Strategic Partnerships Initiative
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) helps Indigenous communities participate in complex economic opportunities.
New funding for clean energy projects
An additional $300 million is available until 2027 for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. To learn more about the types of projects we're funding, who can apply and how we're working, visit Clean energy in Indigenous, rural and remote communities.
On this page
About the program
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) provides a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. This approach fills gaps in other funding programs that might create a barrier to Indigenous involvement in economic opportunities. SPI initiatives can span multiple years, have regional economic impacts and serve multiple communities.
SPI is led by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and shared by a growing network of federal partners, including:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency
- Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Employment and Social Development Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Health Canada
- Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
- National Defence
- Natural Resources Canada
- Pacific Economic Development Canada
- Parks Canada
- Prairies Economic Development Canada
- Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Transport Canada
- Women and Gender Equality Canada
SPI promotes partnerships between federal and non-federal groups in key economic areas. This allows SPI to support opportunities that are not eligible for other federal funding.
SPI supports investments in:
- economic readiness
- economic infrastructure
- expanding viable businesses
- pre-feasibility and feasibility studies
- environmental diagnostics and evaluations
- community economic development planning
- skills development and training
$14.45 million is budgeted for SPI funding per year.
Who can apply?
Federal departments leading SPI initiatives determine any application processes which vary depending on the initiative's objectives. Those eligible to participate in SPI initiatives include:
- Indigenous businesses, organizations, partnerships and joint ventures
- Indigenous communities and local governments
- academic institutions
- provinces and territories
Deadline
There is no deadline for this program as this is an ongoing process.
How to apply?
Eligible recipients do not apply directly for funding. Federal partners work with Indigenous communities to identify opportunities to bring to SPI's interdepartmental investment committee for consideration. The committee vets and then supports the co-development of chosen initiatives.
Application processes may vary depending on the initiatives' objectives. For more information, a list of current initiatives and contact information in your area, please email IPS-SPI@canada.ca.
Contact us
Send an email to the SPI Secretariat: IPS-SPI@canada.ca
Economic Business Opportunities Branch
Strategic Partnerships Initiatives Directorate
Indigenous Services Canada
10 rue Wellington
Gatineau QC K1A 0H4
Indigenous Business Navigator
ISC has launched the Indigenous Business Navigator service, to assist Indigenous individuals, businesses, organizations and communities in accessing Government of Canada programs and services that could support their business and economic-development needs.
With this one-window approach, whether you are an Indigenous business owner looking to access capital, or a First Nation looking for help with community economic development planning, the Indigenous Business Navigator will help you find the information and support you're looking for. To get help finding the programs and services you need, please contact navigateur-navigator@sac-isc.gc.ca.