Access to financing is a major barrier for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the North. The Métis-Dene Development Fund (MDDF) was created to help close this gap by offering business loans and loan guarantees to support Métis and Dene-owned businesses in the Northwest Territories (NWT). If you are starting, expanding, or stabilizing a business in the NWT, this fund can provide up to $249,999 in repayable financing to help move your project forward.
The Métis-Dene Development Fund is not a non-repayable grant. It provides repayable loans and loan guarantees to improve access to capital for Indigenous businesses in the NWT.
MDDF financing can support many business needs, such as:
This fund is especially helpful for businesses that do not qualify for traditional bank loans. MDDF can be a more flexible option for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the NWT.
To qualify for the Métis-Dene Development Fund, your business must meet all core eligibility requirements.
You may be eligible if:
Early-stage businesses can apply. Startups must show a viable business model and realistic financial projections, even if they do not yet have revenue.
In some cases, non-Indigenous businesses may access limited financing or advisory support, depending on ownership structure and project impact. These cases are assessed individually.
The application process is relationship-based and more hands-on than many automated federal programs.
Prepare your business plan
Explain your market, operations, management team, and financial forecasts.
Gather financial documents
Existing businesses include recent financial statements. Startups provide detailed projections.
Define your funding request
State how much financing you need, how you will use it, and how you plan to repay the loan.
Submit your application to MDDF
The fund’s team reviews applications directly, not through a public intake portal.
Participate in follow-up discussions
You may be asked for clarification or revisions before a final decision is made.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher helps you quickly find programs by province and Indigenous ownership. This tool is useful if you want to identify other funding programs to combine with MDDF financing.
Treating MDDF like a grant:
MDDF is repayable financing. Your application must explain how you will repay the loan.
Submitting a weak business plan:
General ideas are not enough. Revenue and cost assumptions must be realistic and supported.
Requesting 100% project coverage:
MDDF funds up to 75% of project costs. You must show other sources of financing or an owner contribution.
Missing financial documentation:
Incomplete financial statements or projections can delay or stop your application.
Q: Is the Métis-Dene Development Fund a grant or a loan?
It provides repayable loans and loan guarantees, not non-repayable grants. Repayment terms depend on the project and risk profile.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
Eligible businesses can receive up to $249,999, covering a maximum of 75% of total project costs.
Q: Can startups apply without revenue?
Yes. Startups are eligible if they submit strong financial projections and a credible business plan.
Q: What documents are required to apply?
You will need a business plan and financial statements or projections. Additional documents may be requested during review.
Q: Are MDDF loans taxable?
No, loan proceeds are not taxable income. However, interest and related expenses may have tax implications under Canadian federal and Northwest Territories tax rules. Consult a tax professional for your situation.
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