Ontario Investing in Indigenous Businesses and Entrepreneurs

New funding advancing economic growth through increased support for employment and training opportunities

September 19, 2024

Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation

The Ontario government is providing $9.2 million in grants and funding to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and organizations to support lasting economic prosperity. These investments are part of Ontario’s commitment to economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

“Our government understands that Indigenous partners are uniquely positioned to identify and seize opportunities that drive growth within their communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Today’s investment of $9.2 million strengthens our commitment to ensuring First Nations communities have the resources they need to plan, build, and train for success, leading to lasting economic reconciliation.”

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) and the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) are annual funds that support recipients across the province to develop infrastructure, create growth plans and provide employment services to help strengthen Indigenous communities and local economies. For 2024-25 Ontario is supporting 48 initiatives across the province with a total commitment of $3.2 million for the IEDF and a total commitment of $6 million for ICCGP.

“As the Board of Directors for Ginawaydaganuc Village, we are deeply grateful for the $75,000 grant we received from the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program. This funding will allow us to complete a vital feasibility study, bringing us one step closer to realizing our vision for a vibrant, sustainable community hub. With this support, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that our efforts to build a place of learning, healing, and growth for Indigenous peoples and the wider community are well underway. We extend our heartfelt thanks for this invaluable contribution. All my Relations.- Ginawaydaganuc Village Board of Directors”

The IEDF provides grants and financing, through the Economic Diversification and Regional Partnership grant streams, to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and organizations for projects that diversify Indigenous economies and provide access to training opportunities. The ICCGP funds the development of community capital projects that contribute to a sustainable social base and support economic participation in Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario is also investing $3 million in funding through the Capacity and Growth Fund to support Indigenous economic development, food security and wealth creation that creates an environment where Indigenous people can thrive.
  • Ontario’s Business and Community Fund supports business financing and support services of Indigenous Financial Institutions in Ontario to provide grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and organizations.
  • Ontario will continue delivering a $25 million funding commitment over three years from 2022 to 2025 to support Indigenous partners for economic recovery and development.