Economic Development

Last updated on January 16, 2024

The provincial government is committed to improving the participation of Indigenous people and communities’ in the economy. Government must work in partnership with Indigenous people to identify shared goals, strategic outcomes and progress.

The Province’s policy approach to working in partnership with Indigenous people includes efforts to support and increase Indigenous management and control over programs and services.

Business Support

The Province supports Indigenous entrepreneurs through programs, training and funding that help businesses to thrive and compete in B.C.’s economic climate. Strong Indigenous businesses contribute to a strong B.C. economy.

Indigenous Small Business Resources Handout - A one-stop reference for Indigenous entrepreneurs on how to access the range of services and supports available to Indigenous small-business owners.
Indigenous Business Advisory Centres - Business advisory centres in Cranbrook, Fort St. John and Prince George help Indigenous entrepreneurs with business startup or expansion, partnerships, and planning.
First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program - Business loans are available to Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia.
B.C. Indigenous Business Awards - B.C. Aboriginal Business Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes outstanding Indigenous business accomplishments.
Small Business Task Force Recommendations - Priority 6 starts on page 6 and speaks to support for greater Indigenous participation in B.C.’s economy.
General business support

The B.C. government also supports the Indigenous Business and Investment Council through the BC Jobs Plan. The Indigenous Business and Investment Council focuses on developing strategies to:

Increase indigenous participation in the economy
Promote economic certainty in the province by encouraging economic growth in Indigenous communities

Building Capacity

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund
The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) promotes increased Indigenous community participation in the clean energy sector within their asserted traditional territories and treaty areas.
Funding Opportunities for Clean Energy Projects
This document provides an overview of funding opportunities for energy efficiency and clean energy projects led by Local Governments and First Nations in British Columbia..
New Relationship Trust
The New Relationship Trust is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in B.C. through capacity building.

Databases

Indigenous Organizations & Services

The Indigenous Organizations & Services Guide provides British Columbians with a comprehensive listing of Indigenous community-based services and organizations, which are mostly not-for-profit and Indigenous operated.

Learn more about the guide

Economic Agreements

B.C., federal government and First Nations negotiate agreements to benefit the economy in First Nations' territories.

Find out about government-to-government agreements

The Indigenous Business and Investment Council works to develop British Columbia’s Indigenous communities through strategies that will increase First Nations participation in the economy, promote successful investment models between Indigenous people and the private sector, foster economic development in indigenous communities, and increase overall investment in the province.

Indigenous Business and Investment Council

Contact information

Call or email if you have more questions.

Office
1-800-880-1022

Email
IRRInfo@gov.bc.ca

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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