Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Ontario: Directory of Funding & Support Sources
This page is a directory of sources of business funding that support Indigenous entrepreneurs in Ontario. The page will be regularly updated to ensure that funding sources are current.
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Indigenous Business Grants Ontario: 60+ Grants & More for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
Federal Funding Organizations for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
| Type | Organization | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry | Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) | Federal department that works with Indigenous partners on rights, self-determination, and economic development, including programs that support community and business growth. |
| Ministry | Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) | Delivers business-focused programs such as the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program and IEBD to help Indigenous entrepreneurs access capital, advisory support, and federal procurement opportunities. |
| Association | National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) | Umbrella for 50+ Indigenous Financial Institutions that finance and support Indigenous entrepreneurs; it also stewards initiatives like the Indigenous Growth Fund. |
| Association | Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) | National body growing Indigenous tourism through product development, marketing, industry partnerships and member programs (e.g., accreditation, training, and accelerators). |
| Association | Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CIBB) | Builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses via certification, procurement tools, awards, and the PAIR (formerly PAR) corporate accreditation for Indigenous relations. |
| Foundations | Indigenous Youth Roots | Funds and supports youth-led entrepreneurship with small grants (e.g., $2k Seed Grants; $4.5k Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise stream) plus workshops and resources. |
| Network | Inuit Women in Business Network (IWBN) | A Pauktuutit initiative offering tools, mentoring, and business resources tailored to Inuit women entrepreneurs across Inuit Nunangat and beyond. |
| Impact Investment Company | Raven Indigenous Capital Partners | Indigenous-led impact VC providing equity and support to Indigenous and Native American enterprises through a culturally centered investment approach. |
| Venture Capital | Indigena Capital | Investment firm that partners exclusively with Tribal/First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, structuring long-term capital to leverage Nation rights and resource estates. |
Ontario Funding Organizations for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
| Type | Organization | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Sector-Specific Organization | Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) | Ontario’s dedicated Indigenous tourism organization, uniting communities and entrepreneurs to build capacity and grow market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Waubetek Business Development Corporation | Aboriginal-owned development corporation financing startups, expansions and acquisitions in Northeastern Ontario, with sector strategies (e.g., mining, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism). |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Rainy Lake Tribal Area Business & Financial Services Corporation | An Aboriginal Financial Institution serving Treaty #3, offering loans and business support for First Nation-owned startups and expansions. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund | Northern Ontario AFI providing loans (typically up to $500k, and in exceptional cases $1M) and grants alongside advisory services for Indigenous entrepreneurs. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Two Rivers Community Development Centre | Indigenous-controlled lender in southern/central Ontario offering financing and business support, including the Indigenous Business Financing Program delivered with Aboriginal Impact Capital. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Métis Voyageur Development Fund Inc. | MNO-aligned fund providing loans and business development support to strengthen Métis-owned businesses across Ontario. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Tecumseh Community Development Corporation | Southwestern Ontario AFI delivering developmental lending (loans, guarantees/equity) and advisory services for First Nations entrepreneurs and communities. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | First Nations Agriculture and Financing of Ontario | Provides farm and agri-business financing, advisory services, and training to First Nations producers and agribusinesses province-wide. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition | Coalition of Indigenous service organizations that coordinate programs and advocacy for urban Indigenous people in Ottawa, including amplifying local Indigenous businesses and vendors. |
| Sector-Specific Organization | Indigenous Affairs Office (City of Toronto) | City division advancing a 10-year Reconciliation Action Plan; Indigenous entrepreneurs can also connect with the City’s Indigenous Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship for space, programs and supports. |
| Regional Development Agency | Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation | CFDC serving the Mushkegowuk area with business financing, planning support and services to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship. |
| Ministry | Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation | Leads Ontario’s reconciliation and economic-growth agenda for Indigenous peoples, including grant/financing streams like the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF). |
✅ Related Resources for Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Ontario
💰 Funding a Business in Ontario
💼 Business Support Organizations in Ontario