British Columbia Resources

Prince George Aboriginal Development Centre

Office Location(s)	Prince George
Mailing  Address	890 Vancouver St., Prince George, BC, V2L 2P5
Phone Number	(250) 562-6325
Email	admin@abdc.bc.ca
Fax Number	(250) 562-6326

Financial Offerings

1. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

   • Hosts several workshops and mentorship opportunities throughout the year.
   • The Aboriginal Business Development Centre is not a lender and therefore, they make referrals to other organizations that do lend such as Aboriginal Financial Institutions.

 

All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO)

Office Location(s)	Kamloops
Mailing Address	520 Chief Eli LaRue Way, Kamloops, BC  V2H 1H1
Phone Number	(778) 471-4110
Email	antco@antco.ca

Financial Offerings

1. New Relationship Trust (NRT) 

   • Must be applied for in conjunction with a business loan and are conditional on the approval of a loan that is supported by a viable business opportunity with confirmed equity, collateral, and business plan.
   • This grant is available for the Indigenous entrepreneur up to $5,000.

2. First Citizens Fund (FCF) 

   •  Available to business enterprises that are 51% Indigenous owned.
   • The FCF provides a 40% contribution to the principal of your loan as you pay it off.
   • The lifetime maximum you can borrow is $115,000.

 

Burns Lake Native Development Corporation (BLNDC)

Office Location(s)	Burns Lake
Mailing Address	485 Highway 16 West, Burns Lake, BC
Phone Number	(250) 692-3188
Email	info@blndc.ca

Financial Offerings

1. Business Loans

   • Business loan options to support entrepreneurs at every stage, offering flexible terms and competitive rates to help you secure the funding necessary for growth and success.

 

Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN)

Office Location(s)	Kamloops
Mailing Address	208-345 Chief Alex Thomas Way Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1
Phone Number	(250) 828-9833
Email	info@cfdcofcifn.com

Financial Offerings

1. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Micro-Loan Fund

   • Intended to prepare Women with training and resources to help build knowledge, skills, and confidence to assist in their business growth and development.
   • Maximum loan amount $60,000.

2. General Business Loan Program

   • Available to applicants for business purposes not covered by any other CFDC of CIFN loan portfolio.
   • Maximum loan amount $125,000.

3. Disability Investment Fund

   • Available to applicants with self declared disabilities for business purposes.
   • Maximum loan amount $125,000.

4. Community Business Loans

   • Available to applicant, communities and band for business purposes.
   • Maximum loan amount $250,000.

5. Agriculture Business Loans

   • Available to applicant, communities and band for business purposes.
   • Maximum loan amount $125,000.

6. Youth Invesment Fund

   • Available to applicants aged 15-29 for business purposes.
   • Maximum loan amount will be determined based on the viability of Business Plan and credit history.

 

Haida Gwaii Community Futures

Office Location(s)	Masset
Mailing Address	1587 McLeod Street, PO Box 40, Masset, BC V0T 1M0
Phone Number	(250) 637-1744
Email	business@haidagwaiifutures.ca

Financial Offerings

1. Paddle Loan

   • Starter seed loans for new businesses.
   • Loan amoun between $500 - $10,000. 

2. Canoe Loan

   • Business builder loans for new and existing businesses.
   • Loan amount between $10,000 - $150,000.

3. Stern Paddle Loan

   • Syndicated investment loan pool for large loans.
   • Loan minimum is $150,000.

4. Haida Owned & Operated Loan

   • Loan amount between $1,000 - $150,000+.

 

Métis Financial Corporation of British Columbia (MFCBC)

Office Location(s)	Kelowna
Mailing Address	208-1708 Dolphin Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4
Phone Number	(883) 399-3926
Email	admin@mfcbc.ca

Financial Offerings

1. Métis Women’s Entrepreneur Program

   • The MFC is currently working on relaunching their women's program and they want to hear from Métis Women Entrepreneurs across British Columbia.

2. Business Loan

   • The Métis Financial Corporation works to finance the start-up, acquisition, and/or expansion of viable Métis owned and operated small businesses based in British Columbia.

Native Fishing Association

Office Location(s)	West Vancouver
Mailing Address	Suite 701,100 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC Canada V7T 1A2
Phone Number	(604) 913-2997
Email	reception@shoal.ca

Financial Offerings

1. Standard Native Fishing Association Loan

   • Loans up to $500,000 are available to qualified applicants who submit an application detailing how the funding will benefit their fishing business operations.
   • NFA offers standard loans up to $500,000, with an interest rate of 8.75% amortized over 3-10 years.

2. Entrepreneur Equity-Matching Initiative

   • Provided by the New Relationship Trust (NRT) and administered by the Native Fishing Association.
   • This non-repayable grant can only complement your cash-equity, if your loan has been approved.       

3. Business Equity Program Business Equity Program (ABFP)

   • Provided by NACCA and administered by NEDC partnering with NFA.
   • The ABFP program provides up to 40% non-repayable grant to compliment an approved loan.

4. Financing Programs

   • When you apply for a loan, we will automatically assess your eligibility for the equity grants we have available. The amount given varies and we determine the amount based on your financing calculations.
   • Non-repayable grants can only compliment your financing if your loan has been approved.

 

Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)

Office Location(s)	Port Alberni
Mailing Address	7563 Pacific Rim Highway, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 8Y5
Phone Number	(250) 724-3131  Toll-Free: 1 (866) 444-6332
Email	nedc@nedc.info

Financial Offerings

1. Business Loans

   • These loans are for both individual entrepreneurs & Nation-owned businesses.
   • NEDC offers several financing options with flexible terms, interest rates, repayment options, and requirements.

2. Non-Repayable Contributions

   • NEDC has partnered with several organizations to offer Indigenous entrepreneurs with non-repayable contributions.

3. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

   • Loans and non-repayable contributions to assist with the costs of establishing or expanding a business.
   • Indigenous women who majority own (51%) and operate their business are eligible.

4. First Citizen's Fund (FCF)

   • NEDC has partnered with All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) to offer the First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program.
   • An FCF loan offers a 40% contribution to the principal of your loan as you pay it off.
   • The lifetime maximum you can borrow is $75,000 plus the administration fee of 1.5%.

 

Stó:lō Community Futures Corporation (SCF)

Office Location(s)	Chilliwack
Mailing Address	Bldg #5A - 2nd Floor, 7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4G5
Phone Number	(604) 858-0009

Financial Offerings

1. Micro-Loan

   • With a business idea or plan to expand or maintain your business, you may qualify for a business loan up to $10,000.

2. General Investment Fund

   • SCF General Investment Funds are loans designed to help Indigenous businesses invest in long-term capital purchases, for example, equipment and vehicles.
   • Loan available to a maximum of $150,000.

3. Indigenous Impact Lending Fund

   • Maximum loan amount of $500,000.
   • Indigenous businesses can access up to $150,000 for business start-up, growth or expansion.

4. Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)

   • The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) funding is designed to assist entrepreneurs who self-identify with restricted ability to overcome barriers in business.

5. Equity Match Program

   • In partnership with New Relationship Trust, SCF administers the Equity Match Program for the fiscal year of 2024-2025, which matches a portion of the required 15% equity component in grant funds.
   • The grant is not offered as a stand-alone source of funding. It must be applied for in conjunction with a SCF Loan.

 

Tale’Awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC)

Office Location(s)	West Vancouver
Mailing Address	508-100 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2
Phone Number	(604) 926-5626  Toll-Free: (604) 926-5627
Email	info@tacc.ca

Financial Offerings

1. FCF Loan

   • The First Citizens Fund (FCF) loan offers a 40% forgiveness portion over the life of your loan.
   • The lifetime maximum you can borrow is $75,000.

2. Conventional Loan

   • The TACC Conventional Loan does not include a forgiveness portion, and is similar to mainstream financing.

3. Business Equity Program (BEP)

   • The BEP will consider non-repayable contributions to Aboriginal clients for eligible capital and business support to start, expand or acquire a viable business.
   • The BEP may contribute up to a maximum of $99,999 for individuals and incorporated businesses, and up to $250,000 for community owned businesses, based on a viable business plan and subject to other financing being in place.

4. NRT Equity Match Grant

   •  The grant is not offered as a stand-alone source of funding, and must be applied for in conjunction with a TACC Loan.
   • The NRT Grant is only available to BC First Nation community-owned businesses and BC First Nation individual entrepreneurs.

 

Tribal Resources Investment Corporation (TRICORP)

Office Location(s)	Prince Rupert
Mailing Address	100 Grassy Bay Lane, Prince Rupert, B.C
Phone Number	(250) 624-3535
Email	tricorp@citywest.ca

Financial Offerings

1. First Citizens’ Fund

   • Maximum lifetime loan of $75,000 for individuals.
   • Maximum lifetime loan for communities is $225,000.

2. TRICORP Loan Fund

   • Enhance First Nations economic development through the start-up, expansion and/or upgrading of First Nations businesses.
   • Maximum loan amount of $100,000.

3. The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Program 

   • The IWE fund is a Micro-Loan program that will provide Indigenous Women entrepreneurs with finance and working capital for their small, part-time or home-based businesses, with total financing costs of under $60,000.

4. Employer Benefit Lending Program  

   • Lines of credit to be extended to employees that are then repaid directly through paycheque deductions.

All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) 

1. Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)
   • Offering non-repayable business grants to Indigenous entrepreneurs for startup, expansion or the acquisition of a viable Indigenous owned business.
   • This grant may be available up to a maximum of $99,999 for individual entrepreneurs subject to availability and criteria requirements.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University 

Institution Location(s)	Surrey
Phone Number	(604) 599-2000

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture

   • Through a unique combination of classroom and farm-based learning, students explore practical opportunities for land and food to strengthen community and ecosystem health.

Program or Institution-Specific Scholarships

1. Agnew Bursary
2. George E. Housser Endowed Memorial Award for Sustainable Agriculture 
3. Lee Lockwood Award for Sustainable Agriculture
4. Nature's Path Award for Sustainable Agriculture
5. Plant a Seed and See What Grows Foundation Bursary 
6. Port Royal Community Garden Society Award
7. Richmond Garden Club Award
8. Western Potash Award for Sustainable Agriculture

Vancouver Island University 

Institution Location(s)	Nanaimo
Phone Number	(250) 753-3245  Toll-Free:1 (888) 920-2221

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. The Horticulture Technician Foundation Certificate Program 

   • The program covers a broad spectrum of horticultural practices including plant propagation techniques, greenhouse production, nursery crop production, landscape design, landscape construction, and plant identification. 
   • General Trade admission requirements apply.

University of British Columbia 

Institution Location(s)	Vancouver

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

   • Learn how to produce food in a way that protects our soils, water, and air, how to manage biodiversity and habitat for the organisms we rely on to help us grow our food, and how to grow food in urban environments.
   • All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission along with general admission requirements including graduation from high school and a minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or 12 English.

Program or Institution-Specific Scholarships

1. Lindsay and Elizabeth Gordon Award in Health Sciences
2. The Spitz Family Awards for Indigenous Women

University of The Fraser Valley 

Institution Location(s)	Abbotsford
Phone Number	(604) 504-7441

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Horticulture major

   • UFV's four-year Bachelor of Agriculture Science with a Horticulture major helps you develop the perfect mix of technical, communication, and business skills to prepare you to play a leading role in the Fraser Valley's agricultural sector.
   • High school graduation is required along with prerequisites for CHEM 110, BIO 111, and STAT 104. 

2. Bachelor of Business Administration for Agriculture Management

   • UFV's Bachelor of Business Administration in Agriculture Management is especially designed for professionals who have been working in this growing industry for two years or more and would like to advance their career by studying at a university that has a recognized track record of agricultural excellence in teaching and research.

3. Agriculture Technology diploma 

   • In your first year, you get to complete the requirements of either the Horticulture Crop Production and Protection certificate or the Livestock Production certificate before going on to year two. 
   • High school graduation is required. 

Canscribe Career College

Institution Location(s)	Kelowna
Phone Number	(250) 448-4670
Email	info@canscribe.com

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Agriculture Technology Course

   • The Agriculture Technology Course was designed and built because of demand from the industry. Employers need trained agriculture specialists who have the tangible skills to perform the job.This program fulfills training requirements identified by industry experts that will allow new graduates to successfully enter the workforce with confidence.List more bullet points as required.

Program or Institution-Specific Scholarships

1. Committee Submitted Tuition Scholarship
2. 20% Off Tuition
3. 30% Tuition Scholarship

Pacific Horticulture College 

Institution Location(s)	Victoria
Phone Number	(250) 479-6162
Email	reception@hcp.ca

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program

   • This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to enter and succeed in the field of horticulture. The course is spent learning the theory in the classroom and applying in the gardens.
   • As this program is a trades program, the attendance and grade requirements are unique to meeting the SkilledTradesBC standards. All students are required to meet these standards.

2. Apprentice Training Program Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4

   • For those interested in a career in horticulture and part-time studies, PHC offers full and part-time apprenticeship training programs. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and skills, this program will prepare students to write SkilledTradesBC provincial exams and work towards completing their full apprenticeship.