Indigenous economic development in British Columbia
Indigenous businesses are vital to the strength and health of the B.C. economy. PacifiCan and other organizations offer resources and funding to help your business grow.
About Indigenous economic development at PacifiCan
At PacifiCan, our goal is to support Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve success and grow, building their important roles in local economies and well beyond. This includes:
- increasing Indigenous participation in programs to support greater economic outcomes
- connecting Indigenous businesses to opportunities in supply chains, particularly for defence and major projects
- supporting effective, Indigenous-led business resources
PacifiCan funding programs
All PacifiCan programs are open to applications from Indigenous businesses and/or other eligible organizations.
Contact us if you have questions about how our programs or services can support your business or organization. You are welcome to reach out to our dedicated email address below, or you can continue working with the PacifiCan contacts you already know.
Email: PacifiCan.Indigenous-Autochtones@pacifican.gc.ca
Other resources to support Indigenous economic development
Government of Canada and/or government-funded resources offering economic development support that is tailored for Indigenous peoples include:
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program - Access to Business Opportunities
Supports projects that provide tools and services to foster Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Business and economic development for Indigenous Peoples
Programs and services for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
Business Benefits Finder
Provides a tailored list of government resources such as funding, loans and advice based on your business needs.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Offers support to Indigenous entrepreneurs including loans, training and networking.
Indigenous business export support
Supports Indigenous businesses to expand into global markets.
Indigenous Business Navigator service
Connects Indigenous businesses, organizations or communities to Government of Canada programs and services.
Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs)
Provides capital, business supports and opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs. There are 10 Indigenous Financial Institutions across B.C.
Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program
Local supports to help Indigenous people improve their skills and find employment.
National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA)
Supports access to financing and business services for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous success stories
Indigenous entrepreneurs are making an impact in communities across B.C. with support from PacifiCan and our partners.
Want to see more Indigenous success stories? Visit our Success stories page and enter "Indigenous" in the Filter items box.
