Funding for Indigenous economic development

Indigenous Economic Development Fund

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.

The fund supports projects that:

• diversify Indigenous economies
• increase access to employment and training opportunities
• provide start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized businesses
• support financing, skills training and other economic development initiatives through collaboration between Indigenous communities and the private sector

The IEDF provides grants and financing through three funding streams:

• Economic Diversification Grant
• Business and Community Fund
• Regional Partnership Grant

IEDF grant funding stream status and application dates

Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program

The Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) funds the development of community capital projects that contribute to a sustainable social base and support economic participation in Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve.

The program has funding for three project stages in the capital project process:

1. Feasibility study completion
2. Design completion
3. Construction/renovation

Applications are being accepted until November 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET for the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.

New Relationship Fund

The New Relationship Fund (NRF) supports First Nations, Métis communities, and Indigenous organizations efforts to:

• build consultation and engagement capacity and expertise
• create jobs
• develop business partnerships
• improve economic opportunities

How to apply

More information and instructions on how to apply for these programs can be found at Get funding from the Ontario government:

• Indigenous Economic Development Fund
• Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program
• New Relationship Fund