First Nations and Métis Economic Development Program

The First Nations and Métis Economic Development Program is designed to increase Aboriginal participation in the economy.  This program is committed to encouraging economic development, job creation, and business expansion.  It provides non-repayable grants as initial funding to establish, acquire or expand First Nations and Métis owned businesses as well as building community capacity.   

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must be a Canadian resident of Aboriginal ancestry living in Saskatchewan or a Canadian corporation, partnership, association or other legal entity that is majority-owned or controlled by Canadian residents of Aboriginal ancestry living in Saskatchewan.

People of Aboriginal ancestry include:

• Status Indians;
• Non-Status Indians;
• Inuit; or
• Métis.

Legal entities associated with Indian Bands, Tribal Councils, Métis organizations and communities are also eligible to apply.

Summary

There is a need to ensure that more First Nations and Métis people are brought into the work-force and provided with the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the economic and social prosperity of this province.  Grants under this program are intended to support business development and expansion within Saskatchewan through funding a portion of initial start-up capital and operating expenditures in businesses within key sectors of the Saskatchewan economy.

These key sectors include:

• Energy;
• Mining;
• Forestry;
• Value-added agriculture;
• Manufacturing; and
• Aboriginal themed tourism.

AMOUNT OF FUNDING

• For businesses owned by individual entrepreneurs or private corporations, grant funding will be set at a maximum of $50,000 on condition that the provincial contribution will not exceed 35% of the total financial package.
• For businesses owned by legal entities associated with Indian Bands, Tribal Councils, Métis communities and institutions, grant funding will be set at a maximum of $100,000 on condition that the provincial contribution will not exceed 35% of the total financial package.
• In a case of businesses with Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal partners, the maximum funding will be prorated based on the level of Aboriginal ownership and control.

PLEASE NOTE:  This document contains only the highlights of the First Nations and Métis Economic Development Program.  For a full list of funding criteria, additional information as well as application forms, please contact the office below or visit their Web site at http://www.fnmr.gov.sk.ca/html/ecdev/ecdp_program.htm .

Saskatchewan Contact(s):
Clarence Campeau Development Fund - CCDF
254 Robin Crescent
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan  S7L 7C2
Telephone: 306-657-4870
Fax: 306-657-4890
Toll-free (information): 1-888-657-4870
E-mail: info@clarencecampeau.com