Aboriginal Business Guide

Last Verified: August 18, 2010

What is a Business Guide?

The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre created Business Guides to help you navigate through the wide range of programs and services in a specific area as well as related regulations that may affect your business venture. Business Guides featuring other topics of interest are also available by contacting the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre at 204-984-2272 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2019 (toll free in Canada) or by e-mail at manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca.

Note: In addition to providing an immediate clickable link when viewing these documents online, we have suggested search words/terms to assist you in future for additional program and/or service information searches on our or other sites.

TABLE OF CONTENT

• Business Financing
• Taxation
• Business Services
• Aboriginal Business Directories on the Internet
• Aboriginal Business Directories in Print
• Online Information Sources 

Business Financing

Aboriginal Arts - Grant Programs
Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, Aboriginal Arts Coordinator
Aboriginal Arts Secretariat
Canada Council for the Arts
Phone - Toll free: 1-800-263-5588
E-mail: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/contactus/emfrm.htm?contactID=160
Internet: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/aboriginal/
Search words: Aboriginal, Canada Council

Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange - National and International Project Grants
- Assists individual artists or artistic groups from Aboriginal communities to travel to other Aboriginal communities to share traditional and/or contemporary knowledge or practices that will foster the development of their artistic practice.

Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange - National and International - Travel Grant
- Assists with Travel Costs.

For detailed information about application procedures, eligibility criteria and deadlines for the above programs or other funding programs available from Canada Council for the Arts, please contact them directly at the number listed above.

Aboriginal Business Canada
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 204-983-7316
Fax: 204-983-4107
E-mail: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ecd/ab/abc/abt/h_ab00091-eng.asp#winn
Internet: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ecd/ab/abc/abt/index-eng.asp
Search words: Aboriginal Business Canada

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs for a range of activities including business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing, new product and process development and other needs. They provide financial assistance, business information and resource materials and referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support.

Aboriginal Housing Program and Services
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - CMHC
Phone: Toll free 1-800-668-2642
Email: chic@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/ab/index.cfm
Search words: Aboriginal Housing, CMHC

Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers programs, innovative financing techniques, training tools and information to increase building capacity and address housing needs in First Nations communities.

Anishinabe Mazaska Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-940-5000 or Toll free 1-800-665-8935
Fax: 204-940-5003
E-mail: info.amcc@shawcable.com
Internet: http://www.amcc.mb.ca/page6.html
Search words: Anishinabe Mazaska

Loans (up to $200,000) available to any treaty or status Indian, or person eligible under Bill C31, from the First Nations of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council or the Southeast Resource Development Council who wishes to start, expand or acquire a commercial business, either on or off reserve. Types of loans include term loans, working capital loans, bridging loans and joint loans with other lenders. All eligible projects must demonstrate financial viability, and are subject to a minimum applicant equity contribution of 20% of the total project costs, made up of unencumbered cash or with pledged assets integral to the business.

Business Loans Program
Communities Economic Development Fund
Telephone: 204-778-4138 or Toll free 1-800-561-4315
Fax: 204-778-4313
Internet: http://www.cedf.mb.ca/business.htm
Search words: Business Loans Program, CEDF, manitoba

The Loan Program provides loans to viable businesses unable to secure financing on acceptable terms from conventional sources. CEDF is primarily an asset based lender, and is considered a 'lender of last resort'.

Commercial Lending Program
Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-943-0888 or Toll free 1-800-568-8488
Fax: 204-946-5318
E-mail: info@twcc.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.twcc.mb.ca/commercial_lending.php
Search words: Commercial Lending, TWCC

Provides loans (up to $175,000) for the establishment, expansion or diversification of self-sustaining Aboriginal businesses in Manitoba. Direct TermLloans are provided for the purpose of acquiring fixed assets to be used for business purposes. Working Capital Loans are provided for the purpose of improving the working capital position of a business where there is securable equity in the fixed assets of the business. Bridging Loans may be made available to provide bridge financing while the borrower is awaiting payment or funding from a third party. All loan applications must be accompanied by a business plan, market study (for new ventures). All loan applicants must have at least a 10% equity in the respective project.

First Nations Farm Credit Program
Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-943-0888 or Toll free 1-800-568-8488
Fax: 204-946-5318
E-mail: info@twcc.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.twcc.mb.ca/farm_credit.php
Search words: First Nations Farm, TWCC

To provide loans (to a maximum of $175,000) to any member of a First Nations in Manitoba wishing to start, expand or acquire a viable farm unit in Manitoba. Minimum equity required is 10%.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. - Business Plan Assistance Program
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Phone: 204-942-6026 or Toll free 1-888-942-6026
Fax: 204-942-6441
E-mail: info@firstpeoplesfund.ca
Internet: http://www.firstpeoplesfund.ca/business_plan.php
Search words: FPEGF, Business Plan

Approval of funding is required prior to the consultant commencing the assignment.

This non-repayable program is intended to provide support to Manitoba First Nation individuals or First Nation-based enterprises, to engage the services of a professional consultant to assist in the research, and development of a quality business plan that will be used to attract financing. Funding is available up to 75% of the costs to a maximum of $20,000.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. - Community Economic Expansion Interest Free Loan Program
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Phone: 204-942-6026 or Toll free 1-888-942-6026
Fax: 204-942-6441
E-mail: info@firstpeoplesfund.ca
Internet: http://www.firstpeoplesfund.ca/community_economic.php
Search words: FPEGF, Expansion

This Program is to assist First Nation community-owned business development associations and corporations leverage capital to develop businesses that will result in the creation of wealth and jobs for First Nations.
 

Non-Repayable Funding available is up to 35% of the fair market value of the assets (including identified start-up costs and working capital) to a maximum of $75,000. Should the business be sold or disposed of within three years of receiving a non-repayable contribution, it will become repayable immediately.

Repayable The Program can contribute up to the lesser of $225,000 or 35% of the fair market value of the assets (including identified start-up costs and working capital) as an interest-free repayable contribution.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. - Entrepreneur Loan Program
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Phone: 204-942-6026 or Toll free 1-888-942-6026
Fax: 204-942-6441
E-mail: info@firstpeoplesfund.ca
Internet: http://www.firstpeoplesfund.ca/entrepreneur_loan.php
Search words: FPEGF, Interest Free Loan

This program is to assist First Nation entrepreneurs by providing capital and/or working capital through subordinated interest-free loans. Each loan will be for the lesser of $200,000 per project, or 50% of the fair market value of the assets, including identified start-up costs and working capital. Loans are repayable over a term normally not to exceed 10 years (buildings not to exceed 20 years).

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. - Joint Venture Program
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Phone: 204-942-6026 or Toll free 1-888-942-6026
Fax: 204-942-6441
E-mail: info@firstpeoplesfund.ca
Internet: http://www.firstpeoplesfund.ca/joint_venture.php
Search words: FPEGF, Joint Venture

This funding program is intended to provide support for large-scale First Nations enterprises for up to the lesser of $1,000,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the total project costs (including identified start-up costs and working capital). Projects funded under this program must be for-profit and commercially viable with total project costs in excess of $500,000.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. - Professional Support Services (Aftercare Program)
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Phone: 204-942-6026 or Toll free 1-888-942-6026
Fax: 204-942-6441
E-mail: info@firstpeoplesfund.ca
Internet: http://www.firstpeoplesfund.ca/aftercare.php
Search words: FPEGF, Aftercare Program

Non-repayable funding available is up to 75% of the costs to a maximum of $20,000 is intended to allow the business to engage the services of a professional consultant to examine the operations of the business in order to identify areas that may require special attention.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. - Resource & Energy Investment Program
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Phone: 204-942-6026 or Toll free 1-888-942-6026
Fax: 204-942-6441
E-mail: info@firstpeoplesfund.ca  
Internet: http://www.firstpeoplesfund.ca/resource_and_energy_investment.php
Search words: FPEGF, Resource & Energy

The REIP is intended to provide debt or equity financing to large-scale Aboriginal businesses in either the Energy or Resource sectors of the Manitoba economy. Typical financing available will be from $500,000 to $1,500,000 and will typically represent about 20% of the total financing.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund - Skills Development Program
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Phone: 204-942-6026 or Toll free 1-888-942-6026
Fax: 204-942-6441
E-mail: info@firstpeoplesfund.ca
Internet: http://www.firstpeoplesfund.ca/skills_development.php
Search words: FPEGF, Skills Development Program

This funding program supports rapid business readiness training for new and existing First Nations entrepreneurs to develop their management and marketing skills. Funding is available up to 75% of the approved costs. The Program funds only direct course costs such as tuition, workshop fees, and books. The program is not intended to finance the acquisition of a degree or certificate.

Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/EN/i_am/aboriginal_entrepreneur/Pages/growth_capital_financing.aspx
Search words: Growth Capital, Aboriginal, BDC

Offers financing of up to $100,000 for existing businesses and $25,000 for start-ups to Aboriginal business people who want to start a small business or expand an existing business either on or off reserve. Loan repayments will be flexible. To be eligible, applicants must provide a solid business plan and demonstrate strong management capability, financial commitment to the business, and evidence of strong earning potential. Participants must be willing to participate in a Mentorship Program.

Louis Riel Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-589-0772 or Toll free 1-800-387-6004
Fax: 204-589-0791
E-mail: info@lrcc.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.lrcc.mb.ca/
Search words: Louis Riel, LRCC

The Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC) finances the start-up, acquisition and/or expansion of viable Metis and Non-Status Indian controlled small businesses based in Manitoba. Their services/programs include: Business Loans; Bridge Financing; Business Plans and Business Advisory Services.

Young Rural Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Initiative
Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives
Contact the Growing Opportunities Office nearest you:
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices.html  
Internet: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/index.php?name=aaa16s01
Application Form: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/programs/pdf/aaa16s01.pdf
Search words: Young Rural Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Manitoba

This loan program is targeted to rural Aboriginal youth, under the age of 40, who are considering starting a business in Rural Manitoba. To find out more about eligibility and program details, interested individuals should contact their local GO Team office.

Taxation

GST/HST and Indians, Indians bands, and band-empowered entities
Canada Revenue Agency - CRA
Phone: Toll free 1-800-959-5525
Internet: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/frstntns/menu-eng.html
Search words: GST/HST, Indians

Under the Indian Act, the GST does not apply to certain goods and services.

Tax Information for Status Indians
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Phone: Toll free 1-800-959-5525
Internet: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/brgnls/ndns-eng.html
Search words: CRA, Status Indians

An online reference for Status Indians. Information on: Benefit Programs, Business Income, Corporations and Trusts, Employment Income, Employment-Related Income, Employer source deductions, Federal Excise Duty and Tax, GST/HST, Interest and Investment Income, Tax Exemption.

Business Services

Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)
Janet Charron, Coordinator
Community Futures Manitoba
559 - 167 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0V3
Phone: 204-944-8438 or Cell: 204-782-0543
E-mail: jcharron@cfmanitoba.ca
Internet: http://www.cfmanitoba.ca/absn/home.htm  
Search words: ABSN, CF Manitoba

The Aboriginal Business Service Network is committed to providing the Aboriginal business community with a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations that are relevant, up-to-date and accurate.

Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument
Silu' Corporation, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association - NACCA
Phone: 613-688-0894
E-mail: admin@nacca.net
Internet: http://www.nacca.net/home_e.htm  
Search words: Silu, Contract Guarantee

Silu' Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NACCA, established to guarantee the work of Aboriginal contractor to project owners and managers. This is accomplished through the use of an Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument, which functions like a line of credit for contractor to give performance assurances without unduly risking capital and cash flow.

Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Statistics Canada - SC
Phone: Toll free: 1-800-263-1136
E-mail: infostats@statcan.gc.ca
Internet: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01aps/home.cfm
Search words: Aboriginal Peoples Survey

Statistics Canada maintains files that provide a social and economic profile of Aboriginal people. These are available in publications, microdata files and electronic products.

Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative - AWPI
Indian & Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 204-983-4928
Fax: 204-983-7820
Internet: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/awpi/index_e.html
Search words: AWPI

The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) is a national initiative designed to help employers recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees. The toolkit is designed to provide quick access to information geared to Aboriginal employment.

Aboriginal Youth Mean Business! (AYMB)
Manitoba Healthy Living, Citizenship and Youth
Phone: 204-945-0447 or Toll free 1-800-883-0398
Internet: http://www.aymb.ca/ 
Search words: Aboriginal Youth Means Business!

This program supports Aboriginal youth in Manitoba who have started or plan to start their own business by sponsoring information exchanges, providing youth mentorship opportunities and supporting Aboriginal youth business awards and recognition events.

Assembly of First Nations
Phone: Toll free 1-866-869-6789
Fax: 613-241-5808
Internet: http://www.afn.ca/
Search words: Assembly of First Nations

Presents the views of the various First Nations through their leaders in areas such as: Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, Economic Development, Education, Languages and Literacy, Health, Housing, Social Development, Justice, Taxation, Land Claims, Environment, and a whole array of issues that are of common concern which arise from time to time.

Build a Business Program (BAB)
SEED Winnipeg Inc. - Supporting Employment & Economic Development
Telephone: 204-927-9935
Fax: 204-927-9930
E-mail: info@seedwinnipeg.ca
Web site: http://www.seedwinnipeg.ca/build-a-business.htm
Search words: SEED Winnipeg

Free and fee-for-service business development and expansion services including training, business planning, access to financing, consulting, after-care support and referrals to other services.

CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS)
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Mr. Henry Fast, Regional Program Officer
Phone: 204-983-1502 or Toll free - 1-800-230-6349
E-mail: Henry.Fast@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/acdi-cida.nsf/eng/REN-218124638-P5F
Search words: CIDA, aboriginal procurement

Aimed at promoting Aboriginal business development through the procurement process at CIDA. Aboriginal suppliers wishing to be included in the CIDA bidding process must first make sure to register in the Aboriginal Business Directory http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/sld/cmpny.do?tag=248&profileId=381&lang=eng maintained by the Industry Canada.

Canada's Virtual Aboriginal Trade Show
Government of Canada
Toll free: 1-888-399-0111
E-mail: acp@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/abdt/apps/vats2.nsf/splash.html
Search words: Virtual Trade Show, aboriginal

The Virtual Aboriginal Trade Show (VATS) is an innovative Internet showcase of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, products and services. To be eligible as a member, your company must meet all of the following criteria: You must be an Aboriginal entrepreneur or have at least 51% Aboriginal ownership and control of a joint venture; you must have a functional web site where your products and/or services are available to the public; your company must be actively exporting or export ready.

Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)
Toll free: 1-800-263-0231
E-mail: inform@cba.ca
Internet: http://www.cba.ca/contents/files/misc/msc_onreservelending_en.pdf
Search words: Canadian Bankers Association

Has a document entitled "Understanding the Regulatory Environment for On-Reserve Lending."

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Phone: 416-961-8663
Fax: 416-961-3995
E-mail: info@ccab.com
Internet: http://www.ccab.com/
Search words: CCAB

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business is dedicated to promoting the full participation of Aboriginal people in the Canadian economy. CCAB's mission is to broker business relationships between the corporate sector and the Aboriginal community.

CESO Aboriginal Services
Katherine Morrisseau-Sinclair
Phone: 204-977-1924 or Toll free 1-888-949-0177
Fax: 204-942-1647
E-mail: manitoba@ceso-saco.com
Internet: http://www.ceso-saco.com/english/national/aboriginal/index.php
Search words: CESO, aboriginal

CESO transfers technical and managerial expertise to Canadian Aboriginal Peoples, businesses and communities. Its mission is to support Aboriginal Peoples in achieving self-sufficiency and self-determination, they focus on capacity-building, which they accomplish through:

The transfer of skills and knowledge;
The development of needed products and services;
The accumulation and dissemination of best practices;
The provision of accessible and cost-effective services.

Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 1-800-567-9604
E-mail: InfoPubs@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ecd/pubs/js/js-eng.pdf
Search words: Women's Business Planning

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has developed a business planning guide specifically for Aboriginal women considering starting a business. Some of the subject matter that is covered in this guide is: What do I need to know before starting a business? How do I develop my product or idea? Do I really need a business plan? How do I get money to start up? What role do governments play? How can I market my business? Should I use consultants? Should I get a mentor? Can I keep my business going and still have time to look after my family?

Native Investment and Trade Association
Phone: Toll free 1-800-337-7743
Fax: 604-275-0307
Internet: http://www.native-invest-trade.com/index_basic.shtml
Search words: NITA, native

An Aboriginal non-profit association dedicated to pursuing self-reliance through entrepreneurship. Its main activity is producing Aboriginal conferences, trade shows and business events across the nation. Through training and education, and by acting as facilitators between the Native and non-Native business world, it is providing guidance and advice to Aboriginal organizations across Canada.

Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB)
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 204-983-4928 or Toll Free 1-800-400-7677
Fax: 204-983-7820
E-mail: psab-saea@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/saea-psab/index-eng.asp
Search words: PSAB, procurement, aboriginal

A program launched by the federal government to help Aboriginal firms become more involved in bidding on government contracting opportunities. Aboriginal businesses should register their firms with Business Access Canada Directory: Supplier Registration Information service https://srisupplier.contractscanada.gc.ca/index-eng.cfm?af=ZnVzZWFjdGlvbj1yZWdpc3Rlci5pbnRybyZpZD00&lang=eng online or contact the Information line at 1-800-811-1148.

Aboriginal Business Directories on the Internet

Aboriginal Business Directory - Industry Canada
Internet: http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/sld/cmpny.do?tag=248&profileId=381&lang=eng
Search words: Aboriginal Business Directory

Aboriginal Business Directory published by the Procurement Services Branch of the Government of Manitoba
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/psb/api/api_bd.html
Search words: procurement services, ABD

Inuit Business Directory
Internet: http://inuit.pail.ca/
Search words: Inuit Business Directory

Procurement Allocation Directory (PAD)
Contracts Canada
Phone: 1-800-811-1148
Internet: http://pad.contractscanada.gc.ca/index-eng.cfm?af=ZnVzZWFjdGlvbj1pbmZvLmludHJvJmlkPTQ=&lang=eng  
Search words: Procurement Allocation Directory

The Procurement Allocation Directory (PAD) is a list of key purchasing contacts in Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) offices. It includes links from these contacts to the products and services they buy.

Aboriginal Business Directories in Print

Canadian Aboriginal Business and communities Directories published by Indiana Marketing
Internet: http://www.indianamarketing.com/anglais/bottins/commande.html  
Search words: Indiana Marketing

Online Information Sources

Aboriginal Canada Portal
Internet: http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/en/index.html
Search words: Aboriginal Canada Portal

The Aboriginal Canada Portal is your single window to Canadian Aboriginal on-line resources, contacts, information and government programs and services.

Aboriginal Population Profile, 2006 Census Source Statistics Canada
Internet: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/aboriginal/Index.cfm?Lang=E
Search words: Aboriginal Population Profile, 2006 Census

Aboriginal Funding Tool
Aboriginal Canada Portal
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 1-888-399-0111
E-mail: ACP@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/apps/fundingtool.nsf/index_en.html
Search words: Aboriginal Funding Tool

The Aboriginal Funding Tool is an interactive tool that will help you find different types of funding available specifically for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
Internet: http://www.abo-peoples.org/
Search words: Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)

Provides information about Aboriginal peoples across Canada who live in a non-reserve setting throughout Canada.

Eagle's Eye View: A Comprehensive Scan of the Aboriginal Community in Winnipeg
Internet: http://www.unitedwaywinnipeg.mb.ca/pdf/eagleseyeview-04.pdf
Search words: Eagle's Eye View: A Comprehensive Scan of the Aboriginal Community in Winnipeg

First Nation Profiles
Internet: http://sdiprod2.inac.gc.ca/FNProfiles/FNProfiles_home.htm
Search words: First Nation Profiles

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

LINKS POLICY
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