Ontario Resources

First Nations Agriculture and Financing of Ontario (FNAFO)

Office Locations	Head Office: Stirling  Western Field Office: London
Mailing Address	Head Office: 220 North St., Box 100, Stirling, Ontario K0K 3E0  Western Field Office: 6453 Hamlyn St., PO Box 87 Stn, Lambeth, London, Ontario N6P 2A0
Phone Number	Head Office: 1 (800) 363-0329  Western Field Office: 1 (800) 663-6912
Email	info@firstnationsag.ca
Fax Number	(613) 395-5510

Financial Offerings

1. First Nations Farm and Business Financing

   • Loans are available for farms, agricultural related businesses as well as value added enterprises.

2. Business Financing 

   • Loans for:
     • Business Start-up and Expansion
     • Equipment
     • Commericla Real Estate Financing

3. First Nations Women’s Entrepreneurship program (FNWE)

   • Up to $20,000 in financing and grants is available. 
   • Required: 5% equity contribution.
   • Loan term is 5 years.

 

Métis Voyageur Development Fund Inc. (MVDF)

Office Locations	Ottawa
Mailing Address	315 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON, K1K 2Z5
Phone Number	(613) 798-0133  Toll-Free: 1 (855) 798-0133
Email	info@mvdf.ca
Fax Number	(613) 688-0749

Financial Offerings

1. Business Loan

   • Maximum loan amount of $1,500,000.
   • At least one of the owners are Métis and holds 50% or more of the business.

 

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF)

Office Locations	Head Office: Fort William First Nation,  Field Office: Timmins
Mailing Address	Head Office: 100 Little Lake Road, Suite 101 Fort William First Nation, ON P7J 0L2   Field Office: 273 Third Avenue, Suite 203 Timmins, ON P4N 1E2
Phone Number	Head Office: (807) 623-5397 | Toll-Free: (800) 465-6821  Field Office: Tel: (807) 623-5397 | Toll-Free: (800) 465-6821
Fax Number	H: (807) 622-8271  F: (807) 622-8271

Financial Offerings

1. Indigenous Women in Business

   • Maximum loan amount of $20,000 in financing.
   • 5% equity requirement.
   • Repayable over 5 years.
   • 8.5% interest rate.

2. Micro-Loans

   • Maximum loan amount of $20,000.
   • 10% equity requirement.
   • 8.5% interest rate.
   • Loan term is up to 36 months.

3. Loans

   • Maximum loan amount of $500,000 and in exceptional cases, up to $1,000,000.
   • NADF interest rates vary from 8.5% to 12%.
   • Applicants 18-39 years, minimum 10% cash equity requirement.
   • Applicants over 39 years, minimum 15% cash equity requirement.
      
4. Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)
   • When applying for a loan with NADF you may also qualify for a non-repayable contribution
     • Individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and wholly-owned or majority-owned Aboriginal businesses: up to $99,999  
     • Community-owned businesses: up to $249,999

5. Winter Road Financing Program

   • To ease transport costs for remote First Nation communities and businesses in Northern Ontario during the winter road season..
   • Maximum loan amount of $500,000 to purchase and transport inventory and supplies.

 

Rainy Lake Tribal Area Business & Financial Services Corporation

Office Locations	Fort Frances
Mailing Address	1455 Idylwild Drive, Box 522, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M8
Phone Number	(807) 274-8532
Email	rltabfsc@advisoryservices.ca
Fax Number	(807) 274-4330

Financial Offerings

1. Micro-Loans

   • Minimum Loan: $2,000
   • Maximum Loan: $20,000

2. Macro-Loans

   • Term loans for eligible business owners from Treaty #3 area.
   • Maximum loan amount of $350,000 for new clients.
   • Maximum loan amount of $350,000+ for existing eligible clients.
   • Required: 10% equity.

 

Tecumseh Community Development Corporation (TCDC)

Office Locations	Sarnia
Mailing Address	560 Williams Drive, Sarnia, ON 7H5 N7T
Phone Number	(888) 433-1533
Fax Number	(519) 332-6196

Financial Offerings

1. Micro-Loan

   • Loan under $5,000.

2. Macro-Loan

   • Loan over $5000.

For more information, contact the loan officer: Mary McGahey

 

Two Rivers Community Development Centre

Office Locations	Ohsweken
Mailing Address	16 Sunrise Court Suite 600, Box 225, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
Phone Number	(519) 445-4567
Email	info@tworivers.ca

Financial Offerings

1. Indigenous Business Financing Program (IBFP)

   • Individual-owned businesses can receive funding up to $99,999.
   • Community-owned businesses can receive funding up to $250,000.
   • The business must be at least 50.1% owned by an Indigenous entrepreneur.
   • An minimum cash investment (equity) amounting to at least 10% of project costs is required.

2. Loans

   • Up to $1,250,000 for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.
   • Loan term: up to 10 years.
   • Minimum cash equity of 10%.

3. E-Commerce Financing

   • Up to $5,000 for existing Indigenous entrepreneurs.
   •  Eligible businesses must have majority Indigenous ownership, demonstrate financial need, and show sound business management.

 

Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation

Office Locations	Head Office: Moose Factory  Field Office: Timmins
Mailing Address	Head Office: 12 Centre Road P.O. Box 308, Moose Factory, ON P0L 1W0  Field Office: 101 Cedar St. South, Timmins, ON P4N 2G7
Phone Number	Head Office: (705) 658-4428 | Toll-Free: 1 (800) 989-4850  Field Office: (705) 268-3594 ext. 304
Email	info@wakenagun.ca
Fax Number	H: (705) 658-4672

Financial Offerings

1. Commercial/Business Financing

   • Maximum loan amount of $100,000.

2. IEDF - BCF Program

   • Loans are available ranging from $20,000 - $100,000.
     • Grants are available up to $5,000.

3. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Loans

   • Maximum loan amount of $20,000.

 

Waubetek Business Development Corporation

Office Locations	Birch Island
Mailing Address	6 Rainbow Valley Rd.,  PO Box 209, Birch Island, ON P0P 1A0
Phone Number	(705) 285-4275
Email	waubetek@waubetek.com

Financial Offerings

1. Term Loans

   • Maximum loan amount of $500,000.
   • Loans for Aboriginal Students/Youth for summer businesses - maximum $1,500.
   • The Client Equity requirement for all of the above loans is 10%.
   • Client equity contribution must be from unencumbered funds, not sourced from any other loan or credit source.
   • Additionally they offer Bridge Financing up to $250,000.

2. Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)

   • Individuals: Up to $99,999 as a percentage of total project costs.
     • Requires a minimum of 10% equity and commercial financing.
   • First Nation Communities/Businesses: Up to $250,000 as a percentage of total project costs.
     • Requires a minimum of 10% equity and commercial financing.

3. Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

   • Maximum loan amount of $50,000.
   • Required: 5% cash equity from applicant.

First Nations Agriculture and Financing of Ontario (FNAFO)

1. FNWE Grant and Mentorship Program
   • Supports First Nations women entrepreneurs by providing mentorship and micro-grants.
   • Eligibility: First Nations women with status, 18 years or older, residing in Ontario, and at the pre-launch or early start-up phase.
   • Up to $3,000 is available for eligible start-up expenses.

Rainy Lake Tribal Area Business & Financial Services Corporation (RLTABFSC)

1.  Business Grants
   • Business grant opportunities based on funding available. ​​​​​​​

Two Rivers Community Development Centre

1. Youth Enterprise Fund
   • Supports Indigenous youth aged 35 and under in starting their own businesses, including business planning and startup costs.
   • Grants up to $5,000 are available. 

Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation

1. E-Commerce Grant Program
   • Eligibility: small to medium individual, family or community owned Indigenous businesses no larger than 500 employees
   • At least 50.1% owned and controlled by Indigenous (First Nations) person(s).

Waubetek Business Development Corporation

1. Community Economic Grant
   • Grant up to $10,000 is available.
   • Must be located within North-East Ontario to be eligible. 
      
2. Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Program
   • Grant up to $20,000 is available.
   • The loan is made up of 50% repayable and 45% non-repayable contributions.
   • 5% cash equity is required from the applicant.
     ​​​​​​​
3. Mentorship Program
   • Grant Amount: Up to $3,000 for business expenses.
   • Mentor Honorarium: $1,000 over 6 months.

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF)

1. NADF "Mikinaak" Bursary for Indigenous Students
   • $500 per recipient (up to $3,000 awarded annually)
   • Applications open March 1, 2024

Pharma-Medical Science College of Canada

Institution Location(s)	North York, ON
Phone Number	1 (416) 821-4876
Email	info@pharmamedical.ca

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Food, Nutrition, and Health Education (Diploma)

   • This program will provide students with knowledge of food nutrition and health nutrition. Students will learn to understand basic nutrition (macro and micro nutrition), nutrition through the lifespan, planning healthy diets, and the role of food and natural nutrition in the body, fitness, health, disease and global nutritional issues.

2. Food Safety & Quality Assurance (Certificate)

   • This program covers the whole procedure of food processing including food manufacturing, sanitation, packaging & labeling, quality control and quality assurance, HACCP and HACCP audit, and food development. Students will learn to provide sound knowledge of food regulations: CFIA and USDA, GMP, SOP, GLP.

Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences

Institution Location(s)	Mississauga, ON  Toronto, ON
Phone Number	All Campuses: (416)-502-2277   Toll-Free: 1 (855) 502-2288
Email	info@aaps.ca

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Food and Nutrition Management (Diploma)

   • This comprehensive program offers students a well-rounded education in nutrition and food service management. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of nutrition, including the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients, and their impact on health and disease. Students will learn to assess nutritional status, develop individualized care plans, and manage the unique needs of various populations, from infants to older adults.

Niagara College

Institution Location(s)	Welland, ON  Niagara Falls, ON
Phone Number	Welland Campus: (905) 735-2211  Niagara Falls Campus: (905) 374-7454
Email	Contact Niagara College

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Winery and Viticulture Technician (Diploma)

   • As Winery and Viticulture Technicians, participants are key members of the winery management team with the expertise required to develop, plant and maintain a commercial vineyard; manage daily operations; and sell and market wine. 

2. Beverage Business Management (Certificate)

   • As Beverage Business Management graduates, learners have a robust knowledge of all aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry including business, retail, export, marketing, legal and regulatory environment.

St. Lawrence College

Institution Location(s)	Kingston, ON  Brockville, ON  Cornwall, ON
Phone Number	All Campuses: 1 (800) 463-0752
Email	Kingston: KingstonStudentServices@sl.on.ca  Brockville: BrockvilleStudentServices@sl.on.ca   Cornwall: CornwallStudentServices@sl.on.ca

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Veterinary Technology (Diploma)

   • This three-year program has an excellent nationwide reputation for producing highly skilled graduates who fit easily into a biomedical research setting or a veterinary clinic setting. Graduates leave with excellent scientific training as well as the practical laboratory and veterinary technical skills needed in today’s workplace.

2. Veterinary Assistant (Certificate)

   • Students develop surgical support techniques, safe handling skills, perform physical examinations at the local Humane Society, perform dog grooming, and operate the ‘Scruffy Dog Salon’ on campus. This program includes a 120-hour field placement. 

University of Guelph

Institution Location(s)	Guelph, ON  Ridgetown, ON  Toronto, ON
Phone Number	Guelph Campus: (519) 824-4120  Ridgetown Campus: (519) 674-1500   Toronto Campus: (416) 798-1331

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Equine Care and Management (Associate Diploma)

   • This program blends classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students will study equine health and management in lectures and apply this knowledge through practical activities, including horse care and training. This program prepares students to handle performance horses and manage A-Level facilities, providing both practical experience and theoretical knowledge for a successful career in the equine industry.

2. Agriculture (Associate Diploma)

   • As the agriculture industry evolves, so does the need for skilled professionals to ensure sustainable food production. At Ridgetown Campus, the two-year associate diploma program offers hands-on learning in agricultural production. Interested in crops, animals, business and environmental sustainability? This skills-oriented program combines practical experience in agricultural production with technical and scientific information.

3. Environmental Technician (Associate Diploma)

   • As the demand for sustainable practices grows, so does the need for skilled professionals in environmental protection. At Ridgetown Campus, the two-year associate diploma program offers hands-on learning, where students will explore topics like conservation, water and wastewater treatment, and resource management. 

4. Horticulture (Associate Diploma)

   • Students will learn the skills needed to thrive in the dynamic horticultural industry. Learn to manage a successful greenhouse, operate a nursery, design sustainable landscapes, or innovate in the edible horticulture sector.  Students will gain critical skills, knowledge, and hands-on experiences in practical learning environments to launch their careers in horticulture. They will benefit from applied, practical training in the on campus greenhouses and focus studies on their area of interest.

5. Organic Agriculture (Certificate)

   • The Certificate in Organic Agriculture provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of organic agricultural systems in the broader context of societal needs and developments. This broad perspective will enable students to investigate how societal changes shape the agriculture and food value chain in general and with regard to specific requirements, such as certification of organic agricultural and food production practices and standards. 

6. Environmental Conservation (Certificate)

   • Developed from a biophysical science perspective, this Certificate is beneficial to those who want to gain knowledge of issues surrounding environmental protection, conservation and preservation, and environmental research.

7. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Degree)

   • In this program, students will gain new perspectives on food through scientific, business and environmental lenses. Students can focus their studies by specializing in either Animal Science, Crop Science, Honours Agriculture, or Horticulture.

8. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Crop Science (Degree)

   • Gain a full understanding of the technology and science behind crop production through courses in precision agriculture, protein and oil seeds or grain crops while also exploring pest management, genetics, biotechnology and physiology. 

9. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal Science (Degree)

   • Modern animal agriculture aims to produce quality products in efficient and humane animal production systems. Through studying animal behaviour, housing and management systems that promote farm animal welfare, students will learn how to ensure the sustainability of animal agriculture while pursuing a career in this growing industry.

10. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Horticulture (Degree)

    • Plants provide us with food, flowers, recreation, and medicine. In U of G's Horticulture program, students can focus on the management of commercial greenhouses, horticultural production, breeding improved plant varieties and more. Explore the technology and innovations behind the science of growing crops.

11. Bachelor of Science - Animal Biology (Degree)

    • Explore what animals need in order to thrive - from an individual to community level. Learn how nutrition, genetics and welfare can improve animals’ lives, the food supply chain and our environment. Students will learn all of this from distinguished animal physiologists, nutritionists, geneticists, and behavioural science specialists.

12. Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (Degree)

    • Students will learn to support sustainable research and business practices while being on the leading edge of technology and innovation. The program is designed for those who want to pursue advanced studies in science, technology, and business management focused on a specific area of interest: food, equine, or the environment.

13. Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management - Equine Management (Degree)

    • Combine an understanding of biology, physiology and horse behaviour with the business and managerial aspects of the equine industry. This powerful combination of business and animal science comes to life with hands-on training, giving students a competitive edge in each of their career journeys.

14. Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (Degree)

    • Support a world that is more respectful and responsive to all beings. Through this degree, students will consider and embrace Indigenous methodologies and world views in their pursuit of thoughtful environmental work, making an impact through skills and experiences grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

15. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences (Degree)

    • This program will immerse students in the studies of ecology, biology, zoology, oceanography, atmospheric science, soil science, geology, and chemistry – to name just a few. Get critical management and decision-making skills combined with the scientific knowledge to solve environmental problems and evaluate environmental policies. This program also promotes practical problem-solving and communications skills with real-world learning opportunities such as co-op, research and international exchange programs.

16. Bachelor of Commerce - Food and Agricultural Business (Degree)

    • U of G's Food and Agricultural Business program prepares students for the challenging and ever-changing landscape of today’s agribusiness industry. Gain agri-food expertise and the business, entrepreneurial and leadership skills needed to tackle the big food and business challenges of tomorrow. In fact, the sector is in such high demand that many students are hired prior to graduating.

17. Bachelor of Arts - Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (Degree)

    • In this program, students will analyze the economics of the agri-food system and dynamics of international trade. They will gain the skills and experiences that will prepare them to be an expert in global agri-food issues and be ready to tackle them head-on.

Durham College

Institution Location(s)	Oshawa, ON  Whitby, ON
Phone Number	All Campuses: (905) 721-2000
Email	dccares@durhamcollege.ca

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Horticulture - Food and Farming (Diploma)

   • Guided by a field-to-fork philosophy, the Horticulture – Food and Farming program prepares students to be leaders in the rapidly evolving food and farming sector. With a focus on sustainable food production, controlled environment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, students gain the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of feeding growing urban populations while supporting local food systems.

Niagara Parks

Institution Location(s)	Niagara Falls, ON
Phone Number	1 (877) 642-7275
Email	Contact Niagara Parks

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Niagara Parks Diploma in Professional Horticulture

   • The three-year Niagara Parks Diploma in Professional Horticulture program offers a unique alternative to post-secondary education and a credential that is highly regarded within the horticultural industry. By the end of the program, students meet the requirements to earn their Horticultural Technician Red Seal through Skilled Trades Ontario.

First Nations Technical Institute

Institution Location(s)	Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON
Phone Number	(613) 396-2122  Toll-Free: (800) 267-0637
Email	recruitment@fnti.net

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered

1. Bachelor of Arts and Science (Degree)

   • This unique degree is being designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to food sovereignty, community growth, economic development and ecological restoration at First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. The degree will incorporate experiential learning on the land with teachings that revolve around the traditional Haudenosaunee food systems cycle. This Indigenous education opportunity will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to help communities across Canada. Seed care and seed saving, sustainable horticulture, foraging wild foods and medicines, soil health and sustainability, and traditional fishing and hunting principles will be components of the learning experience.