Indigenous Women

From Side Hustle to Full-Time

A Path to Empowerment for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

Are you an Indigenous woman thinking of starting, expanding, or strengthening your business?

NADF can help.

In partnership with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), NADF is delivering the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program, also known as the IWE Program.

The IWE Program provides funding, tools, business support, and training to help Indigenous women entrepreneurs take the next step in their business journey.

Our Business Support Team is ready to work with you. Contact us today to learn more about this empowering program and how to apply.

Early applications are encouraged due to limited funding availability.

About the IWE Program

The IWE Program supports Indigenous women entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, or strengthen their business.

Whether you are at the start-up stage, operating part-time, running a home-based business, or preparing to expand, the program provides access to funding, business support, and training to help you move forward.

Through this program, eligible applicants may access:

  • support for eligible project costs up to a maximum total project cost of $25,000
  • business planning guidance and support
  • workshops and training opportunities
  • tools and resources to support business readiness

The maximum total project cost supported under the program is $25,000. This amount is structured as 5% client contribution, 45% grant, and 50% repayable loan.

This means applicants must contribute 5% of the total eligible project cost. The IWE Program does not cover 100% of project costs.

We are here to assist Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario who want to:

  • start or grow a business
  • overcome barriers and access funding
  • build their credit
  • strengthen their business skills
  • access funding and support services to help start, grow, or strengthen their business
This program cannot be combined with the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship (IYE) program. It is also not eligible for support under the Business Financing Program (BFP).

Eligibility

To qualify for the IWE Program, applicants must:

  • be an Indigenous woman over the age of 18
  • own at least 51% of the business
  • operate a business located in NADF's service area
  • meet program requirements
  • be able to provide the required 5% client contribution

Funding is subject to program eligibility, approval, and available funding.

What We Offer

Funding

The IWE Program is designed for full-time, part-time, or home-based Indigenous women-led businesses that require smaller amounts of financing and may not have access to conventional financing.

Applicants may apply for support for eligible project costs up to a maximum total project cost of $25,000.

The funding structure is:

  • 5% client contribution
  • 45% grant
  • 50% repayable loan

The loan portion has an interest rate of 5% and may be repaid over a term of up to 5 years.

Important: Client Contribution Required

Applicants are required to contribute 5% of the total eligible project cost.

This requirement applies whether you apply for the maximum amount or a smaller amount. The program does not cover 100% of project costs.

For example: 

  • If your total eligible project cost is $10,000, you must contribute $500. The program may then support the project with up to $4,500 in grant funding and up to $5,000 as a repayable loan.
  • If your total eligible project cost is $25,000, you must contribute $1,250. The program may then support the project with up to $11,250 in grant funding and up to $12,500 as a repayable loan.

Business Planning Guidance and Support

Our team provides one-on-one guidance to help you:

  • develop or strengthen your business plan
  • understand your project costs
  • prepare financial projections
  • identify business goals and next steps
  • understand the application process
  • strengthen your business readiness

Our goal is to help Indigenous women entrepreneurs feel prepared, supported, and confident as they work toward starting or growing their business.

Workshops and Training

Workshops are designed for Indigenous women entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, or strengthen their business.

These sessions may help you:

  • build essential business skills
  • work on your business strategy
  • better understand financial planning
  • prepare for business growth
  • connect with other Indigenous women entrepreneurs

Workshop dates will be shared when available.

Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive workshop announcements in your inbox.

Why Apply?

The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program is more than funding. It is designed to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and confidence to move their business forward.

Participants may gain:

  • access to funding designed for Indigenous women entrepreneurs
  • support to overcome barriers and build credit
  • guidance to develop or strengthen a business plan
  • access to training, tools, and business resources
  • confidence to start, expand, or strengthen their business