Let's bring your ideas to life

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

Explore Indigenous Financing Programs

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

Cranberry Cannabis: Persistence, Partnership and a Path Forward

Cannabis | Powell River, BC

For Joel Snesar, owner of Big Smoke Cannabis Corp., doing business as Cranberry Cannabis, becoming a licensed cannabis retailer took years of persistence …

Bellachow: Better Bowls, Built by Chefs

Pet Food | Victoria, BC

What started as a conversation between accomplished chefs D’Arcy Ladret and Peter Zambri, two devoted dog owners, has grown into Bellachow, an …

Kermode Overlanding: Built for Adventure, Driven by Opportunity

Outdoor Adventure Outfitter | Nanaimo, BC

For Chris Cathers, entrepreneurship has always been about creating opportunities, solving problems, and helping people experience the outdoors in new …

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

Stay up to date

    Draxon Athletics: Strength, Culture and Movement

    August 27, 2026

    Nootka Media Selected by Audible to Capture Indigenous Writers Circle

    August 11, 2026