Financial Assistance

Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB)

The PSAB was launched by the federal government to increase the number of Aboriginal suppliers bidding for, and winning, federal contracts. Basically, the PSAB makes it easier for the government and Aboriginal firms to do business with each other.

While led by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the PSAB is a Government of Canada initiative, and all federal government departments and agencies are encouraged to participate in it.

For more information, please contact:
Atlantic Region
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
40 Havelock Street
P.O. Box 160
Amherst, Nova Scotia  B4H 3Z3
Telephone: 902-661-6200
Fax: 902-661-6237
Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

Visit the Web site: Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business
See the document: Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

Grant Programs for Aboriginal Artists and Arts Organizations

The Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange program assists Aboriginal artists (individuals) or artistic groups from Aboriginal communities to travel to other Aboriginal communities to share traditional and/or contemporary knowledge or practices that will contribute to the development of their artistic practice. The program fosters unique artistic relationships and networks through these collaborative exchanges among Aboriginal artists across all disciplines. The program has two components: National and International Project Grants, and National and International Travel Grants.

For more information, please contact:
Aboriginal Arts Secretariat
Canada Council for the Arts
12th Floor
350 Albert Street
P.O. Box 1047
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 5V8
Telephone: 613-566-4414
Fax: (613) 566-4406
Toll-free (information): 1-800-263-5588
TTY (hearing impaired): 613-565-5194
E-mail: info@canadacouncil.ca / Employees e-mail addresses are as - Firstname.Lastname@canadacouncil.ca
Web site: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/home-e.htm

Visit the Web site: http://www.conseildesarts.ca/grants/aboriginal/ku127916832520671530.htm?colour=teal

Aboriginal Business Canada - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) is an Indian and Northern Affairs Canada program which provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs for a range of activities including business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing. ABC provides eligible majority-owned Aboriginal enterprises with financial assistance; business information and resource materials; and referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support.

For more information, please contact:
Aboriginal Business Canada
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Suite 500
CIBC Building
1809 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 3K7
Telephone: 902-426-2018
Fax: 902-426-1643
Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ecd/ab/abc/index-eng.asp

See the document: Aboriginal Business Canada

Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program - Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program is designed to promote maximum employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments across Canada and to help employers meet labour and skill shortages through training-to-retention plans.

Funds are available to incorporated partnerships between employers and Aboriginal representatives from communities affected by the project. The partnership must demonstrate that a minimum of 50 long-term jobs for Aboriginal people will be provided.

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ken Donnelly
Assistant Director, Aboriginal Relations Office
Aboriginal Program Policy
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J9
Telephone: (819) 956-8860
Fax: (819) 994-3297
E-mail: ken.donnelly@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml

See the document: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program (ASEP)

Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business - Business Development Bank of Canada

The Business Development Bank of Canada’s (BDC) specialized financing increases access to capital for Aboriginal entrepreneurs wanting to expand an existing business or start a new one, on or off a reserve in Canada..

For more information, please contact:
Business Development Bank of Canada
Suite 1400
Cogswell Tower - Scotia Square
2000 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2Z7
Telephone: 902-426-7850
Fax: 902-426-6783
Toll-free (information): 1-877-BDC-BANX (1-877-232-2269)
E-mail: info@bdc.ca
Web site: http://www.bdc.ca/en/home.htm

See the document: Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business
Visit the Web site: http://www.bdc.ca/en/i_am/aboriginal_entrepreneur/growth_capital_financing.htm

Peace Hills Trust

Peace Hills Trust serves the financial needs of the First Nations and their members, corporations, institutions, and associations both on and off reserve and also provides financial services to non-native clientele.

For more information, please contact:
Fredericton Regional Office
Peace Hills Trust
150 Cliffe Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick  E3A 0A1
Telephone: 506-455-3430
Fax: 506-455-3405
E-mail: Fredericton@peacehills.com
Web site: http://www.peacehills.com

Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.

Ulnooweg Development Group is an Aboriginal Capital Corporation which provides commercial lending and business services to new and existing businesses. Ulnooweg provides loans to status Indian entrepreneurs and assists in the development of native people living both on and off reserve in Atlantic Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
835 Willow Street
P.O. Box 1259
Truro, Nova Scotia  B2N 6N8
Telephone: 902-893-7379
Fax: 902-893-0353
Toll-free (information): 1-888-766-2376
E-mail: info@ulnooweg.ca
Web site: http://www.ulnooweg.ca

See the document: Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.

Canada Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts offers a broad range of grants and services to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations in dance, media arts, music, theatre, writing and publishing, interdisciplinary work and performance art, and the visual arts. All programs are accessible to Aboriginal artists or arts organizations, and artists or arts organizations from diverse cultural or regional communities.

For more information, please contact:
Aboriginal Arts Secretariat
Canada Council for the Arts
12th Floor
350 Albert Street
P.O. Box 1047
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 5V8
Telephone: 613-566-4414
Fax: (613) 566-4406
Toll-free (information): 1-800-263-5588
TTY (hearing impaired): 613-565-5194
E-mail: info@canadacouncil.ca / Employees e-mail addresses are as - Firstname.Lastname@canadacouncil.ca
Web site: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/home-e.htm

Visit the Web site: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/aboriginal/

National Aboriginal Capital Corporation of Canada

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporation of Canada (NACCA) is a growing network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions dedicated to promoting economic growth across Canada through the Aboriginal communities it serves. Owned by 59 lending institutions, NACCA provides programs, products, and services designed to promote and stimulate growth of Aboriginal business in Canada. Business loans, Aboriginal financial consulting services, and youth business programs are just some of the services NACCA supports through its member Aboriginal Financial Institutions.

For more information, please contact:
National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
Suite 605
75 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 5E7
Telephone: 613-688-0894
Fax: 613-688-0895
E-mail: office@nacca.net
Web site: http://www.nacca.net

Aboriginal Funding Tool

This interactive tool will help you find different types of funding available specifically for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Visit the Web site: http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/apps/fundingtool.nsf/index_en.html

Community Economic Development Program

The Community Economic Development Program (CEDP) provides core financial support for First Nation and Inuit communities for public services in economic development. The financial support is intended for community economic development planning and capacity development initiatives, development of proposals and leveraging financial resources, and carrying out economic development activity.

For more information, please contact:
Atlantic Region
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
40 Havelock Street
P.O. Box 160
Amherst, Nova Scotia  B4H 3Z3
Telephone: 902-661-6200
Fax: 902-661-6237
E-mail: hechavarrias@inac-ainc.gc.ca

Visit the Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ecd/ep/ced/index-eng.asp

Aboriginal Business Development Fund

This initiative provides unsecured loans to Aboriginal entrepreneurs at an interest rate of Prime plus 2%, to a maximum of $150,000 for a period of up to five years.

For more information, please contact:
Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
835 Willow Street
P.O. Box 1259
Truro, Nova Scotia  B2N 6N8
Telephone: 902-893-7379
Fax: 902-893-0353
Toll-free (information): 1-888-766-2376
E-mail: info@ulnooweg.ca
Web site: http://www.ulnooweg.ca

Canada Small Business Financing Program

The Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program, under the Canada Small Business Financing Act, can assist businesses in obtaining term loans and capital leases of up to $250,000 to help finance fixed asset needs. The loans are made directly by a qualified lender (chartered banks, caisses populaires, most credit unions, trust, loan and insurance companies). The CSBF Program seeks to increase the availability of loans and capital leases for establishing, expanding, modernizing and improving small businesses in Canada.

For technical questions about the Act and inquiries from financial institutions:
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Industry Canada
5th Floor West
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0H5
Telephone: 613-954-5540
Fax: 613-952-0290
Toll-free (information): 1-866-959-1699
E-mail: CSBFA-LFPEC@ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/eng/h_la02855.html

See the document: Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program

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Information Sources for Aboriginal Business

Aboriginal Business Service Network - Canada Business Service Centre

The Aboriginal Business Service Network is committed to providing the Aboriginal business community with a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations that are relevant, up-to-date and accurate. This service is supported through the Canada Business Services Centres (CBSCs), which provide free-of-charge access to this information.

For more information, please contact:
Canada Business - Nova Scotia
1575 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-8604
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-888-576-4444
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: cbns@canadabusiness.ca
Web site: http://www.bsc-sec.ca/ns

Visit the Web site: http://www.bsc-sec.ca/gol/cbec/site.nsf/en/aboriginal-autochtones.html

Aboriginal Canada Portal

The Aboriginal Canada Portal is your single window to Canadian Aboriginal online resources, contacts, information and government programs and services. The portal offers ease of access and navigation to listings of Aboriginal associations, businesses, organizations, bands, communities, groups, news and peoples.

For more information, please contact:
Aboriginal Canada Portal
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Toll-free (information): 1-888-399-0111
E-mail: ACP@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/en/index.html

AboriNews

AboriNews is a bilingual weekly summary of important news, files and notices.

Visit the Web site: http://www.aborinews.com/en.html
E-mail: info@aborinews.com

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Housing Quality Matters

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers a comprehensive series of information and training sessions with the objective of enhancing skills and knowledge with respect to housing quality. It reaches all audiences involved with or impacted by housing and who can influence the quality and durability of housing e.g. Chief and Council; housing department staff; inspectors, builders and renovators and home occupants. CMHC is also supporting the development of Aboriginal trainers to deliver the suite of sessions. The development and delivery of this initiative is supported by Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Atlantic Business Centre
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Barrington Tower, 9th Floor
1894 Barrington Street
P.O. Box 9315, Station A
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2A8
Telephone: 902-426-3530
Fax: 902-426-9991
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-2642
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-309-3388
Web site: http://www.schl.ca/en/

Visit the Web site: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/ab/onre/onre_020.cfm

Aboriginal Peoples Survey

Statistics Canada maintains files from 1991 that provide a social and economic profile of Aboriginal people.

For more information, please contact:
SERVING ATLANTIC CANADA
Advisory Services
Statistics Canada
1888 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G7
Fax: 902-426-9538
Toll-free (information): 1-800-263-1136
Toll-free (publications): 1-800-267-6677
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-363-7629
E-mail: infostats@statcan.ca
Web site: http://www.statcan.ca/start.html

Visit the Web site: http://www.statcan.ca/cgi-bin/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=3250&lang=en&db=IMDB&dbl=E&adm=8&dis=2

Aboriginal Newsletters - Business Development Bank of Canada

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) publishes three specialized newsletters. Aboriginal Banking Newsletter focuses on aboriginal economic development and business; SOARf ocuses on aboriginal youth and business; and Quarterly Aboriginal Banking e-NEWS provides aboriginal entrepreneurs with advice to help manage their business.

For more information, please contact:
Business Development Bank of Canada
Suite 1400
Cogswell Tower - Scotia Square
2000 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2Z7
Telephone: 902-426-7850
Fax: 902-426-6783
Toll-free (information): 1-877-BDC-BANX (1-877-232-2269)
E-mail: info@bdc.ca
Web site: http://www.bdc.ca/en/home.htm

See the Web site: http://www.bdc.ca/en/i_am/aboriginal_entrepreneur/default.htm

Aboriginal Resource Guide

This user-friendly tool is designed to help Aboriginal people search for information they require to develop or enhance administrative and financial skills in order to increase their capacity to successfully use the services of financial institutions.

See the document: Aboriginal Resource Guide
Visit the Web site: http://www.aboriginalresourcenet.com/Eng/index.htm

Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative’s Employer Toolkit - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative was designed to help employers recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees. The toolkit has been designed to help employers increase their awareness and understanding of issues related to Aboriginal employment.

For more information, please contact:
Atlantic Region
Mr. Manson Gloade
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
40 Havelock Street
P.O. Box 160
Amherst, Nova Scotia  B4H 3Z3
Telephone: 902-661-6361
Fax: 902-661-6237
E-mail: GloadeM@inac.gc.ca

Visit the Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/awpi/index_e.html

Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations presents the views of the various First Nations through their leaders in areas such as: Aboriginal and Treaty rights, economic development, education, languages and literacy, health, housing, social development, justice, taxation, land claims, and environment.

For more information, please contact:
Assembly of First Nations
Trebla Building, Suite 810
473 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1R 5B4
Telephone: 613-241-6789
Fax: 613-241-5808
Toll-free (information): 1-866-869-6789
Web site: http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=3

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business connects Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and companies with the opportunities they require to achieve personal and business success.

For more information, please contact:
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Telephone: (416) 961-8663
E-mail: info@ccab.com
Web site: http://www.ccab.com/

Aboriginal Business Directory - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

The Aboriginal Business Directory is a valuable tool for government purchasers and other interested parties who are looking for Aboriginal businesses that can supply the goods and services they need. Registering a company in the directory will increase the company’s visibility, but does not guarantee that a government contract will be awarded. To register, please visit http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/sld/cmpny.do?tag=248&profileId=381&lang=eng

For more information, please contact:
Aboriginal Access to Procurement Coordinator
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Terrasses de la Chaudière
10 Wellington Street
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0H4
Telephone: 819-997-0380
Fax: 819-953-3017
E-mail: saea-psab@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

See the document: Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

Native Investment and Trade Association (NITA)

One of NITA’s main activities is producing events of national Aboriginal importance such as conferences, trade shows and business forums.

For more information, please contact:
Native Investment and Trade Association
6520 Salish Drive
Vancouver, British Columbia  V6N 2C7
Telephone: 604-275-6670
Fax: 604-275-0307
Toll-free (information): 1-800-337-7743
Web site: http://www.native-invest-trade.com/index_basic.shtml

Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument

The Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument (ACGI) gives Aboriginal contractors the help they need to qualify for more business opportunities. The ACGI proves to the project owners that their contractors can guarantee satisfactory job completion.

For more information, please contact:
National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
Suite 605
75 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 5E7
Telephone: 613-688-0894
Fax: 613-688-0895
E-mail: office@nacca.net
Web site: http://www.nacca.net

Journey to Success Aboriginal Women’s Business Planning Guide

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Journey to Success Aboriginal Women’s Business Planning Guide is a practical and easy-to-use tool for Aboriginal women who are thinking of going into business.

For more information, please contact:
Atlantic Region
Indian and Inuit Affairs
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
40 Havelock Street
P.O. Box 160
Amherst, Nova Scotia  B4H 3Z3
Telephone: (902) 661-6200
Fax: (902) 661-6237
Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

Visit the Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ecd/pubs/js/js-eng.asp

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples provides information about Aboriginal peoples across Canada who live in a non-reserve setting whether urban, rural or wilderness.

For more information, please contact:
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
867 St. Laurent Blvd.
Ottawa, Ontario  K1K 3B1
Telephone: 613-747-6022
Fax: 613-747-8834
Web site: http://www.abo-peoples.org

Aboriginal Tourism Canada

Aboriginal Tourism Canada is a national Aboriginal tourism association. It is a partnership of business and government whose goal is to create opportunities for the growth of Aboriginal tourism.

For more information, please contact:
Aboriginal Tourism Canada
Suite 820
275 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 5H9
Telephone: 613-235-2067
Fax: 613-235-0396
Toll-free (information): 800-724-7872
E-mail: info@aboriginaltourism.ca
Web site: http://www.aboriginaltourism.ca/

National Aboriginal Forestry Association

The overall goal of the National Aboriginal Forestry Association is to promote and support increased Aboriginal involvement in forest management and related commercial opportunities.

For more information, please contact:
National Aboriginal Forestry Association
Suite 300
396 Cooper Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K2P 2H7
Telephone: 613-233-5563
Fax: 613-233-4329
Web site: http://nafaforestry.org

Information for Aboriginals - Canada Revenue Agency

The Canada Revenue Agency has a Web site for information specific to Aboriginals: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/brgnls/menu-eng.html

For more information, please contact:
Canada Revenue Agency
333 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0L9
Fax: 613-238-7125
Toll-free (information): 1-800-959-5525 (Business enquiries and registrations)
Toll-free (publications): 1-800-959-2221 (Forms and publications)
Web site: http://www.cra.gc.ca/menu-e.html

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Management Services

Canadian Executive Service Organization - Aboriginal Services

The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) provides business advisory services to Aboriginal businesses, communities and organizations through highly skilled volunteers.

For more information, please contact:
CESO Aboriginal Services
Suite 501, West Tower, Royal Bank Building
44 Portland Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia  B2Y 1H3
Telephone: 902-461-9871
Fax: 902-461-9027
Toll-free (information): 1-877-795-4876
E-mail: atlantic@ceso-saco.com
Web site: http://www.ceso-saco.com/english/national/aboriginal/index.php

Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers

The Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers assists Aboriginal economic development officers (EDOs) through networking, information, publications, support services and special initiatives or projects.

For more information, please contact:
Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers
9635 - 45 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T6E 5Z8
Telephone: 780-990-0303
Fax: 780-429-7487
Toll-free (information): 1-800-463-9300
E-mail: cando@edo.ca
Web site: http://www.edo.ca/

Eskasoni Economic Development Corporation

The Eskasoni Economic Development Corporation undertakes economic development in Eskasoni, Cape Breton.

For more information, please contact:
Eskasoni Band Administration Complex
Eskasoni Economic Development Corporation
63 Minimall Dr.
PO Box 7172
Eskasoni, Nova Scotia  B1W 1A2
Telephone: 902-379-2422/2800
Fax: 902-379-2172

See the document: Eskasoni Economic Development Corporation

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Taxation

First Nations Tax Commission

The First Nations Tax Commission provides advice and assistance to First Nations.

For more information, please contact:
Eastern Office
First Nations Tax Commission
90 Elgin Street, Second Floor
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0H4
Telephone: 613-954-6201
Fax: 613-954-2073
E-mail: mail@fntc.ca
Web site: http://www.itab.ca/english/home/default.asp

GST/HST and the Indian Act - Canada Revenue Agency

Under section 87 of the Indian Act, the personal property of an Indian or Indian band situated on a reserve and their interests in reserve lands are not subject to tax. The application of the GST/HST is consistent with the provisions of that Act.

For more information, please contact:
Canada Revenue Agency
333 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0L9
Fax: 613-238-7125
Toll-free (information): 1-800-959-5525 (Business enquiries and registrations)
Toll-free (publications): 1-800-959-2221 (Forms and publications)
Web site: http://www.cra.gc.ca/menu-e.html

See the document: GST/HST and Indians

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

The Guide to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) helps businesses understand their obligations and comply to the Act. Since January 1, 2004, the PIPED Act covers the collection, use or disclosure of personal information in the course of all commercial activities in Canada, except in provinces which have enacted legislation that is deemed to be substantially similar to the federal law.

For more information, please contact:
Privacy Commissioner of Canada
3rd Floor, Tower B
Place de Ville
112 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 1H3
Telephone: 613- 995-8210
Fax: 613-947-6850
Toll-free (information): 1-800-282-1376
TTY (hearing impaired): 613-992-9190
Web site: http://www.privcom.gc.ca/index_e.asp

Visit the Web site: http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp
See the document: Protection of Personal Information - Your Responsibilities

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Related Reading

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