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BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund

The BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF) provides non-repayable contributions to First Nation communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia pursuing opportunities in the federally and provincially regulated cannabis sector. The fund supports equity, diversity, and Indigenous-led participation across the cannabis value chain—from production and distribution to retail and ancillary services.

How to Apply
Indigenous cannabis business in BC supported by ICBF – hands handling cannabis plant at Dabble Cannabis Co.

Who Can Apply

  • B.C. First Nation governments, businesses and economic development corporations;
  • B.C. Tribal Councils;
  • B.C. Indigenous Corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions; and
  • B.C. Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) entrepreneurs and businesses.

Applicants must:

  • Have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership of the business
  • Provide proof of community engagement and First Nation government support (for on-reserve projects)
  • Have financial capacity to contribute 25% to 60% of project costs through cash equity or financing
  • Cease unregulated cannabis operations before funding disbursement (if applicable)

Initiative Goals

  • Advance Indigenous business development in the regulated cannabis sector
  • Create Indigenous employment and training opportunities
  • Increase Indigenous representation in the cannabis industry, including in rural/remote areas and for Indigenous women
  • Promote health and safety while encouraging economic growth
  • Assist navigation of regulatory processes
Indigenous cannabis business in BC supported by ICBF – hands handling cannabis plant at Dabble Cannabis Co.

Funding Streams

Stream 1: Community Planning and Engagement | Up to $12,000 (on-reserve only)

  • Community workshops on cannabis laws and business opportunities
  • Community workshops on cannabis laws and business opportunities

Stream 2: Business Planning, Design, and Capital | Base limit: $250,000 | Upper limit: $1,000,000

  • Feasibility studies, business planning, and advisory support
  • Licensing, permitting, and design costs
  • Capital contributions for start-up, expansion, or transition to regulation
  • Training directly related to the business launch

Funding caps:

  • Up to 75% of business planning costs
  • Up to 75% of training and advisory services
  • Up to 40% of eligible capital costs

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Complete the EOI form to outline your cannabis opportunity and funding needs. NRT will follow up within 5–7 business days.

Step 2: Screening and Referral

Eligible applicants will be referred to a participating Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI)  for project screening, due diligence, and contribution assessment.

Approval Process

  • Stream 1: Criteria-based selection
  • Stream 2: IAFI-led business assessment
  • A multi-stakeholder Steering Committee provides oversight

Application Deadline Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until December 1, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

Useful Links

The links below provide information about cannabis, process of legalization, health effects, addiction, medical use, applying for industry licenses, consumer information, market data, and other research and resources.

Cannabis Navigator Service

Email: cannabisnavigator@nrtf.ca

NRT’s Cannabis Navigator can:

  • Offer one-on-one guidance to develop your ICBF application
  • Provide regulatory navigation support
  • Connect applicants to licensing, training, and business planning resources

BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund Success Stories

Snuneymuxw Nation’s Path to Growth

Economic Growth Rooted in Community With the support of the BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund, Snuneymuxw Nation is building a 13,000 square foot cannabis production facility that will generate long-term economic opportunities and high-quality emp…

See Full Story

Williams Lake FN | Cannabis Growth

Indigenous man standing among indoor cannabis plants at Sugar Cane Cannabis facility, supported by the BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund.

Leading with Vision in the Regulated Cannabis Industry Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) is showing how Indigenous communities can thrive in the regulated cannabis industry—by leading with innovation, integrity, and community impact….

See Full Story

Dabble Cannabis Co. | Family & Growth

Alannah Davis of Dabble Cannabis Co. – Indigenous-owned cannabis business in BC supported by the BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund

Growing a Legacy in Cannabis with Culture and Innovation Dabble Cannabis Co., a Métis family-owned business based in Duncan, BC, is doing more than growing cannabis—they’re building a vision for the future….

See Full Story
See All Stories

Contact Us

Email: cb@nrtf.ca

If you have questions, need support, or want to discuss your project idea before submitting, please reach out.

Be Part of The Solution

Your partnership is crucial to our continued success. Whether you represent a First Nations community, an organization, or simply someone who wants to support meaningful change, there's a role for you.
Join us in empowering BC First Nations today!