Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP)

About this program

Provides non-repayable contribution grants (typically $5,000–$20,000) and repayable micro-loans up to $99,999 to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs for business planning, startup costs, and expansion.

What this program funds

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP), run by Indigenous Services Canada, supports the growth of Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous participation in the economy. The program has two components: Access to Capital provides funding to Indigenous-led financial institutions and developmental capital providers, while Access to Business Opportunities funds activities that cultivate entrepreneurship, improve business access, build capacity within Indigenous business development organizations, and advocate for Indigenous hiring.

Eligible applicants include Indigenous businesses owned and controlled by First Nations Canadians, Indigenous-led financial institutions, Indigenous business development organizations, Canadian banks, credit unions and trust companies, private equity providers, crown corporations, universities and colleges, and municipal governments. The program supports work in Indigenous business development, financial services, resource development, energy projects, and employment and skills development.

The maximum funding available is $325,000,000 CAD. The program operates on rolling intake, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

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