Business Acquisition Loan for Indigenous Communities (BALIC) | Indigenous business financing

At a glance

AdministratorFirst Nations Bank of Canada with BDC guarantee

Maximum amountProgram pool $100 million; transaction limit not published on overview

Funding typeAcquisition loan backed by BDC guarantee

IntakeContact lender

Decision timelineNot publicly guaranteed; ask administrator

Who it may support

Indigenous communities, economic development agencies and majority-owned Indigenous businesses

Indigenous eligibility

Majority Indigenous ownership or eligible community entity

Eligible uses

Acquisition of established businesses

Business stage

Business acquisition

What to prepare

Application form; Indigenous identity/ownership evidence; business plan; project budget and quotes; 2–3 year financial statements or opening balance sheet; 12–24 month cash-flow forecast; personal net-worth statement for owners/guarantors; incorporation/registration documents; ownership chart; résumés; financing confirmations; permits/leases as applicable

Application process

Confirm fit with program officer; complete intake/application; submit documents and financing plan; respond to due diligence; receive approval/conditions; sign agreement; claim/disburse funds and report

Financial considerations

Owner equity: Transaction-specific

Collateral and credit: Full commercial due diligence and security

Stacking: Usually permitted subject to total government-assistance limits; disclose all sources

This directory summarizes public program information for discovery and is not financial advice or a determination of eligibility. Programs and budgets can change without notice.