Alberta putting $10M toward grants for community-owned Indigenous businesses

The province has set aside $10 million for the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund to help businesses buy equipment or upgrade infrastructure.

The Government of Alberta said this year’s budget, if passed, will provide $10 million in annual funding to the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF).

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The ABIF is used to help community-owned Indigenous businesses buy or upgrade equipment and infrastructure they need to operate.

Since the program launched in 2014, the province said it has helped more than 105 businesses through more than $58 million in grants, and helped create almost 1,000 jobs for Indigenous people in Alberta.

A total of 20 communities received funding in the 2024-25 year.

Bear Hills Casino and Travel Resort, owned by the Louis Bull Tribe, is one. It used $750,000 to build a parking lot to accommodate guests and nearby highway traffic.

“Since opening, Bear Hills Casino has created jobs and has helped drive visitors to the area and boost spending in the region,” said Louis Bull Tribe Chief Desmond Bull.

“This grant is designed to grow businesses and grow the economy, while also supporting economic reconciliation.'

A Nakota tourism initiative, from Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and the Whitecourt Isga Tourism Association, also received grant funding through the ABIF and the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative.

It was given $538,300 for infrastructure for a new tipi village in Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park, offering traditional Nakota teachings.

“The tipi village is just what we needed. It helps boost socio-economic sustainability within our community and allows families and clans to work in a welcoming, culturally inclusive environment that fosters cultural awareness,” said Bear Mustus, president of the Whitecourt Isga Tourism Association.

Other grants were given to communities for farming, construction, infrastructure projects and equipment purchases.

A full list can be found on the Government of Alberta website.