Ontario Investing More than $3 Million to Promote Economic Growth in Indigenous Communities

Press Release

October 21, 2025

Applications now open for new round of Indigenous Economic Development Fund

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $3.2 million to launch the next intake of funding applications under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF). As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the program provides funding to Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations to help boost economic growth and job creation in Indigenous communities across the province.

“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.”

The IEDF provides funding to support economic development and improve access to Indigenous-led employment and training opportunities. Past projects supported by the fund include a trades training program led by Anishinabek Employment and Training Services and a tourism development initiative in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.

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 government continues to meet with First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations to support shared priorities and identify partnership opportunities that advance economic reconciliation.

Applications are open until December 1, 2025 at 5 p.m. (EST) and must be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario. Interested applicants are required to register with Transfer Payment Ontario to apply and manage their funding requests.

Quick Facts

• The IEDF delivers funding through the Economic Diversification Grant and the Regional Partnership Grant.
• In 2024-25, the Ontario government invested in 48 projects through the Indigenous Community Capital Grant Program (ICCGP), and the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF).
• Ontario is investing $6 million through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) to fund Indigenous-led community infrastructure projects.
• Ontario is investing $3 million through the Capacity and Growth Fund to support Indigenous economic development, food security and wealth creation to help create an environment where Indigenous people and businesses can thrive.

Additional Resources

• Learn more about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund and how to apply.
• Read more about the Indigenous-led economic development projects funded through the ICCGP and IEDF 2025-26 streams.
• Learn more about available funding opportunities from the Government of Ontario.

Related Topics

Business and Economy

Information about Ontario’s economy and how to do business here. Includes economic development opportunities, research funding, tax credits for business and the Ontario Budget. Learn more

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