Indigenous Youth

From Dream to Doing

A Launchpad for Indigenous Youth Ready to Build Their Future

Are you an Indigenous youth between the ages of 18 and 39 and ready to start, expand, or strengthen your business?

The Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program, also known as the IYE Program, provides funding, business support, and training to help Indigenous youth entrepreneurs move their business idea from concept to reality.

In partnership with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), NADF is delivering the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

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

Early applications are encouraged due to limited funding availability.

About the Program

The IYE Program is designed to support Indigenous youth entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39 who want to build, expand, or strengthen their business.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, the program provides access to funding, business planning guidance, training, and support to help you take the next step in your business journey.

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
  • 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 program does not cover 100% of project costs.

Our goal is to help young Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome barriers, access funding, and build successful businesses that contribute to their communities and futures.

We are here to assist Indigenous youth 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 Women in Entrepreneurship (IWE) program. It is also not eligible for support under the Business Financing Program (BFP).

Eligibility

To qualify for the IYE Program, applicants must:

  • be an Indigenous youth between the ages of 18 and 39
  • 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 IYE Program is designed for Indigenous youth-led businesses that need smaller amounts of financing and may not have access to traditional financing. Whether your business is full-time, part-time, or home-based, we can help.

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 & Support

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

  • develop a clear business plan
  • set strategies and objectives
  • create financial projections
  • understand your funding needs
  • strengthen your business readiness
  • prepare for the application process

Our goal is to help you better understand your business idea, your project costs, and your responsibilities as an applicant.

Workshops & Training

Workshops are designed specifically for Indigenous youth entrepreneurs who want to take the next step in their business journey.

These sessions will help you:

  • build essential business skills
  • work on strategies to grow your business
  • understand business planning and financial basics
  • connect with other Indigenous entrepreneurs

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

Why Apply?

The Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program is more than funding. It is a pathway to help young Indigenous entrepreneurs build confidence, strengthen their business skills, and access support.

Participants may gain:

  • access to funding designed for Indigenous youth entrepreneurs
  • support to overcome barriers and build credit
  • guidance to develop or strengthen a business plan
  • connections to training, resources, and networks
  • confidence to grow and lead their business