Government of Canada supports Indigenous-owned businesses in the Atlantic Region affected by COVID-19

Membertou First Nation, unceded traditional Mi’kmaq territory — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting all Indigenous businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic and into recovery. In June 2021, the Government of Canada announced the renewal of the Indigenous Community Business Fund (ICBF). This provided a further $117 million to support Indigenous microbusinesses and community- or collectively-owned businesses across the country that do not qualify for other existing business supports, and whose revenues have been affected by COVID-19.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced support for the operation, planning and positioning for recovery of Indigenous community businesses in the Atlantic Region through the ICBF. Over $13 million in non-repayable financial contributions will help Indigenous community- or collectively-owned businesses to strengthen operations, support their viability and position them for recovery.

The ICBF has supported every Indigenous community in the Atlantic Region. This includes, for example, $1.5 million to Membertou First Nation businesses to help relieve financial pressure and keeping members employed and businesses open.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to make the investments needed to help Indigenous communities emerge from the pandemic downturn stronger than before.