COVID-19 Relief Funding for First Nations and First Nation Businesses
The purpose of this webinar was to deliver information regarding Indigenous Service Canada’s COVID-19 relief programs in BC Region. Topics covered include eligibility, application process, funding levels, and further program details.
You can view the recording HERE.
ISC (website): Indigenous Community Support Fund: needs-based funding requests
Agenda:
Indigenous Community Business Fund (ICBF) – VIEW PRESENTATION
The ICBF program is providing non-repayable funding to help support First Nations, Inuit and Metis community or collectively-owned businesses and microbusinesses whose revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses can apply for funding to support operational losses, debt servicing and adaptation costs.
Speaker:
Stephanie Stewart – ICBF Lead Officer at Indigenous Services Canada, BC Region
Own Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative (OSRICI) – VIEW PRESENTATION
The OSRICI is a funding initiative providing a one-time special economic response to support First Nations that have experienced a decline in their ability to provide core community programs and important services due to a loss in own-sourced revenue (OSR) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaker:
Tyler Fong – OSR Lead Officer at Indigenous Services Canada, BC Region
Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF)
The ICSF program provides funding to help support First Nations, Inuit and Metis organizations to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. In June 2021, $26.3 million was provided in direct allocations to First Nations (including Block, New Fiscal Relationship (NFR) Grant and Self-Governing Nations). An additional $26.3 million in direct allocation will be provided in September 2021. First Nations are eligible to apply for additional funding, if your community’s needs exceed the ICSF direct allocation provided (on and off reserve).
Speaker:
Vern Bob – Acting Manager for Funding Services at Indigenous Services Canada, BC Region
Additional Speakers:
Delyla Daniels – OSRICI Specialist at First Nations Tax Commission
Jesse James – OSRICI Specialist at First Nations Tax Commission
Won Lee – Manager, Standards and Certification at First Nations Financial Management Board