Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital

Overview of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital program:

The AEP aims to foster entrepreneurship within Indigenous communities through two main streams: Access to Capital and Business Opportunities. The Access to Capital stream offers ongoing annual funding to Indigenous entrepreneurs via a network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs). This support includes non-repayable equity contributions and business services to assist in starting, expanding, or acquiring businesses. Additionally, the program provides funding to lenders to offset borrowing and operational costs, thereby facilitating their lending activities. Administration of the program is devolved to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), which works through IFIs and MCCs across Canada to improve access to capital for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses.

Benefits of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital program:

• Financial Support: Provides substantial non-repayable funding to assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in starting, expanding, or acquiring businesses.
• Enhanced Access to Capital: Through partnerships with IFIs and MCCs, the program improves access to necessary capital for business development.
• Business Services: Offers additional support services to aid in business planning and development.

Eligibility criteria of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital program:

• Eligible Recipients:
• Indigenous individuals, including businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples.
• Indigenous organizations and associations, excluding those with charitable or religious purposes.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Eligibility requirements may vary between IFIs and MCCs; applicants should consult with their local institutions to determine specific criteria.