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Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and the growth of the Indigenous economy on Vancouver Island.

We help Indigenous communities become healthy, wealthy and socio-economically independent

In addition to financing and loan programs, NEDC offers business advisory services free of charge to Indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nations community-owned businesses on Vancouver Island. With over 40 years of planting seeds in communities and over $160 million in loans approved, we are catalyzing socio-economic independence for our nations.

Since 1984 we’ve grown slowly and intentionally, guided by strong governance and a consistent focus on our mandate.

Learn more about NEDC

Celebrating our clients’ successes

From Tradition to Runway – Ay Lelum, The Good House of Design

Arts & Culture | Nanaimo, BC

Built on a powerful family legacy, this Coast Salish fashion business traces its roots back to the late1980s, when the founders’ parents launched a …

Read their Story

Building Aerospace Success: Dorian Cota

Areospace & Aviation | Parksville, BC

Dorian Cota, founder and president of COTA Aviation, launched the company in 2012 with a clear vision: build a high-performance aviation business and help …

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Building Holistic Reproductive Care Rooted in Community – Andrea Sanders, Lagoon Prenatal

Holistic Reproductive Health Services | Victoria, BC

Andrea Sanders is the founder of Lagoon Prenatal, a holistic health and wellness practice that supports women across all stages of reproductive health, …

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Find out how our financing programs can help you

NEDC offers many different loan and contribution programs with varying eligibility. Your Business Development Officer is here to help create the perfect package for you.

Explore Our Programs