Ontario Supporting Indigenous Economic Development

The Ontario government has launched the annual intake for funding applications under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) and the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP). This funding provides $3.2 million through the IEDF and $6 million through the ICCGP to Indigenous businesses, communities, and organizations to help develop infrastructure, create growth plans and support access to skills training to help strengthen Indigenous communities and local economies.

“Our government is working in partnership with First Nations communities to support meaningful Indigenous-led infrastructure, skills development, and economic diversification opportunities that promote prosperity across the province,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “With targeted, tailored supports like the IEDF and ICCGP, we are strengthening our commitment of ensuring economic reconciliation becomes a reality for Indigenous entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities.”

Applications for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund and the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program are open until November 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. (EST), and can be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario. Interested applicants must register with Transfer Payment Ontario to submit and manage requests for funding opportunities.

For 2024-25 Ontario recently announced support for 48 initiatives across the province through the ICCGP, and the IEDF’s Economic Diversification and Regional Partnership grant streams.

The IEDF provides grants through the Economic Diversification and Regional Partnership grant streams to Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations for projects that diversify Indigenous economies and provide access to training opportunities. The ICCGP funds the development of community capital projects that contribute to a sustainable social base and support economic participation in Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve.

Previously funded projects have included employment training programs, tourism initiatives, business centre renovations, and the construction of community, language and cultural centres.

Providing funding through the IEDF and ICCGP is part of Ontario’s commitment to economic reconciliation with Indigenous People.

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