Significant activity is occurring across Canada to create information and gateway platforms that help Indigenous entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of business resources and services. The federal government launched the Indigenous Business Navigator Service in 2023, providing a single point of contact that connects Indigenous businesses to programs across more than 20 Government of Canada departments and agencies. The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) operates a searchable Member Directory of nearly 1,500 Certified Indigenous Businesses alongside networking events and the Tools for Indigenous Business program. The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) coordinates a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions that serve as localized gateways connecting entrepreneurs to developmental lending, business support services, and capital programs.
Additional federal and provincial platforms include the Business Benefits Finder, which generates personalized lists of funding and support programs, and regional resources such as FedDev Ontario’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Guide and British Columbia’s Indigenous Business Resources portal. While these platforms represent meaningful progress, a 2024 evaluation by Indigenous Services Canada noted that the siloed approach to funding across program streams continues to create challenges for entrepreneurs navigating various supports and requirements.