In 2024, New Brunswick presents a comprehensive array of funding opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, reflecting the province’s commitment to supporting and empowering Aboriginal business ventures, including those led by Metis and First Nations entrepreneurs. These programs encompass a wide range of purposes, catering to the unique needs of Indigenous youth, women, and collaborative business endeavors. The flexibility of these programs, many of which are stackable, allows entrepreneurs to combine different funding sources for optimal benefits, covering various expenses such as operating costs, capital expenditures, and microloans for craft supplies.
2024 Small Business Indigenous Funding Incentives in New Brunswick
Government of New Brunswick – Indigenous Affairs Grants Program: This program offers financial support to Indigenous communities and organizations in New Brunswick for projects that promote economic, social, and cultural well-being.
Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI): JEDI is a leading Indigenous organization in New Brunswick dedicated to fostering Indigenous economic development. It provides various business and workforce development services to Indigenous people across the province.
Nujintuisga’tijig E’pijig (Women in Business New Brunswick): This initiative has launched an “Indigenous Online Craft Platform” to help Indigenous artisans in New Brunswick showcase and sell their crafts to potential buyers.
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB): CCAB’s mission includes promoting and enhancing a prosperous Indigenous economy in New Brunswick through fostering business relationships and opportunities.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC): ISC collaborates with partners to improve access to quality services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, supporting Indigenous business development.
Indigenous Business and Investment Council: Focuses on increasing Indigenous participation in the economy and promoting Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs in New Brunswick.
Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick (ITANB): ITANB offers guidance on accessing funding for business product development and employment opportunities, including programs like SEED, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital.
Key Funding Programs and Resources
- Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs: These programs provide funding for summer employment opportunities, benefitting both employers and Indigenous students.
- New Brunswick Arts Board and Canada Council for the Arts: These bodies offer funding specifically for Indigenous artists in New Brunswick.
- ITAC National Guidelines and Business Support Program: Offers up to $10,000 in support to help Indigenous tourism businesses in New Brunswick achieve or maintain market readiness standards.
Provincial and Federal Funding Synergy
In New Brunswick, provincial funding sources for Indigenous-owned businesses are designed to complement federal programs. This integrated approach provides holistic support for Indigenous entrepreneurs, with some programs focusing on specific sectors such as tourism, arts, and technology.
Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs
These diverse funding opportunities in New Brunswick in 2024 are pivotal in empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs to pursue their business goals. By carefully utilizing these resources, Indigenous business owners can significantly enhance their ventures and contribute to New Brunswick’s broader economic landscape. This diverse funding landscape underlines the province’s dedication to nurturing Indigenous entrepreneurship and acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous communities in the business sector.
