First Nations Equity Financing Program
Accepting applications
Intake Type
Continuous IntakeFunder
BC Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (JEG)
Funding Organization Type
- BC Provincial Government
In Partnership With
BC Ministry of FinanceFunding Range
- Major (over $500K)
Eligible Community
- Indigenous Communities
- Modern Treaty Nations
Eligible Project Activities
- Project Implementation (e.g. Design / Procurement / Construction)
The First Nations Equity Financing Program provides provincial loan guarantees that support First Nations to secure equity ownership in new and incremental revenue-generating projects within their traditional territories. By improving access to capital, the program supports First Nations ownership in projects, strengthens participation in project governance, advances long-term economic benefits for participating First Nations, and supports economic growth and prosperity in British Columbia. The program has a cumulative cap of $1 billion for provincial loan guarantees and will accept proposals on a continuous basis beginning in spring 2026 until the available loan guarantee room is fully allocated. The program’s design incorporates a robust risk management approach, including rigorous due diligence, similar to what would be expected with a commercial lender. Applicants must demonstrate that project proposals are commercially viable as a condition for loan guarantee approval.
Eligible Community
Eligible applicants include:
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B.C.-based Indigenous Governing Bodies such as Band Councils and Modern Treaty Nations
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First Nations Development Corporations (requires proof of support from the relevant Indigenous Governing Body)
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Other incorporated entities that are owned and controlled by an Indigenous Governing Body (requires proof of support from the relevant Indigenous Governing Body)
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Eligible projects must:
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Be located in the applicant’s traditional territory
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Involve new capital construction or substantial capital expansion of existing assets
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Demonstrate strong projected financial performance
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Contribute to new economic growth, investment attraction, revenue, and jobs fo
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First Nations, businesses and the Province
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Operate independently from existing assets through separate legal structures
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Generate sufficient financial returns to be commercially viable
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Have a minimum total capital cost of $25 million
Other Eligible Communities
Indigenous Economic AgenciesFirst Nations Development Corporations, with proof of support from the relevant Indigenous Governing Body, are eligible to apply.
Type of Funding
- Financing
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Major (over $500K)
Description of Funding
No actual funds are being distributed by the Province in this program. Instead, the Province will backstop loan guarantees are with a minimum loan guarantee size of $5M and a maximum of $400M.
Percentage of Project Funded
20%A provincial loan guarantee will be considered for up to 20% of the project’s total capital costs, with a minimum loan guarantee of $5M and a maximum loan guarantee of $400M.
Eligible Costs
Capital CostsEquipment/Material Purchase
Loan guarantees will be considered up to 20% of total capital project costs (project costs include costs relating to new capital construction or substantial capital expansion of existing assets).
Ineligible Costs
Administration FeesProject Management
Staff Costs
Operating costs (e.g., core staff salaries, bonuses, operating inputs, loans repayments, cost share obligations or refinancing of debts, fines or penalties, membership fees, dues, taxes, depreciation of assets, etc.), and costs not directly related to the project are ineligible.
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision
The First Nations Equity Financing Program will maintain ongoing communication with applicants throughout the application process and strives to provide a timely response to applications. Decision timelines vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the application, the quality and completeness of the supporting documentation provided, and the due diligence requirements. Early engagement with the program is encouraged, as it can help applicants better understand the anticipated timeline for their specific project.
The First Nations Equity Financing Program (FNEFP) does not provide direct funding or loans. Instead, it supports eligible projects by providing loan guarantees to help applicants secure financing from one or more lenders. Applicants are responsible for arranging and obtaining their own financing. Under this model, the lender issues and manages the loan, while the FNEFP acts as the guarantor, committing to supporting repayment in the event of a default in accordance with the terms of the guarantee agreement. A loan guarantee does not replace normal lending due diligence, and borrowers remain fully responsible for meeting all loan obligations.