NEW! Have Your Say: Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Survey
Indigenous youth entrepreneurs are shaping the future of business, innovation, and community economies. And we want to hear directly from you!
We’re inviting Indigenous youth (19-39) to take part in a short survey to help us better understand:
- The realities you face when starting or growing a business
- What support actually helps (and what doesn’t)
- How access to capital, mentorship, and training can be improved
Your feedback will help strengthen Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship (IYE) programming and ensure future supports reflect the lived experiences, priorities, and ambitions of Indigenous youth across communities.
Time commitment: Approximately 5–10 minutes
Confidential: Your responses are anonymous
Impact: Your voice helps shape future programs, funding models, and supports
Supporting Indigenous Youth to Start and Grow Their Businesses
The Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurs (IYE) Program helps remove financial barriers and build business confidence for Indigenous youth aged 19 to 39. Whether you are just starting out or ready to expand, this program provides flexible funding, grant support, and business guidance tailored to your needs.
This initiative is delivered in partnership with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and a network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) across Canada. Ulnooweg is the exclusive organization delivering the IYE Program for all of the Atlantic Provinces.
Micro-Loan Program
Designed for early-stage ventures, full-time or part-time business activities.
Key Features:
- Total project costs up to $25,000
- Loan amounts up to $12,500
- Non-repayable grant of up to 45% (maximum $11,250)
- 5% Equity requirement
- Interest rate of 8%
- Flexible repayment terms
- No payment or interest charged for the first 90 days
- Application fee: $100
The IYE micro-loan can support part-time entrepreneurship and help build credit, confidence, and business capacity.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
- Be an Indigenous youth (ages 19-39) living in Atlantic Canada
- Provide proof of Indigenous ancestry
- Have a business that is at least 51% Indigenous youth-owned and controlled
- Demonstrate that your business is financially and technically viable
- Be in generally good financial standing (exceptions may be considered)
- Not be bankrupt or under unresolved legal or financial claims
Eligible businesses may include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, co-operatives, or social enterprises. Non-profit organizations and government entities are not eligible to apply.
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Eligible costs may include:
- Equipment, tools, and 3 months inventory
- Leasehold improvements and renovations
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Working capital and startup costs
Ineligible costs include:
- Personal use expenses or renovations
- Refinancing existing debt
- Passive real estate transactions
- Non-arm’s length or overvalued purchases
- Any expenses incurred before loan approval
What you'll need to apply
The program is designed to be supportive and accessible—even if you’re new to business planning. A simplified application and business plan template is available after an inquiry is completed.
What You’ll Need:
- Proof of Indigenous ancestry and business ownership
- Net worth statements and personal budget
- Business overview and financing plan
- First-year cash flow projections (template provided)
- Copies of permits, insurance, and licenses (if applicable)
- Market research, quotes, and resume
A credit check will be required, but applicants with limited or poor credit history will still be considered. The program is designed to help improve financial literacy and credit standing over time.
Workshops coming soon!
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Did you know we can support your Business Service needs?
Ulnooweg can contribute to your business support costs such as business planning, feasibility studies, marketing, advising, website development, POS training and more!
Within our non-repayable programming, clients could also be eligible for business support services in non-repayable dollars!
Our preferred agency, Indigrow Business Management, helps to support clients with their needs and services and are happy to provide a quote/scope of work. Potential clients are more than welcome to find their own business support agency that fit their business needs.
The IYE Program is nationally driven and funded by:
