Government programs
Aboriginal Financial Institutions and related support
✓ Checking what you qualify for does not affect your credit score.
Short answer: First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs can apply to Aboriginal Financial Institutions, a network of Indigenous-controlled lenders supported by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association. They provide loans, business support and in some cases non-repayable contributions, and understand on-reserve lending and remote markets better than many mainstream lenders.
Key facts
Related: Government Business Programs in Canada: 19 Guides · Funding the Matching Share of a Government Grant · Bridging a Government Grant or Refund Payment · Business Funding Requirements in Canada · Working Capital Funding in Canada
Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada can access financing and support through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, a network of Indigenous-controlled lenders supported by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA). These institutions provide loans, business support and, in some cases, non-repayable contributions for First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs.
Each institution serves a region or community and sets its own processes.
Aboriginal Financial Institutions understand on-reserve lending considerations, community enterprises and the realities of remote markets in a way many mainstream lenders do not. They often stay involved after funding with aftercare and advice, which can matter as much as the loan itself.
Business support and financing are often combined, which can take longer than a purely transactional lender but produces a stronger plan.
Seasonal and remote businesses face higher transport and inventory costs; plan cash with that in mind.
Government programs are usually the lowest-cost money available to a Canadian business, and they are worth pursuing first when you qualify. They are also slower, have intake windows and often pay after you spend. Many owners use a short, revenue-based advance only to cover a timing gap, such as paying a share of a project before a contribution arrives, and repay it when the program pays out. Size any advance to the gap, not to the whole project, and confirm that the program's terms allow other financing.
Official program information: nacca.ca. Program details change; check current eligibility, intake dates and terms with the program directly. Summary as of October 2026. Merchant Fund Express is not affiliated with this program and does not administer it.
Because these lenders understand on-reserve lending, community-owned enterprises and remote markets, and they often stay involved after funding with aftercare and advice. For many First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs, that support matters as much as the loan.
An Indigenous-controlled organization providing financing and support to Indigenous businesses.
Through NACCA's directory.
No. Many serve growing businesses too.
Educational information only. It is not legal, tax or accounting advice.
Same-day decision. Applying takes a few minutes and will not affect your credit score.
