Open Call: Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (Canada)

Deadline: 15-Oct-25

Applications are now open for the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) to help Indigenous community-owned businesses create more jobs and improve socio-economic outcomes for communities by supporting the capital costs of economic development projects.

Funding Information

• Aboriginal Business Investment Fund grants are a minimum of $150,000 to a maximum of $750,000.

Eligible Costs

• Eligible capital costs for ABIF funding include the cost of a tangible capital asset and the costs associated with the acquisition, construction, renewal, rehabilitation, material enhancement or renovation of a tangible capital asset.
• Tangible capital assets are non-financial, physical assets that are acquired, constructed or developed and are:
  • held for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, for administrative purposes or for the development, construction, maintenance or repair of other tangible capital assets;
  • intended to be used in operation beyond one year; and,
  • not intended for sale in the ordinary course of operations.
• Tangible capital assets include, but are not limited to:
  • land improvements;
  • buildings and building improvements;
  • operating equipment;
  • heavy equipment;
  • vehicles; and
  • information and communication technology (systems, hardware and software)
• Associated tangible capital asset costs are considered eligible, provided the costs contribute to the completion of the project. These costs include, but are not limited to:
  • professional fees charged by a third-party for services rendered such as appraisal, application, survey, inspection, design, engineering, architecture and other similar types of activities;
  • site preparation costs, such as landscaping for buildings;
  • the expenditures for project-related signage, lighting, project markings and utility adjustments;
  • original purchase price or completed project costs, including basic costs of material and labour costs of a contractor; and/or,
  • other expenditures considered to be necessary for the successful implementation of the project that have been approved by Indigenous Relations in writing.

Ineligible Costs

• Ineligible capital costs for funding under ABIF include:
  • costs incurred prior to the current fiscal year;
  • costs related to developing a business case or proposal for funding;
  • costs related to land acquisition;
  • financing charges and interest payments on loans;
  • leasing land, buildings, equipment and other facilities;
  • furnishings, including office furnishings, and non-fixed assets that are not essential for the operation of the project;
  • projects that result in passive business income streams;
  • payments for services normally provided without charge like honoraria;
  • operation, repair and maintenance costs;
  • Infrastructure costs financed by or eligible for funding from other government sources. Examples include roads, rails
  • and utility services;
  • training, salaries, utilities and rent;
  • expenditures not related to the approved project;
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST);
  • goodwill; and
  • legal fees.

Eligible Projects 

• The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund invests in the capital elements of a business initiative. For a business initiative to qualify as an eligible project, the:
  • funding request must be for the capital costs associated with the acquisition, construction or enhancement of a significant fixed asset;
  • tangible capital asset(s) must be of use or benefit for more than one year;
  • project must be close to starting operations or breaking ground within the fiscal year; and,
  • project must demonstrate long-term benefits that support the improved economic security and prosperity of
  • Indigenous Peoples in Alberta.
• Projects are expected to:
  • begin or expand Indigenous community-owned businesses;
  • create spin-off business opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and communities;
  • increase the number of employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples;
  • create or increase local revenue streams for Indigenous communities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants include Indigenous communities, organizations or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities in Alberta. Note:
  • communities must own and control 51 per cent or more of the proposed business or joint venture;
  • if an applicant is a corporate entity, it must be in good standing; and
  • all applicants must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of any previous Indigenous Relations funding.

For more informati, visit Government of Alberta.