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This category comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. Most of the industries grouped under this heading sell expertise.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for ABC support to start or establish a firm offering business, professional, scientific or technical services you must:
- be of Aboriginal heritage (Status or Non-status Indian – located on or off-reserve –, Métis or Inuit);
- have a minimum of 15 percent cash equity to invest in the total eligible project costs . (This may increase depending on your financial capacity to bear more of the costs. At least one half of your equity must come from personal resources.)
In addition you must:
- be in a profession that requires you to conform to the technical or ethical standards of a national or provincial/territorial governing body; (This includes doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, architects and engineers.); or
- have completed post-secondary education in a relevant discipline (i.e., holding a college diploma or university degree), or have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Considerations
- If you are a non-accredited professional, in addition to a résumé outlining your achievements, ABC may ask you to submit business references to help us determine your credentials.
- You may be required to take additional training in management, bookkeeping or other areas that address the needs of the business.
- You must demonstrate operational and management expertise appropriate to your ownership and control position in the proposed business.
- You must demonstrate that your business has the capacity to be profitable.
- You must be involved in a full-time management capacity whether the proposed business operates seasonally or year round.
Overview of Supported Activities
The following are examples of types of firms offering business, professional, scientific or technical services that are eligible for support. (Refer to section 54 of the North American Industry Classification System for more information on whether the proposed service would be considered to be part of this category.).
- Legal services (lawyers and notaries).
- Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services.
- Architectural, engineering and related services, such as drafting and building inspection.
- Geophysical surveying and mapping services.
- Testing services: assaying, automobile proving and testing, calibration and certification testing, food testing, forensic laboratory services, hydrostatic testing.
- Specialized design services: interior, industrial, graphic, fashion, floats, theatrical sets, shoes, textiles and computers.
- Management, scientific and technical consulting services: management, administrative, human resource and executive search, environmental.
- Scientific research and development services: physical, engineering and life sciences, social sciences and humanities.
- Providers of selected telecommunications services, such as Internet Service Providers.
- Although not listed in section 54 of the North American Industry Classification System, doctors, dentists, orthodontists, optometrists and chiropractors are eligible for support, provided that the services proposed do not contravene the Canada Health Act.
If you are seeking support from ABC to acquire a business refer to our acquisitions policy for important information.
Eligible Project Costs
For projects involving start-up or acquisition of a business, Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) can support:
Applying to ABC for Support
Now that you have reviewed our eligibility criteria and other important information, you are ready to proceed to the next section. This section will explain the application process for ABC support.
Questions? Please review our Frequently Asked Questions or contact a development officer at an office location near you.
Before You Apply | Applying to ABC | Once a Project is Approved | Once a Project is Completed
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