Government of Canada Relief Measures for Indigenous Businesses

About the measures

The Government of Canada will provide up to $306.8 million in short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses.

This measure is part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Financial support will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, as well as the Métis Capital Corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.

These federal support measures should complement support offered by the provinces and territories.

Who this supports

Small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses that are current or former clients of an Aboriginal Financial Institution.

How it works

Up to $40,000 will be available to small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses:

• an interest-free loan up to $30,000
• a non-repayable contribution up to $10,000

Contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution to apply for support.

If your business has an established relationship with a major bank, you may choose to get support from the Canada Emergency Business Account instead.

Contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution or the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for help determining the best options for relief for your business.

Read the full article.