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First Nations Equity Financing Program

Last updated on March 13, 2026

The First Nations Equity Financing Program provides loan guarantees that support First Nations to secure equity ownership in revenue-generating projects, creating long-term economic benefits for First Nations and supporting economic growth in British Columbia.

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Program Overview

The First Nations Equity Financing Program (FNEFP) will provide provincial loan guarantees to First Nations securing equity positions in revenue-generating projects within their traditional territories. By improving access to capital, the program supports First Nations ownership, strengthens participation in project governance, and advances long-term economic benefits for participating Nations and for British Columbia.

The program has a cumulative limit of $1 billion for provincial loan guarantees. These guarantees are expected to help drive new development and/or substantial expansions of existing assets, attract incremental investment, create net new employment opportunities, and support stronger, more sustainable economic outcomes for First Nations, local communities, and the Province.

The Program’s design incorporates a robust risk management approach, including rigorous due diligence. Applicants must provide a high level of assurance that project proposals are commercially viable as a condition for loan guarantee approval.

Applicants will generally follow a three-stage application process:

  • Stage 1 – Pre-Screen Intake: Applicants submit preliminary information to confirm eligibility, project readiness and alignment with Program goals
  • Stage 2 – Full Application: Eligible applicants may be invited to provide detailed project and business documentation
  • Stage 3 – Due Diligence Review: Prioritized projects will undergo comprehensive due diligence, comparable to commercial lending, prior to loan guarantee decisions

Program Goals

  • Support First Nations to secure equity positions in net new project investments that deliver long-term economic impacts
  • Improve access to capital and reduce borrowing costs for First Nations through loan guarantees
  • Create lasting economic prosperity for First Nations through increased participation in projects in their territories
  • Strengthen partnerships among First Nations, industry and the Province
  • Build First Nations business capacity by encouraging increased participation in commercial activity
  • Support First Nations to leverage other funding sources and attract investment into British Columbia
  • Encourage equitable benefit and risk-sharing among First Nations, public, and private sectors
  • Contribute to provincial economic impacts, including job creation, GDP growth and market diversification

Eligibility

  • Eligible applicants include:
    • B.C.-based Indigenous Governing Bodies such as Band Councils and Modern Treaty Nations
    • First Nations Development Corporations (requires proof of support from the relevant Indigenous Governing Body)
    • Other incorporated entities that are owned and controlled by an Indigenous Governing Body (requires proof of support from the relevant Indigenous Governing Body)

Applicants must demonstrate ability to cover debt repayment obligations and access capital and financing to successfully participate in the project

  • Eligible Projects must:
    • Be located in the applicant’s traditional territory
    • Demonstrate strong projected financial performance
    • Involve new capital construction or substantial capital expansion of existing assets
    • Contribute to new economic growth, jobs, and revenue for First Nations, businesses and the Province
    • Operate independently from existing assets through separate legal structures
    • Generate sufficient financial returns to be commercially viable

​Projects in sectors such as housing, gaming and non-revenue generating infrastructure are not eligible

Project Sizes

Loan Guarantees are provided in two project categories:

  • Small and Medium Projects with a minimum total capital cost of $25 Million and maximum total capital cost of up to $250 Million
  • Large Projects with total capital costs over $250 Million

A provincial equity loan guarantee will be considered for up to 20% of the project’s total capital costs.

A full program guide will be available when the program launches.