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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

Thunderbird Eats: Bringing Innovation and Tradition Together

Food & Drink | Port Alberni, BC

Thunderbird Eats was born from a shared love of candy between mother-daughter team Sherri Cook of Huu-ay-aht First Nation and Saryta Dick, who is from both …

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A Modern Fairy Tale – Briar Rose Beauty

Aesthetic & Personal Care | Comox, BC

For Sarah Merrill, founder of Briar Rose, beauty has always been about more than appearance, it’s about confidence, connection, and empowerment. Sarah, …

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Where Care Becomes Artistry – Vi Beautify Studio

Bridal Beauty | Nanaimo, BC

Ashley Porter is the founder and owner of Vi Beautify Studio and is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) from Akwesasne. She moved to Nanaimo before starting school and …

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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