Non-Repayable Contributions

Marketing Program

Short-term funding has been secured to launch a Marketing Program that provides Indigenous entrepreneurs with the opportunity to access up to 75% of costs covered for eligible marketing projects, to a maximum of $1,000 per project. This limited-time funding is ideal for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts through logo creation, signage, printed materials, web development, and more. Priority will be given to businesses that have not previously accessed this program. Eligible projects may include logo design, branded merchandise (clothing, mugs, pens, etc.), signage, business cards, SEO, packaging, and a wide range of advertising such as social media campaigns, video, flyers, and elevator pitches. Marketing tactics can include branding, web strategies, social media outreach, print advertising, and interpretive signage (such as wayfinding). All approved projects must be completed by March 31, 2026.

NRT Equity Match Program

NEDC has partnered with New Relationship Trust to offer equity matching contributions to Indigenous entrepreneurs from BC First Nations (including community businesses) to assist with meeting their equity requirements. These funds are intended to assist with the support, expansion, or modernization of businesses within BC. The NRT Equity Match offers entrepreneurs up to $7,500 and community businesses up to $25,000 with a non-repayable contribution. It requires that the equity match does not exceed 25% of eligible project costs and it must be offered in conjunction with financing.

Business Equity Program (ABFP)

NEDC has partnered with NACCA to offer non-repayable contributions of up to $99,999 to entrepreneurs and up to $250,000 to community businesses to assist with the capital, marketing and operating costs of establishing, expanding or acquiring a business. It requires that the contribution does not exceed 40% of eligible capital/operating project costs or 75% of business planning/support costs. The project is monitored for the life of the agreement to ensure the client continues to meet their contractual obligations and to determine the success of the project. Expenses prior to a signed contract are ineligible.

Nuu-chah-nulth Contributions

Are you Nuu-chah-nulth from one of the contributing member Nations of the NTC?

NEDC has partnered with several Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council to offer non-repayable contributions of up to $10,000 for entrepreneurs and up to $25,000 to community businesses.