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By rdnewsNOW Staff

SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS-OWNED BUSINESS

Alberta’s 2025 budget proposes $10 million for Aboriginal Business Investment Fund

Mar 21, 2025 | 4:46 PM

Alberta’s Budget 2025 has allocated $10 million that, if passed, would support the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) to help community-owned Indigenous businesses buy or upgrade equipment and infrastructure needed to create jobs and contribute to sustainable and thriving communities.

The ABIF program launched in 2014 and since then, has supported more than 105 community-owned businesses with more than $58 million in capital grants, leading to the creation of almost 1,000 jobs for Indigenous people, the government says.

Between 2022 and 2024, ABIF funding was doubled from $5 million to $10 million, which officials add led to a record number of grants being awarded last year.

“ABIF is not just investing in businesses, it is investing in the prosperity and self-determination of entire communities,” commented Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future where Indigenous businesses continue to create jobs, improve local economies and help Indigenous communities in Alberta lead the way in economic reconciliation.”

One successful recipient of last year’s award was Bear Hills Casino and Travel Resort, owned by the Louis Bull Tribe. Alberta says the grant helped the group expand its parking facilities to accomodate more visitors. In recent years, it has undergone renovations and seen the construction of a gas station and convenience store. An outdoor market, to feature Indigenous artists and vendors, is also in the works for the warmer months.

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Louis Bull Tribe Chief Desmond Bull commented, “The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund has proven to be an incredible benefit to Indigenous communities across the province, and I’m grateful to Alberta’s government for its continued support through this program. Since opening, Bear Hills Casino has created jobs and has helped drive visitors to the area and boost spending in the region.”

Another successful 2024-25 applicant was an Indigenous-led eco-tourism offering by Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and the Whitecourt Isga Tourism Association in Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park, which will focus on traditional Nakota teachings in a tipi village.

The government says the project took shape with the help of a grant through the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative in 2023-24. This phase aided in the development of a governance plan, marketing strategy and internal policy. Once the project was shovel-ready, it became eligible for ABIF support and received $538,000 to help acquire the amenities and infrastructure necessary to get the business running.

“For years, we tried to access ABIF but couldn’t find the right project to meet the criteria. The tipi village is just what we needed. It helps boost socio-economic sustainability within our community and allows families and clans to work in a welcoming, culturally inclusive environment that fosters cultural awareness,” reflected Bear Mustus, president of the Whitecourt Isga Tourism Association.

The full list of 2024-25 ABIF recipients is available online.

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