Skills Development Program

Overview of the Skills Development Program program:

The First Peoples Fund's Skills Development Program provides Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and support needed to enhance their business skills and grow their ventures. This program is designed to empower participants by providing them with the knowledge and tools to succeed in their respective industries.

Benefits of the Skills Development Program program:

• Funding is available up to 75% of the approved costs.
• The program funds only direct course costs such as tuition, workshop fees, and books.
• Living expenses are not included.
• The program is not intended to finance the acquisition of a degree or certificate.

Eligibility criteria of the Skills Development Program program:

• Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must submit an application that includes the purpose of the course as well as a course outline and a detailed budget
• The applicant should have approached other First Nation educational funding agencies prior to applying to the Fund
• Training must be through qualified trainers or organizations that have been approved by the Fund to provide appropriate training
• Training must be specific to business management and not occupational training unrelated to the development of management and marketing skills.
• On-the-job training may qualify to better fit the needs of the entrepreneur or manager of a First Nation-owned business.