Indigenous Women’s Program

Secure your financial well-being with our expert guidance.

About the Program

Background

Dedicated to the building the capacity of women entrepreneurs and provide on-going supports to start or expand their businesses, the Indigenous Women Entrepreneur (IWE) Program is focused on developing women-specific programs, tools, and training to support the needs of Indigenous women entrepreneurs.

The IWE Micro-loan Fund Program is intended to support Indigenous women with access to capital to start or grow a business. The IWE Micro-loan Fund is made up of repayable and non-repayable contributions. This program will operate until March 31, 2029.

SIC has been approved for IWE Program Funding of $1,000,000 over the next three years, sponsored by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in partnership with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA).

Micro-Loan Program – Financing Configuration

The IWE Program provides Settlement women entrepreneurs (18 years of age or older) financing of up to $23,750 in total. This program offers a combination of a repayable low-interest bearing loan of up to $12,500, plus $11,250 in a non-repayable contribution (aka grant) portion. The applicant must contribute $1,250 in cash equity to be eligible. Total financing package is $25,000. If additional financing is required to complete the start-up or expansion costs, SIC will provide the difference in a traditional repayable loan at a higher interest rate, which is based on risk factors. There is an application process to determine eligibility. Approval time is within 2-weeks upon receipt of all of the necessary documentation for the application process.

Training & Workshops

Participants will have access to specialty entrepreneurial workshops and training designed for Indigenous women pursuing self-employment as a career.

Business Support Officer (BSO) Services

Women Entrepreneurs will have access to a dedicated Business Support Officer (BSO) to receive free business coaching, business and industry navigational support, assistance with developing a business plan and/or completing an application(s) for financing.

For more information about the program, please call 1-800 661-9902.