NADF Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program
by Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
Also known as: IWE Program · Indigenous Women in Business (NADF)
NADF's Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship (IWE) Program funds Indigenous women aged 18+ who own at least 51% of a business in NADF's Northern Ontario service area. Support is up to $25,000 total project cost, structured as 45% grant, 50% repayable loan (5% interest, up to 5 years), and a 5% client contribution. Intake is continuous but funding is limited, NADF encourages applying early. It cannot be combined with NADF's Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship program.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $25,000
nadf.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Mixed instruments
- Status
- Open while funds last allocations can run out before the window closes; confirm before applying
- Your share
- 5% matching required
nadf.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Who qualifies
- Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation · 51%+ Indigenous ownership
- Applicant must be an Indigenous woman over the age of 18
- Must own at least 51% of the business
- Must operate within NADF's service area (Treaty 9, Ontario portion of Treaty 5, Treaty 3, Robinson-Superior 1850); district mapping approximate
- Cannot be combined with NADF's Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship (IYE) program
nadf.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Repayment structure
{"grant_pct":45,"repayable_loan_pct":50,"client_contribution_pct":5,"loan_terms":"5% interest, repayment up to 5 years"}
nadf.org · 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 NADF / book an appointment
- Business planning guidance, workshops and readiness support from NADF
- Submit application
- Approval: blended grant + loan disbursed
nadf.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
How much of the NADF IWE funding is a grant vs a loan?
Of a maximum $25,000 project: 45% is a non-repayable grant, 50% is a repayable loan at 5% interest over up to 5 years, and you contribute the remaining 5% yourself.
Who qualifies for NADF's Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program?
Indigenous women over 18 who own at least 51% of the business, operate within NADF's service area, meet program requirements, and can provide the 5% client contribution.
Can I stack it with NADF's youth program?
No, NADF states the IWE Program cannot be combined with the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship (IYE) program.
Is there an application deadline?
No fixed deadline, but NADF encourages early applications because funding availability is limited.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: