Indigenous entrepreneurs eye bigger role in Canada’s $125 billion buildout

New research from the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation says capital access, application support and trusted advice could help more Indigenous entrepreneurs join Canada’s 15 major projects expected to drive more than $125 billion in investment. The findings land as the federal government doubles the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion.

Why it matters: - Canada’s next wave of nation-building projects could create a major opening for Indigenous-owned businesses. - The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation says better access to capital and support could help more entrepreneurs supply, build and service projects tied to more than $125 billion in investment and over 60,000 jobs. - Expanding Indigenous participation in these projects could also support economic reconciliation and long-term community wealth.

What happened: - The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation released its Financial Literacy and Access to Capital report on Oct. 15, 2026. - The report says Indigenous entrepreneurs are positioned to support 15 nation-building projects across Canada. - The federal government has doubled the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion. - IPF shared the findings with entrepreneurs, financial institutions, Indigenous Financial Institutions, funders and policymakers.

The details: - The research draws on a survey of 102 Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners, 15 stakeholder interviews, a literature review and a program scan. - The survey looked at what Indigenous entrepreneurs need to make confident financial decisions and how financial systems can become more accessible and culturally aligned. - 88% of respondents used personal savings to fund their businesses. - 53% used grants. - 36% used bank loans. - 31% used loans from family or friends. - 74% said help with loan or grant applications would make a difference. - 41% were not aware of Indigenous-focused financial institutions or programs. - One-to-one coaching or mentorship scored 4.06 out of 5 as the most useful support format, based on 72 respondents. - 60% of early-stage respondents cited lack of collateral as a barrier, compared with 31% of respondents operating or scaling a business. - 86% linked business success with inspiring other Indigenous entrepreneurs. - 74% linked business success with creating jobs. - 71% linked business success with supporting community causes. - 67% linked business success with building cultural pride and visibility. - IPF says businesses need working capital, contract financing, timely financing decisions and trusted guidance to participate more fully in major projects.

Between the lines: - The report points to a gap between available capital and the practical support needed to access it. - The awareness gap around Indigenous-focused financial programs suggests some entrepreneurs may not be reaching the tools designed for them. - The collateral findings suggest financing barriers may be tougher for earlier-stage businesses than for those already operating or scaling. - RBC served as Knowledge Mobilization Partner for the research, signaling private-sector interest in expanding Indigenous business participation. - Michelle Okere said Indigenous entrepreneurs are ready to help deliver Canada’s growth and could play an even greater role with clearer capital pathways and trusted support. - Brittanee Laverdure said supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs is critical to economic growth and long-term prosperity.

What's next: - IPF will continue rolling out the findings to entrepreneurs, lenders, Indigenous Financial Institutions, funders and policymakers. - During Small Business Week, Michelle Okere will host a free fireside chat on Oct. 20, 2026, with Indigenous entrepreneur Mila MacCuish and Brittanee Laverdure of RBC Origins. - The online Zoom session will focus on financing an Indigenous-owned business and making capital more accessible. - IPF says a downloadable full report is available online.

The bottom line: - Canada’s investment push could become a major Indigenous business opportunity, but only if financing, navigation and trusted advice improve at the same pace as the projects themselves.