Administered by Government of Ontario · Last verified: July 2026
Waubetek Business Development Corporation is an Indigenous-owned financial institution serving First Nation, Inuit, and non-status entrepreneurs in north-eastern Ontario. Its Aboriginal Business Financing Program provides interest-free repayable financing of up to $250,000 to start, expand, or buy a viable business, designed to combine with owner equity and commercial lending. A separate Indigenous women's stream offers up to $20,000. Proof of Aboriginal heritage and a location in the service area are required.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityWaubetek Aboriginal Business Financing (North-Eastern Ontario) is generally open to incorporated, self-employed, partnership businesses, in Ontario. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Up to $250,000 interest-free repayable financing (up to $20,000 women's stream). The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
1. Confirm your business is in north-eastern Ontario 2. Contact a Waubetek business officer 3. Prepare your business plan and budget 4. Submit the financing application 5. Combine with owner equity and commercial lending as needed
Continuous intake.
50% of costs up to $50,000, 0% interest over 10 years (portion may be forgivable)
INCENTIVETerm loans up to $500,000; ABFP financing up to $250,000
INCENTIVEFinancing up to $1,500,000 plus non-repayable business plan support