The Ontario government has announced a $3.2 million investment to launch a new round of funding under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF), aimed at supporting Indigenous businesses, communities, and organizations across the province. The move is part of Ontario’s broader effort to promote economic reconciliation and foster long-term job creation within Indigenous communities.
“Our government is continuing to make strategic investments to support Indigenous-led businesses that are creating jobs and driving economic growth throughout the province,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “Programs like the Indigenous Economic Development Fund are essential to building partnerships with Indigenous communities to bring prosperity and opportunities for generations to come.”
Supporting Indigenous-Led Growth
The IEDF provides funding for projects that strengthen economic development, create employment, and enhance training opportunities in Indigenous communities. This latest intake will help advance locally driven initiatives that build community capacity and promote self-sustaining economic activity.
Past recipients of the fund include a trades training program led by Anishinabek Employment and Training Services, as well as a tourism development initiative in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. These projects, the government noted, illustrate how Indigenous-led economic planning can generate sustainable impact in both local and regional economies.
“The fund plays a vital role in expanding opportunities for Indigenous peoples and fostering resilient, inclusive economies,” the Ministry said in its statement.
Applications Open for 2025 Intake
Applications for the new round of IEDF funding are now open and will be accepted until December 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST. Interested applicants must apply through Transfer Payment Ontario, the province’s online funding management system.
The Ministry has encouraged early registration on the platform to ensure applicants can efficiently manage their submissions. Eligible organizations include Indigenous businesses, economic development corporations, and community organizations focused on job creation, training, and business expansion.
Building Toward Economic Reconciliation
Ontario’s continued investment in the IEDF underscores the government’s commitment to advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities — an approach that seeks to address historic inequities through collaboration, partnership, and shared prosperity.
Officials from the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation have stated that the government continues to meet regularly with First Nations leaders and Indigenous organizations to identify shared priorities and expand cooperative opportunities.
“Ontario’s continued investment in specialized funding programs like the IEDF is creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous peoples and fostering strong, inclusive, and resilient economies,” the Ministry noted.
Broader Investment in Indigenous Economic Programs
The IEDF is part of a suite of provincial initiatives supporting Indigenous economic growth and community development. The fund delivers financial assistance through two key streams: the Economic Diversification Grant and the Regional Partnership Grant, both designed to strengthen collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners in local economies.
In addition to the IEDF, the Ontario government has made several complementary investments this fiscal year:
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$6 million through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP), supporting Indigenous-led infrastructure projects.
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$3 million through the Capacity and Growth Fund, focused on advancing Indigenous food security, economic development, and wealth creation initiatives.
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Funding for 48 Indigenous community projects across Ontario in 2024–25 through both the IEDF and ICCGP.
These programs align with Ontario’s long-term goal of building a more inclusive economy where Indigenous peoples can thrive through entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce participation.
A Framework for Future Prosperity
Minister Rickford emphasized that the province’s investment strategy seeks not only to support individual projects but also to lay the groundwork for lasting prosperity through partnership.
“By strengthening Indigenous-led businesses and communities, we are helping to build a foundation of opportunity that benefits everyone in Ontario,” Rickford said.
As the province continues to balance economic recovery and growth, Indigenous enterprises remain key contributors to Ontario’s social and economic fabric. With this latest funding round, the IEDF aims to provide both the financial tools and the collaborative framework needed to ensure Indigenous communities can build prosperous futures rooted in autonomy, innovation, and shared success.
