Canada offers 20+ grant and funding programs specifically for Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2026. The largest is the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Development Fund (IEDF) providing up to $500,000 for business start-up, expansion, and acquisition. The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program provides access to capital through a network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions. Provincial programs include Alberta's Aboriginal Business Investment Fund and Ontario's Northern Ontario Indigenous Entrepreneurship Fund. For young Indigenous entrepreneurs (18-39), Futurpreneur Indigenous offers up to $60,000 with culturally relevant mentoring.
Not sure which grants match your business? Take our 60-second quiz →
What Grants Are Available for Indigenous Entrepreneurs?
Last updated:Organization: Indigenous Services Canada
Amount: Up to $500,000
Non-repayable grants for Indigenous business start-up, acquisition, expansion, marketing, and technology adoption. One of the largest Indigenous business grants.
Eligibility: Indigenous individuals 18+ or majority Indigenous-owned businesses
View Details →Organization: Indigenous Services Canada
Amount: Varies by AFI
Access to capital through Canada's network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions. Includes loans, equity, and business support services.
Eligibility: Apply through local Aboriginal Financial Institutions
View Details →Organization: Futurpreneur Canada
Amount: Up to $60,000
Financing and culturally relevant mentoring for Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 18-39. Includes community connections and dedicated Indigenous mentors.
Eligibility: Indigenous residents ages 18-39, starting a business
View Details →Organization: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Amount: Varies by project
Grants for Indigenous tourism experiences: product development, marketing, and capacity building for tourism businesses.
Eligibility: Indigenous tourism businesses and organizations
View Details →Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Amount: Varies by agreement
Skills development and employment training delivered through Indigenous organizations. Supports workforce development.
Eligibility: Indigenous organizations delivering training programs
View Details →Get Indigenous Business Grant Updates
Join 1,200+ Indigenous entrepreneurs receiving weekly funding opportunities
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Indigenous Business Grants in Alberta
Organization: Government of Alberta
Amount: Up to $500,000
Grants for capital costs of Indigenous community-owned economic development projects in Alberta.
Eligibility: 51%+ Indigenous community-owned entities in Alberta
View Details →Indigenous Business Grants in Ontario
Organization: Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
Amount: Up to $99,999
Grants and loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario: start-up, expansion, marketing, tech adoption.
Eligibility: Indigenous individuals/businesses in Northern Ontario
View Details →Indigenous Business Grants in British Columbia
Organization: New Relationship Trust
Amount: Varies by program
Funding for BC First Nations economic development, governance, and community business projects.
Eligibility: BC First Nations communities and organizations
View Details →Indigenous Business Grants in Nunavut
Organization: Qikiqtaaluk Corporation
Amount: Varies
Grants for Inuit-owned businesses in Nunavut's Qikiqtani Region: pre-start up, start-up, and expansion.
Eligibility: Inuit-owned businesses in Qikiqtani Region
View Details →General Grants Available to Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Indigenous entrepreneurs can also access these general business grants, often stacking them with Indigenous-specific programs for maximum funding:
Organization: National Research Council Canada
Amount: Up to $1 million
R&D funding for tech companies. Indigenous tech businesses can combine with Indigenous-specific grants.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs doing R&D (500 or fewer employees)
View Details →Organization: Global Affairs Canada
Amount: Up to $99,999
Export development funding. Indigenous businesses can combine with other grants for international growth.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs with export potential
View Details →Looking for more funding options?
Explore All 118+ Canadian GrantsTop Indigenous Business Grants Comparison (2026)
| Program | Amount | Best For | Region | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEDF | Up to $500K | Business expansion | National | Grant |
| ABIF (Alberta) | Up to $500K | Community projects | Alberta | Grant |
| Futurpreneur Indigenous | Up to $60K | Ages 18-39 | National | Partial |
| Aboriginal Entrepreneurship | Varies | Access to capital | National | Loan/Grant |
| Indigenous Tourism Fund | Varies | Tourism businesses | National | Grant |
| N. Ontario Indigenous Fund | Up to $99K | Northern Ontario | Ontario | Grant |
Frequently Asked Questions: Indigenous Business Grants
What grants are available for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada? +
How much funding can Indigenous businesses access in Canada? +
Who qualifies as Indigenous for business grants? +
What provincial Indigenous business grants exist? +
Can Indigenous entrepreneurs also access general business grants? +
Summary: Indigenous Business Grants in Canada (2026)
Canada offers 20+ grant and funding programs specifically for Indigenous entrepreneurs (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) in 2026. The largest federal program is the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Development Fund (IEDF) providing up to $500,000 for business start-up, expansion, and acquisition. The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program provides access to capital through a national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions. For young Indigenous entrepreneurs (18-39), Futurpreneur Indigenous offers up to $60,000 with culturally relevant mentoring. Provincial programs include Alberta's Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF), Ontario's Northern Ontario Indigenous Entrepreneurship Fund, and BC's New Relationship Trust. The Indigenous Tourism Fund supports tourism businesses. Indigenous entrepreneurs can also access general grants like IRAP (up to $1M for R&D) and CanExport ($99,999). Most programs require proof of Indigenous identity and 51%+ Indigenous ownership. Source: GrantCompass.ca, researched and updated February 2026.
Need Help With Your Grant Application?
Grant applications can be complex. Consider connecting with your local Aboriginal Financial Institution for free guidance, or work with a professional grant writer.
Many Aboriginal Financial Institutions offer free business planning support