• Indigenous Communities

    Access to Capital, Financial Empowerment and the Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence

    Financial literacy is an important part of business success, but financial knowledge alone does not determine whether an entrepreneur can access opportunity. Indigenous entrepreneurs are building businesses, creating employment and generating prosperity for their families and communities. At the same time, many continue to navigate barriers to capital, limited access to culturally relevant financial education, complex funding systems and a rapidly changing digital economy.
    The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation undertook this research to better understand what Indigenous entrepreneurs are experiencing, what supports are working and where opportunities exist to strengthen the financial ecosystem around them.

    ABOUT THE RESEARCH

    Understanding the Financial Landscape for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
    Financial Literacy and Indigenous Communities: Access to Capital, Financial Empowerment, and the Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence is the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation's most comprehensive research into the financial literacy ecosystem for Indigenous entrepreneurs to date.
    The research draws on survey responses from 102 Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada, along with stakeholder interviews, a comprehensive literature review, ecosystem mapping and analysis of emerging economic and technological developments.
    The research explores:
    • Financial literacy needs at different stages of entrepreneurship.
    • Experiences accessing loans, grants and investment.
    • Culturally relevant financial education and mentorship.
    • The role of Indigenous Financial Institutions and Indigenous-led supports.
    • Gaps within the existing financial ecosystem.
    • Digital access and emerging financial technologies.
    • The opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
    The findings reinforce an important message:
    Responsibility for closing financial and capital gaps cannot rest with entrepreneurs alone. Building a stronger Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystem also requires fair access to capital, culturally relevant supports, trusted relationships and systems designed to support Indigenous economic participation.

    EXPLORE THE RESEARCH

    Whether you are an entrepreneur, Indigenous organization, funder, financial institution, policymaker or ecosystem partner, the research offers insight into the opportunities and barriers shaping Indigenous entrepreneurship today.
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    Summary Report

    Start here for an overview of the research, key findings and recommendations.

  • Supporting Research

    Our research is backed by data from surveys, expert interviews, and industry analysis.

    Explore the full findings below:

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    Literature Review

    Explore the research, evidence and broader context surrounding Indigenous financial literacy, access to capital and emerging economic trends.

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    Survey Data

    Explore what Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners shared in the national survey, as well as the priorities, experiences, and barriers identified in their responses.

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    Interview Findings

    Take a closer look at what Indigenous entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners shared through the interview process.

  • WHY THIS MATTERS

    Indigenous entrepreneurship continues to grow across Canada, supported by entrepreneurs who are bringing ambition, adaptability, knowledge and strong community purpose to the economy. But financial empowerment is about more than knowing how to create a budget or read a financial statement. It is also about having the confidence, relationships, tools and access needed to turn knowledge into opportunity.
    The research identifies opportunities to strengthen Indigenous-led financial education, mentorship, access to capital, digital readiness and collaboration across the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
    Artificial intelligence and digital financial tools are beginning to influence how businesses manage finances, prepare funding applications and interact with financial systems. These technologies can create new opportunities, but equitable participation will require access, skills, connectivity and approaches that respect Indigenous data and community priorities.

  • Knowledge Mobilization Partner

    The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation gratefully recognizes RBC as the Knowledge

    Mobilization Partner for the Financial Literacy and Access to Capital report.

    RBC’s support helps IPF bring this research beyond publication, creating opportunities to share findings, convene conversations, and engage Indigenous entrepreneurs, financial institutions, ecosystem partners, and decision-makers in advancing greater financial inclusion and access to capital.

    The research, findings, and recommendations presented in this report were developed independently by Indigenous Prosperity Foundation.

    FROM RESEARCH TO ACTION

    The report is the beginning of a broader conversation.

    IPF will continue bringing entrepreneurs, Indigenous organizations, financial institutions, funders and ecosystem partners together to explore how research can translate into stronger programs, better access to capital and greater opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
    Download the research. Read the perspective. Join the conversations.
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