Fueling Indigenous women business-owners’ growth through CCIB’s Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund
June 9, 2025, Toronto, ON – Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) opens the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund (IWEF) for the sixth consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
Presented by LNG Canada, the fund is open to Indigenous women-owned businesses that have encountered systemic barriers and need greater access to capital.
“Indigenous women continue to lead with strength, innovation, and deep community roots — yet face persistent barriers to accessing capital and resources,” said Tabatha Bull, CCIB president & CEO. “Through the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund, we are creating space for these leaders to thrive by providing meaningful support that recognizes their potential. We’re proud to work alongside partners like LNG Canada to help close these gaps and advance economic reconciliation.”
Recently, CCIB collaborated with the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) through the Diversity Institute (DI) of Toronto Metropolitan University to explore the early stages of Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship in Ontario. The study found that many entrepreneurs encounter challenges accessing programs and financial support. One key finding highlighted the importance of mentorship and networking in the early stages of their career.
lifecycle, provided their business is registered. Eight recipients will receive a $2,500 grant along with a one-year CCIB membership.
“Investing in the journeys of Indigenous women toward entrepreneurship is leadership development, a pathway to healing, and reconciliation and rematriation in their best forms, said Hope Regimbald, Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations Lead, LNG Canada. “LNG Canada recognizes the immeasurable value these investments make toward strengthening Canada. We are grateful for the perseverance of the applicants and the CCIB for creating the platform to participate. “
The entrepreneurship fund is open until July 7, 2025, and is administered through CCIB’s Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) program, which is dedicated to enhancing Indigenous entrepreneurship through providing access to development and networks.
Learn more about the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund (IWEF)
Access the Early Stages of Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship report
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About Canadian Council for Indigenous Business:
CCIB is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. As a national, non-partisan association, its mission is to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness. CCIB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to its members to cultivate economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information, visit www.ccib.ca.
For more information, contact:
Alannah Jabokwoam
Senior Associate, Communications & Public Relations
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
ajabokwoam@ccib.ca
T: 416.961.8663 ext. 227
