Indigenous Financial Institutions
Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) are autonomous, Indigenous-controlled, community-based financial organizations. IFIs provide developmental lending, business financing and support services to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit businesses in all provinces and territories. Support includes business loans, non-repayable contributions, financial and management consulting, and business start-up and aftercare services.
The IFI network plays a critical role in filling the financing gaps and unmet needs faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs. IFIs make loans that conventional financial institutions cannot, by identifying risks and then mitigating those risks by helping Indigenous entrepreneurs avoid them. IFIs have become experts in risk assessment, mitigation, and management for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities. Although IFIs take on more risk than conventional commercial lenders, annual loan losses averaged only 2.1% in 2019-20.
Within the continuum of lenders that provide loans to Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses, IFIs are connected with their communities at the grassroots level. The IFI network is highly focused and dedicated to meeting the developmental lending needs of Indigenous businesses and communities across the country.
Where to find IFIs
Please note that an IFI may have multiple offices in different locations, we’ve only listed their main office. Always check their website for company details.
