Shared progress: BDC and Indigenous partners recognized by Indigenomics

Press Release

BDC named among Indigenomics’ “10 to Watch” for leadership in Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic reconciliation

Montreal, November 10, 2025 – The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is honoured and humbled to be recognized by the Indigenomics Institute with a “10 to Watch” award at the “Indigenomics on Bay Street” conference on Friday, November 7, in Toronto.

The award celebrates BDC’s leadership in supporting and growing the Indigenous economy, including its $100-million BDC Capital Indigenous platform to invest in Indigenous-led businesses, and other initiatives designed to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs.

“Receiving this Indigenomics recognition is an honour that belongs to the communities and partners who guide us,” said Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO, BDC. “Our role is to listen, learn, and walk alongside Indigenous leaders as we co-create solutions that foster economic self-determination. This recognition reinforces our commitment to economic reconciliation in action.”

As Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, BDC provides financing, advice, and capital to help businesses grow and tackle today’s biggest challenges. Indigenous entrepreneurs are among the fastest-growing business segments in Canada, with projected growth of 23% over the next decade—more than double the national average. Yet access to capital remains a major barrier.

At the same time, Canada has 100,000 fewer entrepreneurs than 20 years ago, with 350,000 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lacking growth support, and 142,000 owners planning to exit in the next five years. These shifts present real opportunities for Indigenous ownership and economic self-determination.

Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs

In response to priorities identified by Indigenous leaders, BDC has launched several initiatives to support Indigenous entrepreneurs:

• $100-million Indigenous Business Acquisition Initiative, in partnership with First Nations Bank of Canada, enabling communities and economic development agencies to acquire established businesses and build long-term prosperity.
• A $100-million platform to expand direct and indirect support for Indigenous-led businesses.
• Deployment of Indigenous Entrepreneurship Senior Advisors across all regions and a specialized Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan, enabling us to reach 1,893 indigenous entrepreneurs this year—vs. 1,301 in fiscal 2024—a new record.
• Partnerships with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners and the Indigenous Growth Fund to strengthen the Indigenous investment ecosystem.
• Raised $150M in the first round of the Indigenous Growth Fund—in partnership with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association—to expand access to capital via Aboriginal Financial Institutions.
• “4 Seasons of Reconciliation” training offered for free to all Canadians, and mandatory for all BDC employees and board members, a new BDC office in Tsuut’ina Nation, and ongoing engagement in reconciliation-focused events nationwide.

Looking ahead

BDC is committed to leaving no entrepreneur behind in Canada’s economic revolution. By working with community-based lenders and partners, BDC accelerates the rise of Indigenous business champions and supports underserved groups. Through ongoing investment in diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems, BDC drives inclusive growth and resilience, creating durable outcomes rooted in trust, equity, and shared prosperity for all Canadian entrepreneurs.

About Indigenomics and the 10 to Watch Award

The Indigenomics Institute is a leading voice in Indigenous economic design, driving systemic change and positioning Indigenous Nations and businesses as leaders in shaping a sustainable economy. The Indigenomics Awards spotlight organizations that demonstrate bold action toward the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92 and contribute to the growth of the Indigenous economy, projected to surpass $100 billion in the coming years.

About BDC: 80 years as Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs

BDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the most innovative firms. BDC’s development role means we are in a state of perpetual evolution – wherever entrepreneurs go and whatever the Canadian economy needs – we will be there to help them defy the odds. 80 years later, that commitment remains very much alive. Our financing and investments in fiscal 2025 will add an estimated $25 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next five years. We are one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the B Corp certification in 2013. For more information on our products and services and to consult free tools, templates and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media.

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