The Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF) provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation Communities & businesses and Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia that want to participate in and receive supports to advance economic development opportunities in the federally (production, distribution, and retail) and provincially (non-medical retail sales) regulated cannabis sector.

The intention of ICBF is to address gaps in capacity and funding to support diversity and equity in the legal cannabis space that is inclusive of Indigenous communities and businesses.

Eligible applicants will have access to two (2) funding streams to support progress through community planning & engagement and business planning, design & implementation related to their cannabis project.

The ICBF initiative was developed in partnership with the BC Assembly of First Nations, the network of B.C. Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI’s), Health Canada & Indigenous Services Canada Strategic Partnership Initiatives, and the Province of B.C. through the BC Cannabis Secretariat.

Funding opportunities under the ICBF will be administered and co-delivered by the New Relationship Trust and participating AFI’s in B.C.

The primary goals of the ICBF initiative include:

• Support Indigenous business development in the regulated cannabis sector.
• Indigenous employment creation, skills development & training.
• Economic diversification and equity in the cannabis space including opportunities for and in rural and remote communities and indigenous women entrepreneurs etc.
• Development, public awareness, supply chain participation, and procurement opportunities for indigenous brands and products.
• Support indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities – navigate, prepare for, adapt, and implement cannabis opportunities in the post-legalization environment.
• Balance community health, knowledge, and safety needs with economic growth opportunities.
• Support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses in navigating the current regulatory processes.