Indigenous entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations are crucial in driving economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and uplifting communities across Canada.
Although the importance of Indigenous-led organizations and enterprises is undisputable, securing funds may be an ongoing challenge. That’s why we are excited to share valuable information about grants tailored for Indigenous entrepreneurs and non-profits!
Whether you are an Indigenous entrepreneur looking to fund your next business venture or an Indigenous-led non-profit organization hoping to secure funds for your initiative:
Here are three Indigenous-focused grant opportunities in 2023 that you don’t want to miss!
Grants for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Finding the proper funding to jump-start any business can be an obstacle. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you may be looking to select the opportunities that best fit your business goals and drive innovation, cultural heritage, and a deep sense of community; sometimes, it is difficult to find the perfect funding opportunities that fully encompass these goals. Thankfully, excellent options are available tailored explicitly to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada, such as the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program.
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program provides funding to increase the number of Indigenous-controlled and owned businesses across Canada. The AEP has two components that focus on giving Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs the project funds to form partnerships and break barriers to access capital assets and economic opportunities that fuel business expansion.
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital Stream is focused on helping Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs obtain capital opportunities and assets by providing non-repayable contributions of up to $99,000 for eligible business proposals and securing additional funds for business development projects.
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Business Opportunities Stream provides Indigenous businesses with national-level funding that promotes Indigenous entrepreneurship, improving business opportunities and increasing the capacity of Indigenous-owned and led organizations. Accepted project proposals will be reimbursed for 100% of costs of up to $500,000.
Eligible project activities include:
- institutional development, including training and development and business supports to business development organizations
- business advisory services and training
- commercial ventures, including business innovation and growth
- market development
- business development and advocacy activities
Important things to note about the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program :
•Contribution amounts depend on the project size and the estimated budget.
•Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur/business owner looking for funding to obtain capital or access other business expansion opportunities, visit the program website to learn more about eligibility and how to begin the application process.
Grants for Indigenous Organizations
Indigenous organizations are vital in advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities and ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard. Initiatives from Indigenous non-profit organizations that promote cultural heritage and programming, health and well-being, and community connectedness are critical to creating societal change and growth. Finding the proper funding for any project can be challenging, especially with crucial projects rooted in uplifting underserved communities; that’s why we want to share two grants that fund Indigenous organizations impacted by systemic inequality and focus on strengthening underrepresented and underserved communities.
Lululemon Here to Be Grants
The Lululemon Here to Be Grant funds community-led organizations that work to expand financial accessibility, offer culturally sensitive programming, build community-driven solutions, or advocate for systemic change. These grants aim to provide organizations with funds for initiatives that promote community health and well-being, including projects focused on mental, social, and physical wellness. Projects that benefit the planet’s well-being are also accepted.
Important to note about the Lululemon Here to Be Grant Program:
- LOI is due June 30th, 2023.
- Applications are due August 29th, 2023.
- The program provides general operating support of up to USD 500,000.
If you are an Indigenous organization seeking funding for community health and well-being projects, visit the program website to learn more about eligibility and how to begin the application process.
NDN Collective Community Action Fund
The NDN Collective Community Action Fund is rooted in NDN Collective’s mission to build the collective power of Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations to showcase resiliency, fight for their voices to be heard and create a world of equity and justice for all, including Mother Earth.
NDN Collective supports organizations focused on activities that:
- DEFEND: Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations defend and protect our land, air, water, and natural resources.
- DEVELOP: Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations are developed in a regenerative and sustainable manner based on our values and connection to land, culture and identity.
- DECOLONIZE: Indigenous ceremonies, cultures, languages, and ways of life are revitalized, recognized and celebrated.
Important to note about the NDN Collective Community Action Fund :
- Grants of $15,000 to $30,000 for urgent response projects for groups and individuals affected by local challenges.
- Applications are open from April 17th- October 31st, 2023.
If you are an organization in need of funding for projects that uplift Indigenous communities, visit the program website for more eligibility information and how to apply.
Conclusion
Grants tailored to Indigenous entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations are vital to economic growth, community upliftment, and the cultural preservation of Indigenous communities. These grants ensure that the invaluable contributions made by Indigenous organizations and businesses are recognized and vital initiatives continue to grow.
Searching for business funding can be tedious, confusing and headache-inducing. That’s why we have provided you with a grant tailored explicitly for Indigenous entrepreneurs; the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program offers two streams—Access to Capital and Access to Business Opportunities. The Access to Capital Stream allows Indigenous businesses to obtain capital to fuel innovation and growth. The Access to Business Opportunities Stream connects Indigenous entrepreneurs to business opportunities that promote the economic development of Indigenous-owned companies across Canada. We highly recommend this opportunity if you are an Indigenous business owner looking to fund your next venture! Remember to check out the program website to learn more about how to apply.
Finding grants for any initiative may always be an obstacle regardless of community needs. Thankfully, this article covered two AMAZING grant opportunities for Indigenous-led organizations looking to empower the Indigenous community and promote justice, health, and wellness. The Lululemon Here to Be Grant provides funding for organizations that work with underserved communities that face systemic inequality with projects focused on bettering the health and well-being of the community. The NDN Collective Community Action Fund empowers and uplifts Indigenous people by funding activities focused on preserving and protecting national resources, connecting with the land, and celebrating cultural practices.
At iPlume Writing, we work hard to provide quality grant-writing services to underserved communities; we hope this list of specially curated grant opportunities for Indigenous businesses and non-profits was helpful and informative. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are looking for support with the application process!
