canada.
Organization: Indigenous Services Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Varies
Provides access to capital and business opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs by supporting a network of Indigenous Financial Institutions that offer loans and financing for Indigenous-owned businesses.
Organization: Government of Alberta - Indigenous Relations
Level: provincial
Amount: $150,000 to $750,000
Provides grants to support capital costs for Indigenous community-owned economic development projects in Alberta, aiming to grow businesses and create employment.