New Funding Available for Indigenous Cannabis Businesses in BC Laura Sutherland, associate, and Shayla Praud, articling student
A new funding source is available for Indigenous communities or businesses in BC interested in the regulated cannabis sector.
The New Relationship Trust (a creature of the BC Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation in 2006) launched the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (the “Cannabis Fund”) in December 2022. The Fund will support economic diversification and equity for cannabis businesses while advancing Indigenous growth through community knowledge and safety.
The grant has two funding streams:
- up to $12,000 for community planning and engagement; and
- up to $250,000 for business planning, design and capital.
Overall, the Cannabis Fund represents a great opportunity for Indigenous corporations and First Nations governments to obtain financial assistance in cannabis business planning and establishment, design, licensing, training, and regulation.
Funding under the Cannabis Fund is available to:
- First Nation governments, businesses and economic development corporations;
- Tribal Councils;
- Indigenous corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions; and
- Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) entrepreneurs and businesses.
JFK has been working closely with Indigenous governments and businesses on various aspects of the cannabis sector. If you are interested in applying – we are happy to support through this process and provide advice on exploring this business opportunity more broadly.
For more information – contact Laura Sutherland at lsutherland@jfklaw.ca.