Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital
Also known as: AEP · Access to Capital · Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (Access to Capital) is the federal umbrella behind most Indigenous business funding in Northern Ontario. It provides non-repayable equity contributions, up to $99,999 for individual Indigenous entrepreneurs and up to $250,000 for eligible Indigenous community businesses, to start, expand or acquire a business. You don't apply to ISC: funding flows through NACCA's network of Indigenous Financial Institutions, locally NADF (northwest) and Waubetek (northeast). No deadline; contact your IFI.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $99,999
sac-isc.gc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Conditional contribution
- Status
- Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
- Who qualifies
- Individual entrepreneur, indigenous controlled business, indigenous organization
- National program, all Northern Ontario districts eligible
- Indigenous individuals or Indigenous-controlled businesses; Indigenous organizations/associations excluding charitable or religious entities
- Detailed eligibility varies by delivering Indigenous Financial Institution, consult your local IFI or MCC
sac-isc.gc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Application process
Call first. This funder expects contact with a program officer before you apply.
- Contact your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) or Métis Capital Corporation (MCC), in Northern Ontario chiefly NADF (northwest) or Waubetek (northeast)
- IFI assesses eligibility and application
- Funding delivered through the IFI as a non-repayable equity contribution, typically alongside an IFI loan
sac-isc.gc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
Do I apply to Indigenous Services Canada directly?
No. The program is administered through the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and delivered by local Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations. In Northern Ontario, contact NADF (northwest) or Waubetek (northeast); Métis entrepreneurs are typically routed to a Métis Capital Corporation such as MVDF.
How much funding is available?
Up to $99,999 for individual Indigenous entrepreneurs and up to $250,000 for eligible Indigenous community businesses, as non-repayable contributions.
Is there a deadline?
No, ISC states there is no deadline to apply; intake is continuous through the IFIs.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: