NACCA supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs by providing funding for Aboriginal businesses and communities through Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs). When entrepreneurs start new ventures, they take on all of the risks – and rewards – of launching that business.

A strong partnership between the entrepreneur and the local AFI is critical for success. In addition to developmental lending, AFIs provide support services such as business loans, non-repayable contributions, financial and management consulting, and business start-up and aftercare services.  Visit our AFI page to find your local financial institution, or use the form below to contacts us and we’ll help you out.

We encourage entrepreneurs to visit the following websites for helpful information:

• Government of Canada resources:
  • Federal incorporation – Online federal incorporation: fast and simple
  • Keeping your federal corporation in good shape – Already a federal corporation? 5 key ingredients for a healthy corporation
  • Naming your corporation – Every business corporation must have a distinct name that legally identifies the corporation
  • Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) – The PSAB initiative aims to increase federal contracting opportunities and to gain access to the overall federal procurement process for Aboriginal businesses
  • Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
  • Indigenous Services Canada
  • FedDev Ontario – Small Business Services – Indigenous entrepreneur guide to starting a business
• Futurpreneur Canada – Business Plan Essentials
• Startup Canada
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
• Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship (CCAE)
• Aboriginal Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACE) – During the ACE Program, students engage in 5 interactive courses tailored to their individual needs and interests in preparation of owning and operating a business
• Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ICIE) – The City of Toronto is working with the local Indigenous community to develop ICIE and is expected to open by the end of 2020.

Please note that NACCA does not necessarily endorse any of the above resources, they are presented for informational purposes only.

Many of our AFIs have Indigneous-specific tools and resources on their own website, check them out here.

To find out more about how to secure financing to become an entrepreneur, fill out the form below to contact your local AFI.