Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP)
Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) is a financing and loans offered by Futurpreneur for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador).
A tailored program for young Indigenous entrepreneurs (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit) ages 18-39 providing up to $75,000 in startup loan financing (up to $25,000 from Futurpreneur and up to $50,000 from BDC), up to two years of one-on-one mentorship delivered by an all-Indigenous team, culturally appropriate resources including the Ohpikiwin workshop series, and networking opportunities.
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Program details
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) is designed and operated by an entirely Indigenous team that understands the barriers to success faced by young Indigenous entrepreneurs. The program provides startup loan financing of up to $75,000: up to $25,000 from Futurpreneur and up to $50,000 from BDC. It includes up to two years of one-on-one mentorship from experienced business leaders. The IESP offers access to Futurpreneur's Ohpikiwin workshop series, designed to strengthen financial empowerment through an Indigenous lens, as well as business planning workshops and tools. Participants can engage with a national network of Indigenous entrepreneurs, leaders, and Indigenous-led community organizations. The program has made adjustments to its credit matrix for equitable accessibility, recognizing that many Indigenous individuals experience credit barriers and disadvantages due to colonialism. The program supports Indigenous entrepreneurs both on and off reserve. All learning content is created and delivered by an Indigenous team, incorporating Indigenous worldviews and histories. Futurpreneur partners with numerous Indigenous organizations across Canada including NACCA, NEDC, First Peoples Fund, and others.
Who qualifies
Must self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit). Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18-39. Business must not yet be operational or have been operating full-time for 24 months or less. Must have a Futurpreneur-eligible business model and qualified credit standing (with adjusted credit matrix). All general Futurpreneur eligibility criteria also apply. Intersectionality is welcomed.
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