What does First Nations Bank of Canada finance?
First Nations Bank of Canada is a bank or credit union financing Indigenous businesses across Canada. Canada's Indigenous-owned chartered bank, with commercial lending and equity participation from Nations and Indigenous groups.
Indicative deal size: $1M to $5M. Actual amounts depend on the business, the project and the security available, and are confirmed deal by deal.
What is a bank or credit union?
Banks and credit unions provide operating lines, term loans and larger commercial facilities. They typically price lower than developmental lenders but require stronger financial statements, security and covenants.
What lenders look for
Ability to repay
Cash flow, historical or forecast, that comfortably covers the payments.
Financial statements
Current, accurate statements. Late or messy books are the most common reason files stall.
Equity in the project
Your own contribution, which grants and equity programs can help provide.
Security and management
Assets to secure the loan and a team that can deliver the plan.
Pairing a loan with other capital
Most well-structured Indigenous business financings combine sources: grants or equity contributions first, then developmental, Crown or bank debt for the balance. See how our debt advisory and placement service runs a lender process.