Canadian Council for Indigenous Business opens the Young Indigenous Business Grant 2025

Press Release

Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) launches the Young Indigenous Business Grant, a grant open to young Indigenous entrepreneurs. The grant, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited with contributions from Apex Distribution, is open to Indigenous entrepreneurs under the age of 35 operating their businesses in Canada. 18 successful applicants will receive $2,500 each as well as a one-year CCIB membership to help expand their businesses.

The Young Indigenous Business Grant is administered through CCIB’s Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) program.

Applications are now OPEN. The deadline for applications is September 29, 2025, at 5 p.m. EDT.

A live draw will be made mid October, at which time we will select the 18 recipients.

The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by an Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) youth under 35.

The for-profit business must be registered in Canada.

For individuals with more than one business, applications will only be accepted for one business.

To proceed with your application, please review the required documentation. In fields where documents are required, you will not be able to proceed without uploading the relevant documents.

If you are currently an existing Certified Indigenous Business (CIB) in good standing, in sections where documents need to be uploaded instead of the supporting documents please upload a copy of your CIB certificate.

Thinking of applying to the Young Indigenous Business Grant?

To help you apply for the fund, below is a check list of all the documents and information you will need to complete the application. Please do not start an application unless you have all the information noted below readily available:

• Name of the Indigenous owner who has 51% or more ownership (proof of Indigenous ancestry required)
• Legal name of business and date established
• Legal structure of the business (proof of ownership documents will be required)
• Number of employees (includes full and part-time employees)
• Business description

Proof of Indigenous Ancestry

Proof of Ownership

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