Deadline Date: June 22, 2026
The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund 2026 supports Indigenous women-owned businesses in Canada that face systemic barriers to accessing lending relationships by providing development support and access to networks through a dedicated funding initiative.
The focus areas of this fund include strengthening Indigenous women entrepreneurship, addressing systemic barriers in accessing lending and financial services, supporting business development, and expanding access to professional networks and capacity-building opportunities for Indigenous women-owned enterprises.
The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund is presented by LNG Canada and is designed to strengthen Indigenous entrepreneurship through targeted support mechanisms. It is administered through the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) via its Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) program, which is focused on enhancing business growth opportunities, development access, and network building for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
The fund is open to Indigenous women-owned businesses where the Indigenous woman owner holds a minimum of 51 percent ownership and control. Applicants are required to provide essential business details such as the legal name of the business, date of establishment, legal structure, number of employees, and a clear description of the business operations.
Applicants must also submit proof of Indigenous ancestry through accepted documentation, which may include an Indian status card, Métis National Council Governing Membership, Inuit Beneficiary card, or valid identification from recognized Indigenous governing or settlement organizations such as Congress of Aboriginal Peoples affiliate membership or other recognized Métis and territorial beneficiary memberships.
In addition, applicants must provide proof of ownership and control demonstrating at least 51 percent Indigenous ownership. Depending on the business structure, required documents may include a Master Business License or equivalent for sole proprietorships, Articles of Incorporation, Shareholders Agreement, Shareholders Registry, or relevant corporate tax return schedules for corporations, and Partnership Agreements for partnership-based businesses.
The application process is structured to ensure that eligible Indigenous women entrepreneurs can demonstrate both their identity and ownership status while providing a clear overview of their business operations. The documentation requirements are intended to verify eligibility and ensure that support is directed toward qualifying Indigenous women-owned enterprises.
For more information, visit Canadian Council for Indigenous Business.
