Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD)

The Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Program is one of two program contribution streams of the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP). EBD assists Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous businesses through project-based support for activities that help facilitate the establishment or growth of Indigenous businesses.

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Overview of the Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) program:

Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) Fund Overview: Part of the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program (NAEOP), the EBD fund stands as one of its two primary contribution streams. Purpose: Provides financial backing to Aboriginal entrepreneurs, businesses, and commercial entities in the three territories. Aims to bolster economic opportunities benefitting the Aboriginal community. Offers project-based support, helping establish and grow Aboriginal businesses. Goals of the EBD Fund: Business Environment: Foster a supportive ecosystem for Aboriginal businesses, ensuring their sustainability in the territories. Entrepreneurial Culture: Cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship within the Aboriginal community and enhance members' access to economic opportunities. Financial Accessibility: Bridge the gap for territorial Aboriginal businesses struggling with conventional commercial financing. Resource Development: Augment Aboriginal participation in, and economic gains from, resource development.

Benefits of the Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) program:

Available Funding for Project Types:
Business Advisory & Entrepreneurship Development:
Negotiations, mentoring, coaching, and referrals
Identifying both domestic and international opportunities
Building and negotiating partnerships
Identifying sources of private capital
Planning & Research:
Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies
Market assessments
Business and financial planning
Environmental evaluations
Information gathering and diagnostic studies
Infrastructure & Design:
Construction, architectural, engineering, and design activities
Skills & Capacity Development:
Enhancements in administration, organizational design, financial management, and business development
Commercial Ventures:
Funding for creation, acquisition, expansion, or modernization of ventures operating in Canada or related to business development
Operating costs, especially for start-ups and short-term needs crucial to business success in Canada
Market development and promotion
Technological Advancements:
Gaining connectivity and access to advanced technologies
Improving quality
Advocacy & Support:
Championing Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, and financing sources available to the Aboriginal community
Community Business Development:
Developing community-owned and member businesses
Equity financing for community enterprises

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneurship and Business Development (EBD) program:

CanNor may require an assessment of the potential impact of your project on the environment. To minimize delays, you should submit with your Business Proposal a copy of environmental studies or any other available information concerning possible environmental impacts.
Submit the completed EBD Application Form, including attachments, to the
CanNor delivery office nearest you