NADF FAQ's

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) is a not-for-profit Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) that supports Indigenous business and economic development in Northern Ontario through financing, grants, and advisory services.

NADF was incorporated in 1984 and established in 1987 to address the economic development needs of Indigenous businesses and communities in Northern Ontario.

NADF serves First Nation individuals (18 years and older), majority-owned Indigenous businesses, and First Nation communities located in the Treaty 9, Treaty 5 (Ontario portion), Robinson-Superior 1850, and Treaty 3 territories across Northern Ontario.

To be eligible, you must be a First Nation or Inuit individual (18 years or older), a majority Indigenous-owned and controlled business, or a First Nation community or economic development corporation. You must also be located within NADF's service area.

NADF offers term loans ranging from $2,500 to $500,000 to support business startup, growth, or expansion.

You must be an Indigenous entrepreneur (18 years or older) or Indigenous-led business located in our service area. You will also need a solid business plan and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan.

To be eligible for NADF financing, your business must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned and controlled. This means that Indigenous individuals or communities must own a majority stake in the business. Clear documentation of ownership and roles within the business will be required during the application process.

NADF funds a wide range of businesses across many sectors, including retail, service, tourism, construction, forestry, mining, manufacturing, and more. Whether you're starting a new business or expanding an existing one, your project may be eligible if it aligns with our financing criteria and supports economic development in Indigenous communities.

Yes. NADF does not fund businesses that are illegal, unethical, or do not align with our mandate to support Indigenous economic development. This may include businesses involved in tobacco, cannabis, alcohol sales, or those that pose significant environmental or social risks. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure it meets our guidelines and community values.

Yes. All NADF loans are repayable according to the terms outlined in your loan agreement. Repayment schedules and security requirements vary by loan type.

NADF's interest rates typically range from 8.5% to 12%, depending on the level of risk associated with the project. Your Account Manager will discuss the applicable rate during the assessment process.

Yes. Applicants are expected to contribute equity toward the project to demonstrate their financial commitment. Our team can help you understand what qualifies as equity and how to prepare your application.

Start by speaking with a Business Support Officer, who will help determine your eligibility and guide you through the next steps. If you are ready to proceed, you will complete an application. Once a completed is received, an Account Manager will be assigned to review your application and may contact you for additional information. Your application will then be presented to a Screening Committee, which will assess whether your project meets our financing criteria.

Yes. A non-refundable application fee of $275 is required when submitting a loan application. Additional loan administration and legal fees may apply depending on the type and amount of financing, as well as the security required. All fees will be discussed with you during the application process.

Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the completeness of your documents. On average, it may take up to 25 business days to receive a decision after your completed application has been submitted and assessed by your Account Manager.

Yes. Through programs like the Business Financing Program (BFP), we offer non-repayable contributions (grants) to eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.

Eligible activities may include business planning, marketing, equipment purchases, training, and more. Program guidelines apply.

If your business includes a non-Indigenous partner, grant eligibility is pro-rated based on the percentage of Indigenous ownership. To qualify for grants through NADF, the business must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned and controlled. Clear documentation of ownership and roles within the business will be required during the application process.

If you meet all program requirements and use the funds as approved, the grant does not need to be repaid.

Our team provides one-on-one business support services, business planning support, financial literacy training, referrals, and connections to resources and networks.

Yes. Our Business Support Officer provides guidance and tools to help you develop or strengthen your business plan. Whether you are just getting started or updating an existing plan, we are here to support you every step of the way.

No. Our business support services are free to eligible clients.

Yes, we host regular workshops, webinars, and community events that focus on business skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming business events and training sessions.

If you would like NADF to host or participate in a community event, workshop, or presentation, please contact us with your request. A member of our team will follow up to confirm availability and coordinate logistics. You can reach us through our Contact Us page or call 1-800-465-6821.

You can stay informed about our workshops, webinars, and special events by visiting our Events page or following us on social media. You can also sign up for our e-newsletter to get updates delivered straight to your inbox.

The Mikinaak Bursary provides financial assistance to Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary studies in business, finance, or business administration.

The Mikinaak Bursary is funded through proceeds raised at NADF's two signature events, the NADF Fairways for the Future Golf Classic and the Annual NADF Awards. Support from sponsors, participants, and donors at these events helps make this bursary possible for Indigenous students pursuing business-related studies.

The application period typically opens in the spring, with a deadline around May 31 each year. For the most current dates and details, visit the Mikinaak Bursary page or contact our office directly.

Visit the Mikinaak Bursary page during the application intake period for full eligibility and application details.

You can reach us by phone at 1-800-465-6821 or by email at info@nadf.org. You can also visit one of our office locations listed on our Contact Us page.

Absolutely! Use our online contact form or call us to schedule a meeting with a Business Support Officer.