Programs and resources for Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs

Learn more about the programs and resources for Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs in B.C.’s cannabis industry.

On this page

• B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF)
• B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Product Program (BCICP)
• B.C. Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)
• Health Canada’s Indigenous Navigator Service for cannabis producers

B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF)

The B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF) program was co-developed in partnership with the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, the Province and the federal government. The ICBF supports opportunities for First Nations communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs in the cannabis sector.

The program launched in December 2022 and is administered by the New Relationship Trust. The ICBF provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation governments and Indigenous entrepreneurs in B.C. that want to participate in and advance cannabis-related economic development opportunities. This funding can support both community engagement as well as business planning, design and capital.

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ICBF Cannabis Navigator Service

The New Relationship Trust offers a Cannabis Navigator Service for interested ICBF applicants. The Cannabis Navigator can:

• Offer one-on-one guidance to develop your ICBF application
• Provide regulatory navigation support
• Connect applicants to licensing, training, and business planning resources

The ICBF Cannabis Navigator Service can be reached by email at cannabisnavigator@nrtf.ca.

B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Product Program (BCICP)

The B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Product Program (BCICP), developed in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council, highlights cannabis products made by B.C.-based Indigenous producers in private cannabis retail stores, BC Cannabis Stores, and online. The BCICP makes Indigenous products easily identifiable to consumers making purchasing decisions.

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B.C. Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a grant program to support rural and First Nation communities advance projects focused on:

• Economic diversification
• Economic capacity building
• Economic infrastructure development

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Health Canada's Indigenous Navigator Service for cannabis producers

Health Canada’s Indigenous Navigator Service offers Indigenous affiliated applicants guidance and support throughout the federal production licensing process.

To learn more, email the Navigator at navigator-navigateur@hc-sc.gc.ca.