EDC — Entreprises autochtones ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Indigenous-owned businesses and enterprises - First Nations, Inuit, and Métis entrepreneurs - Businesses with Indigenous majority ownership or control - Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking export growth - For-profit commercial entities with demonstrated export potential ### 💰 Funding Details - Capital Access: Financing solutions to increase working capital and investment capacity - Payment Security: Protection mechanisms to ensure customer payment reliability - Repayability: Loan-based financing (repayable obligation) - Matching Requirements: Specific leverage ratios may apply depending on program stream - Grant vs. Loan Structure: Primarily loan financing with potential risk-sharing components; non-repayable grants not explicitly stated as primary vehicle ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Export market development and expansion activities - Export capability building and skill enhancement - Working capital for export operations - Customer payment guarantees and credit insurance - Business development and export readiness improvements - Trade finance and accounts receivable management ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Demonstrated commitment to economic self-sufficiency and growth through exports - Business must have viable export potential and market readiness - Compliance with EDC lending standards and due diligence requirements - Indigenous ownership/control verification required - Ongoing reporting on export performance and business metrics - Adherence to program timelines and milestone completion schedules - Business plan and export strategy documentation mandatory