Waterloo Region & Guelph

GrantFederal program

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (Access to Capital)

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program gives Indigenous entrepreneurs a non-repayable equity contribution to start, grow or buy a business. It's delivered by Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations. The amount depends on the project and need.

Amount
Up to $99,999 for individual Indigenous entrepreneurs; up to $250,000 for eligible Indigenous community businesses
Status
Year-roundOngoing, with no application deadline. You apply through your local Indigenous Financial Institution or Métis Capital Corporation.
Type
Non-repayable equity contribution
Run by
Indigenous Services Canada, administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) through Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations
Where
All of Canada
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026

Who it's for

  • Indigenous individuals, including businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples
  • Indigenous organizations and associations

Not for

  • Organizations with charitable or religious purposes

What it covers

  • Starting, expanding or buying a small or medium-sized business
  • Business services alongside the equity contribution

How to apply

  1. Contact your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) or Métis Capital Corporation.
  2. The official page points to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) for IFI details.
  3. Check that institution's own criteria, since they vary.

Good to know

  • The amount depends on the project's scope, your need and your budget.
  • The official page doesn't say what share of project costs it covers.
  • Eligibility varies between institutions.

Questions

Do I have to pay it back?

The official page describes the support as a non-repayable equity contribution. It doesn't say what share of your project costs it covers, so ask the delivering institution.

Where do I apply in Ontario?

The official page doesn't name Ontario institutions. It says to contact your local IFI or Métis Capital Corporation, and points to NACCA for IFI details.

Related programs

Open, closes Jan 19, 2027Mixed

Indigenous Economic Development Fund

Not stated on the main page. The Economic Diversification Grant guide says up to $100,000 per fiscal year per applicant.

Government of Ontario (Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation)All of Ontario

Open, closes Jan 21, 2027Loan

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)

Up to 15% of eligible project costs. Loans up to $5 million, interest-free during the project period (up to 4 years), with up to 30% (max $500,000) forgivable if targets are met. Grants only in limited cases: up to $500,000 for small rural firms, or $1.5 million for strategic projects.

Government of Ontario (Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade)All of Ontario