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Entrepreneur in the Making - Mi'kmaq and Indigenous Cohort

Smiling person standing outdoors in front of a wooden cabin on a sunny day.
Jerry Lewis, Indigenous entrepreneur and 2015 alum of Marconi Campus’s Carpentry Diploma.

Funding for Mi’kmaq and Indigenous entrepreneurs

Are you a Mi’kmaq or Indigenous entrepreneur ready to bring your business idea to life? NSCC Entrepreneurship is launching the Entrepreneur in the Making (EITM) – Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Cohort in 2026 to help you explore, launch or grow a business rooted in culture, community and innovation.

This 8-week pilot program offers participants:

  • Up to $3,500 in funding to reduce barriers and support business development
  • Culturally responsive programming and mentorship
  • Access to NSCC resources and Applied Research referrals

The first cohort will take place in Unama’ki–Cape Breton, focusing on Membertou and Eskasoni First Nations and Sydney, with plans to expand across Nova Scotia in future years.

This initiative is delivered in collaboration with Mi’kmaq community partners and supported by Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, NSCC Alumni Relations and NSCC Foundation donors.

Program details

  • One-time funding of up to $3,500 (includes $3,000 seed funding and a $500 travel/cost-of-living stipend)
  • Program length: 8 weeks (March 2 – April 27, 2026), with no session during March Break
  • Location: In-person sessions at NSCC’s Sydney Waterfront Campus and Membertou First Nation
  • Session schedule: Mondays from 5–8 p.m.
  • Culturally relevant entrepreneurship programming co-developed with Mi’kmaq and Indigenous community partners
  • Mentorship and business advisory support from Indigenous and industry mentors
  • Workshops and webinars focused on entrepreneurship fundamentals and Indigenous business considerations
  • Access to NSCC Entrepreneurship supports, resources and Applied Research referrals as appropriate
  • Peer cohort experience to build long-term networks and collaboration

Eligibility

  • Must identify as Mi’kmaq or Indigenous
  • Be a current NSCC student in good academic standing or a graduate from the past 10 years (2015–present)
  • Have a business idea to explore or an existing business to grow
  • Commit to all required programming, mentorship and reporting requirements
  • Preference will be given to applicants living in Membertou and Eskasoni First Nations, and Sydney
  • NSCC and Community Foundation of Nova Scotia employees are not eligible to apply 

Judging criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Clarity of the business idea or opportunity
  • Applicant’s understanding of their customer, community and industry
  • Readiness to benefit from mentorship and programming
  • Demonstrated commitment to participation and learning
  • Alignment with the goals of the EITM Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Program

Application process

To be considered for this grant and wrap-around support program, eligible applicants must: 

  • Complete the online application form, including a description of your entrepreneurial dream 
  • Provide a one-page overview of your business model or idea 
  • Submit a customer testimonial or referral explaining why you should be accepted into the program

Application details

  • Applications open: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
  • Applications close: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (11:59 pm AST)
  • Review period: February 5–11, 2026
  • Notifications sent: Thursday, February 12, 2026
  • Program start date: Week of March 2, 2026

Applications open January 14

Applications for the EITM–Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Cohort open January 14 and close Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (11:59 p.m. AST).

Questions?

For more information, email NSCC Entrepreneurship at  

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