Important dates
The 2025-26 application intake opens May 15, 2025.
Overview
The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) can partially or completely fund capital costs for Indigenous community-owned economic development projects that are close to starting operations or breaking ground within the funding year.
From constructing new buildings and infrastructure to purchasing necessary equipment, ABIF can provide the support needed to grow businesses, hire more people and engage in other projects that make a difference in Indigenous communities across the province.
Successful applicants must demonstrate that long-term effects strengthen the economies of Indigenous communities by:
- increasing the number of Indigenous community-owned businesses
- increasing employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples
- creating or increasing local revenue streams for Indigenous communities
Funding
Aboriginal Business Investment Fund grants are a minimum of $150,000 to a maximum of $750,000 to support capital costs related to Indigenous community-owned economic development projects.
Grants can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, which can include equipment purchases and the construction or improvement of buildings and other infrastructure. The amount of funding requested must be supported by the project activities detailed in the application. An ABIF grant can be combined with other government and industry funding sources.
Funding consideration will be determined by:
- availability of funding and program budget
- alignment to program priorities
- ability of partners to make necessary financial contributions to the project through other means, such as grant funding from other programs
Some projects may not receive full funding as funding is dependent on the program budget and the number of applications received. It is suggested that applicants request the minimum amount required to run the project successfully.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Eligible ABIF applicants are Indigenous communities in Alberta or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities located in Alberta:
- Communities must own and control 51% or more of the proposed business or joint venture.
- Corporate entities must be in good standing.
- Applicants must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of any previous Indigenous Relations funding.
An Indigenous community may submit only one ABIF application in any given funding year.
Indigenous Relations bases funding decisions on the results of a rigorous review process. A strong application has:
- demonstrated community support for the project that includes a formal resolution (for example: band council resolution, corporate resolution (if the Chief and/or Council are members of the board), settlement council resolution etc.)
- the potential for generating economic benefits, like jobs and community revenue
- proven management capacity and business expertise on the project
- a balance of own-source equity, commercial financing and grant funding
- long-term viability of the proposed business opportunity
- potential for the project to generate spin-off business opportunities
Eligible and ineligible costs
The intent of the ABIF program is to invest in the capital elements of business initiatives. Please see the ABIF Application Guidelines for a list of eligible and ineligible costs.
How to apply
Step 1. Read the guidelines
Refer to the ABIF Application Guidelines to learn the program’s terms and conditions.
Step 2. Complete your application package
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.
The application package must include:
- ABIF Grant Application Form – Review and fill out the application carefully by clearly defining the business and scope of work, including a detailed breakdown of:
- estimated costs or funding sources
- a reasonable timeline for carrying out project activities
- project milestones
- project plan if construction is required
- Comprehensive business plan – This is the major part of the application. You may provide your own business plan or complete this business plan template. Refer to the ABIF Application Guidelines for details of the content that needs to be included.
- Community support – All applicants must demonstrate organizational support for their project (for example, Band Council Resolution).
- Supporting documentation – Applicants should include any relevant documents that support the viability of the project, such as feasibility studies, permits, environmental assessments, letters of support, franchise agreements, partnership arrangements and commitments.
Step 3. Submit the application package
Applicants must submit one electronic copy of the entire application package to [email protected].
After you apply
Grants will be given to projects that successfully pass an evaluation based on these factors: community benefits, management risk, industry risk and the financial risk associated with each project.
Evaluation takes place in 3 phases:
- A cross-ministry panel will review each application.
- Top-scoring projects that meet all the requirements and demonstrate the potential for financial viability will receive an in-depth assessment.
- Each applicant will be informed about the final funding decision. Applicants may ask for a debrief session to review the in-depth results of the evaluation process.
Successful grant recipients may use the Alberta signature (logo) to recognize the Alberta government’s funding contribution. The Alberta signature should be clearly displayed in a way that indicates the Government of Alberta is a sponsor, and not a partner that is running the event, program, initiative or involved with the organization. To request permission and for further information, contact: [email protected].
Reporting
Successful applicants will provide audited financial statements and a short narrative summary. The summary can include, but is not limited to:
- project significance to the community, and how it plans to measure the business’ continued success
- relevant statistics related to the project – for example, number of permanent jobs held by Indigenous people
- general outcomes, challenges, successes
- lessons learned
Alberta's government reserves the right to follow up with applicants to evaluate their project’s effectiveness, including discussions of best practices and progress.
Successful grant applicants
Visit the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund recipient page for information on recent ABIF grant recipients.
Contact
Connect with staff members to discuss economic and business development opportunities with representatives from Indigenous communities:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]