Indigenous business resources in B.C.
Last updated on January 21, 2026Learn about business support services for Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners. These resources can support you through business startup and growth.
Indigenous resources (PDF, 311KB)
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Indigenous entrepreneurship
Indigenous peoples have a long history of entrepreneurship in British Columbia. From thriving fisheries to international trade economies, the entrepreneurial spirit has existed for centuries.
Indigenous owned and operated businesses are growing and succeeding in all sectors of our economy including:
- Technology
- Agrifoods
- Forestry
- Indigenous cultural tourism
Doing business on reserve
Contact your band office to learn about doing business on reserve. They can provide information about Indigenous organizations that may help and share details about funding opportunities.
You can also seek advice from:
Starting a business in B.C.
Explore resources for starting a business in B.C. Find topics ranging from evaluating your idea to securing the necessary registrations and permits before launch.
Indigenous business support services
Find out what Indigenous business services and supports are available in B.C. You can browse the table below or search by:
- Organization or program name
- The type of support you need, such as advisory services, business support, financing and loans, mentorship, or skills training
| Organization | Services |
|---|---|
| Aboriginal Financial Institutions |
Provides information and advisory services for business planning, financing, loans and economic development opportunities throughout B.C. |
| Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) | Provides advisory services, skills training and upgrading and job-search assistance. |
| All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) |
Provides business financing, loans, commercial mortgages and advisory services for Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and communities. |
| BC Business Advisory Services |
Provides free one-on-one advisory services, access to resources and guidance on navigating government programs and funding opportunities. |
| BC Indigenous Business Awards |
These awards celebrate and honour Indigenous businesses in B.C. Read about past awardees or nominate a business. |
| Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) |
Provides business financing, loans and advice through the Indigenous Banking Department. |
| Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship (CCAE) |
Provides skills training, advisory services and mentorship support. |
| Canadian Council for Indigenous Business |
Provides mentoring support, advisory services and financing for Indigenous businesses. |
| Community Futures Indigenous Entrepreneurship Offices |
Provides specialized services to support Indigenous entrepreneurship around B.C. at 4 dedicated offices. |
| Futurpreneur Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program |
Provides startup loan financing, advisory services and up to 2 years of mentorship. |
| Indigenous Business Advisory Centres |
Provides advisory support and guidance on Indigenous business planning in the Kootenay, Northeast and Cariboo regions. |
| Indigenous Business Directory | Provides increased business visibility and procurement opportunities by registering on this federal government supplier database. |
| Indigenous Tourism B.C. |
Provides business support and training for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in B.C. who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. |
| Junior Achievement BC |
Provides entrepreneurship training and business support for Indigenous youth. |
| New Relationship Trust |
Provides business financing and loans, advisory services and economic development information for Indigenous enterprises in B.C. |
| Métis Nation BC |
Provides economic development information and a business registry for Métis businesses and entrepreneurs. |
| Peace Hills Trust |
Provides financing and loan services for Indigenous entrepreneurs. |
| SkilledTradesBC |
Provides trades skills training opportunities for Indigenous peoples and Industry Training Authority Apprenticeship Advisors. |
| WorkBC |
Provides Indigenous skills training programs, business advisory services, mentorship support and employment resources. |
Government of Canada's Business Benefit Finder
The Government of Canada's Business Benefit finder creates a personalized list of funding, loans, tax credits, wage subsidies, internships and more in less than 3 minutes.