Access to Business Opportunities

Overview:
The Access to Business Opportunities program provides funding for regional and national initiatives that strengthen Indigenous entrepreneurship across Canada. The program supports projects that build organizational capacity, improve access to business opportunities, and promote a culture of entrepreneurship. It does not provide funding for individual business start-ups, acquisitions, or business expansions.

Funding Amount:

• Up to 100% of eligible project costs may be funded.
• Applicants may receive up to $500,000 per recipient per year.
• The program provides non-repayable contributions.
• Funding is based on project eligibility, economic benefits, organizational capacity, and project viability.

Eligibility / Who It’s For:
Eligible applicants include:

• First Nations communities
• Inuit communities
• Indigenous-owned organizations and associations (non-charitable and non-religious)
• Labour organizations
• Universities, colleges, and other educational institutions
• Indigenous for-profit organizations for eligible non-commercial activities only

Projects must have either a regional or national impact.

Project Examples:
Eligible activities may include:

• Entrepreneurship training and development
• Business advisory services
• Capacity building for Indigenous organizations
• Business development support
• Market development initiatives
• Organizational development
• Advocacy activities
• Projects that improve access to business opportunities
• Initiatives supporting Indigenous procurement, cleantech, greentech, and innovation

Province/Scope:
National