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
Request Funding Information

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