Atlantic Canada Business Grants

Indigenous entrepreneurs

Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)

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Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP), administered by Ulnooweg, offers non-repayable business contributions to individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community owned businesses. Some of the eligible expenses for ABDP support are: business planning, establishment and operating costs, business acquisitions and expansions, local, domestic or export oriented marketing initiatives, new product or process development, adding technology to improve operations and competitiveness, financial services, business support, business-related training and mentoring services. 

Comments on Funding:

Funding is a non-repayable business contribution as following:

  1. 1
    up to 75% for development of business plans, marketing plans, feasibility studies,
  2. 2
    up to 40% for establishment, expansion or acquisition,
  3. 3
    up to 60% for marketing initiatives,
  4. 4
    up to 90% for business support and project related management.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

  • entrepreneurs of Canadian Aboriginal status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage (on or off reserve, living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces,
  • community owned businesses,
  • Aboriginal financial organizations,
  • development corporations.

Application Steps:

1

Applicants must contact Ulnooweg for further details by submitting the Client Inquiry Form.

Documentation Needed:

No specific documentation has been identified

Other Things to Note:

The majority of ABFP funding goes towards small and medium-sized businesses.

Program Contact:

Aboriginal Business Financing Program - Ulnooweg

Additional Resources:

As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you have access to a range of resources to help you succeed. Here are some additional resources that can help you grow your business and take it to the next level.

Business Development Support

The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) provides a range of business development support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs. These services include business planning, financial management, marketing, and more. NADF also offers a range of financing options, including the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP). For more information, visit the NADF website.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is an important part of building a successful business. The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) provides networking opportunities for Aboriginal entrepreneurs through its Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP). The AEP offers a range of services, including business planning, financing, and more. For more information, visit the NACCA website.

General Loans

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Amount:

$250,000.00

Type of Program:

Loan

Description:

Ulnooweg's General Loans provides support to Aboriginal business owners operating and residing in Atlantic Canada and to Atlantic Canada Aboriginal organizations for new business start ups, purchase of existing businesses, expansion, working capital, refinancing and more. 

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to $250,000.
The repayment schedules are flexible (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual or seasonal).

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

  • Aboriginal business owners operating and residing in Atlantic Canada,
  • Atlantic Canada Aboriginal organizations,
  • new business startups or existing businesses.

Application Steps:

1

Applicants must contact Ulnooweg for further details.

Program Contact:

Loans - Ulnooweg

Youth Loans

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Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Loan

Description:

Ulnooweg's Youth Loans supports Aboriginal business owners operating and residing in Atlantic Canada between the ages of 18 – 35 for any business need. 

Comments on Funding:

The first $15,000 is at a fixed interest rate of 8.5% maximum with a five year repayment term.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

The applicant must be:

  • Aboriginal business owners,
  • operating and residing in Atlantic Canada,
  • between the ages of 18 – 35

Application Steps:

1

Applicants must contact Ulnooweg for further details.

Program Contact:

Loans - Ulnooweg

Micro Loans

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Amount:

$5,000.00

Type of Program:

Loan

Description:

Ulnooweg's Micro Loan provides financing of up to $5,000 to Atlantic Aboriginal entrepreneurs who have a dream of entrepreneurship, or need help in expanding an existing business. 

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to $5,000.
Loans are repayable over 2 years (maximum amortization period) at 8% interest.
Security will be required, and a confirmation of 5% cash equity.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

  • Atlantic Aboriginal entrepreneur,
  • show that the revenue/income from project is enough to support loan payments,
  • not have any collections or judgements reported in the last 12 months,
  • provide security and a confirmation of 5% cash equity.

Application Steps:

1

Applicants must contact Ulnooweg for further details.

Other Things to Note:

This particular pot of funds is limited, so it will be given to those on a first come first serve basis.

Program Contact:

Loans - Ulnooweg