Ontario Launches New Round of Indigenous Economic Development Fund Applications

TORONTO – The Ontario government has announced a $3.2 million investment to open a new round of funding applications under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) — a key initiative designed to strengthen Indigenous-led business growth, job creation, and community prosperity across the province.

The program, administered through the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, continues to play a vital role in advancing Ontario’s commitment to economic reconciliation and supporting the province’s growing network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and community organizations.

“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.”

Through the IEDF, funding is available to help Indigenous businesses, communities, and organizations expand access to employment, training, and investment opportunities. Past projects have included a trades training program delivered by Anishinabek Employment and Training Services and a tourism development initiative in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek — both examples of how local leadership and government partnership can fuel long-term success.

A new round of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund will provide over $3M in funding for Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations to boost economic growth and job creation across the province.

Applications are open now until Dec 1, 2025: https://t.co/moUOwvMlpl pic.twitter.com/YxvGpkFYQQ

— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) October 21, 2025

Applications for this new intake are open until December 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. (EST). Eligible organizations can apply through Transfer Payment Ontario, the province’s secure online portal for managing funding requests.

“Ontario’s continued investment in programs like the IEDF is creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous peoples and fostering strong, inclusive, and resilient local economies,” Rickford added. “By working together, we are helping communities achieve lasting prosperity through self-determined economic development.”

The program continues to deliver measurable impact through its two main streams — the Economic Diversification Grant and the Regional Partnership Grant — each focused on driving sustainable community-based economic growth.

In addition to the IEDF, Ontario has also committed:

• $6 million through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) to fund Indigenous-led infrastructure projects.

• $3 million through the Capacity and Growth Fund to advance Indigenous food security and wealth creation.

• Investments in 48 Indigenous-led projects through the ICCGP and IEDF in 2024–25 alone.

These targeted investments form part of Ontario’s broader approach to strengthening Indigenous partnerships, advancing shared priorities, and supporting the creation of new business and employment opportunities across the province.

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