Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurs
Access to financing
Get the funding you need to start or grow your business with flexible micro-loans and grants.
One-on-one support
Receive personalized guidance from our Business Services Officer every step of the way.
Skills & Training
Build your entrepreneurial toolkit through workshops and practical training opportunities.
Connections & Networks
Expand your circle by connecting with mentors, peers, and industry leaders across Alberta.
Fueling Indigenous Innovation. Empowering Youth.
The Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) Program is a national initiative developed by NACCA and delivered by Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs), including the Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (AIIC). It is designed to support Indigenous youth in launching, growing, and sustaining successful businesses.
A Launchpad for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
The Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) Program is more than just access to funding, it's a launchpad designed to reduce the barriers that often stand between Indigenous youth and their dreams of owning a business.
Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when navigating financial systems for the first time. The Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) Program was built to simplify that first step. From a streamlined application process to one-on-one support, the program is intentionally designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible, achievable, and sustainable for Indigenous youth aged 18–39.
From First Loan to Future Growth
At its core, the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) Program is about building a strong foundation. Entrepreneurs learn how to create business plans, build cash flow forecasts, and understand the basics of borrowing, not just to access their first loan, but to prepare them for future growth. It's a capacity-building process that empowers confidence, knowledge, and long-term success.
By going through the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) loan process, participants are not only securing the funding they need now, they are learning skills that will make future applications faster, easier, and more successful. This is the starting point of a much larger journey.
In this way, Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) becomes a multiplier, not just for businesses, but for entire communities. When one entrepreneur succeeds, it creates opportunities, jobs, and momentum for others.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IYE Program, applicants must:
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- Be between 18–39 years old
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- Be Status First Nation who has resided in Alberta for at least one year
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- Own 51% or more of the business
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- Be actively involved in day-to-day business operations
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- Have credit in good standing, no outstanding collections
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- Submit a simplified business plan and 1-year cash flow forecast
Financing Overview
Eligible applicants may access up to $25,000 in micro-loans of combined financing and grant support.
Breakdown:
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- Loan Financing: Minimum 50%
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- Non-repayable Contribution (Grant): Up to 45% (based on needs)
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- Equity Requirement: 0–10% (cash or in-kind)
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- Loan Term: Up to 60 months (5 years)
Incredible Numbers
$9.2 B
Economic Impact
In 2023, Indigenous businesses and professionals contributed an estimated $9.2 billion to Alberta's Economy.
$ 56 B
National Contribution
The Indigenous economy now contributes more than $56 billion annually to Canada's GDP and continues to grow in strength
23%
Promising Growth
The number of Indigenous entrepreneurs is expected to grow by 23% in the next decade.
Ready to take the first step in your business journey?
Click here to download the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur (IYE) Program application form and information package,
Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we're here to support you every step of the way.
PDF – includes:
- IYE application
- Business Plan Workbook
- 1 year cash-flow template
- Application checklist
would you like to
schedule a call?
Contact
Amanda Muskego
Business Services Officer - Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur
Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
780.470.3600
youth@aiicbusiness.org