Indigenous Prosperity Foundation

What Indigenous Prosperity Foundation does

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) is a Canadian registered charity established in 2023 by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and a national network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs). Headquartered at 338 Somerset St. West in Ottawa, IPF supports early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs—particularly women, youth aged 39 and under, and underserved communities—by delivering free entrepreneurship training, mentorship, micro-grants, and digital equity advocacy. Its stated mission is to advance Indigenous prosperity through digital access, training, mentorship, and funding pathways across Canada.

IPF's core programs are Launchpad (a free 12-chapter self-paced online entrepreneurship course delivered via the Thinkific LMS, offering mentorship and micro-grants to eligible participants), Money Smarts (a culturally grounded financial literacy board game with a train-the-trainer facilitator model for Indigenous youth aged 12 and up), and the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program (EEP, a national certification initiative for Indigenous business advisors and organizations, originally developed with Indigenous Services Canada and NACCA for Indigenous women entrepreneurs and expanded in 2025 to all Indigenous entrepreneurs). Supporting initiatives include the "Bridging the Digital Divide" research report on digital equity barriers and the Walk Together community outreach tour. All program content is produced by Indigenous consultants, entrepreneurs, and artists.

The foundation operates a non-profit revenue model with no user fees. Its largest disclosed funding is a $17.6 million, five-year partnership with the Mastercard Foundation's EleV program, supplemented by multi-year commitments from the McConnell Foundation and individual donations via CanadaHelps. Distribution leverages the NACCA-affiliated IFI network, certified facilitator networks, and strategic partnerships with DMZ, TELUS, CPA Canada, Bears' Lair Dream Camps, RBC, BMO, ATB Financial, and Futurpreneur. With 1-10 employees, IPF pursues a community-led and event-driven go-to-market motion across Canada.

Name

Indigenous Prosperity Foundation

Legal name

Indigenous Prosperity Foundation

Website

https://indigenousfoundation.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation is a Canadian registered charity that delivers free entrepreneurship training, mentorship, financial literacy programming, and micro-grants to early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs and youth across Canada, funded primarily through institutional grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous Entrepreneurship Support

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (61171), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Workforce Programs (EDAAAOAM), Financial Literacy, Budgeting & Personal Finance (EDAMAHAE), Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

Keywords

• Indigenous entrepreneurship programs
• Financial literacy education
• Nonprofit foundation services
• Small business mentorship training
• Community economic development

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: IPF operates as a registered Canadian charity and relies on donations, grants, and charitable contributions from donors, funders, and granting organizations to fund its programs. Donations are accepted through CanadaHelps.
2. Foundation and Corporate Grants: IPF receives significant grant funding from foundations and corporations, including a $17.6 million investment over five years from the Mastercard Foundation through its EleV program to support more than 2,000 Indigenous entrepreneurs.
3. Multi-Year Partnership Funding: IPF receives multi-year funding commitments from institutional partners such as the McConnell Foundation for mentorship expansion and program delivery in collaboration with Community Futures North Central Development (CFNCD).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Indigenous Prosperity Foundation delivers free, Indigenous-led entrepreneurship training, financial literacy programming, mentorship, and micro-grants to early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada. Its core offerings are Launchpad (a 12-chapter self-paced online course on Thinkific), Money Smarts (a financial literacy board game and facilitator training program for Indigenous youth aged 12+), and the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program (EEP), a national trainer-certification initiative equipping Indigenous business advisors and organizations with culturally grounded curriculum. All programs are provided free of charge to participants and funded through donations, foundation grants, and partnerships including a $17.6 million Mastercard Foundation EleV Program commitment.

Product overview

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation operates a portfolio of interconnected programs supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship across Canada. The core offerings include Launchpad (a free online entrepreneurship course with mentorship and micro-grants for Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 39 and under, delivered via Thinkific), Money Smarts (a financial literacy board game and facilitator training program for Indigenous youth aged 12+), and the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program (a national certification initiative for business advisors and organizations). Supporting these programs is the Bridging the Digital Divide research report addressing digital equity barriers, and the Walk Together initiative conducting community outreach and needs assessments. Together, these programs provide training, mentorship, digital access, and funding to Indigenous women, youth, and early-stage entrepreneurs, working in partnership with NACCA, Indigenous Financial Institutions, and ecosystem partners across Canada.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Launchpad: A free, Indigenous-led and accessible online program supporting early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs to build, validate, and grow their business ideas. Co-developed with NACCA and DMZ, it includes 12 self-paced chapters and provides mentorship and micro-grants for eligible participants aged 39 and under.
• Money Smarts
• Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program (EEP)

Products and services

• Indigenous Launchpad for Entrepreneurs A free, Indigenous-led and accessible online entrepreneurship program designed to equip early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs with the skills, network, and funding to succeed. Co-developed with NACCA and DMZ, the program features 12 self-paced chapters covering idea validation, leadership, digital and operational skills, financial readiness, and sustainable business planning; Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 39 and under can access mentorship and micro-grants through current funding.
• Money Smarts: My Financial Journey A hands-on financial literacy program for Indigenous youth aged 12 and up, built around an interactive board game that teaches budgeting, saving, income navigation, and financial decision-making through experiential and culturally relevant learning. Includes facilitator training and a train-the-trainer model for community delivery.
• Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program (EEP) A national certification initiative that strengthens Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystems by equipping Indigenous business advisors, practitioners, and organizations with culturally grounded tools, curriculum, and Indigenous case studies to guide entrepreneurs from idea to operation; delivered through a train-the-trainer model.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,000 Indigenous entrepreneurs to be supported over four years through Launchpad
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Bears' Lair Dream CampsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2025IPF partnered with Bears' Lair Dream Camps to expand financial literacy programming through 60 camps serving more than 70 Indigenous communities and Nations over 18 months. The partnership integrates Money Smarts into the Dream Camps experience, reaching more than 1,940 Indigenous youth across 83 communities.
• ATB FinancialminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2025ATB Financial hosted the Money Smarts Calgary training at the Calgary Campus, demonstrating hospitality that created a space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous entrepreneurs, leaders, youth, and supporters to learn together. ATB's EFS Inclusion & Reconciliation Lead (Karen Worrell) participated as a quoted supporter.
• TELUSmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2025IPF partnered with TELUS to co-host the Digital Equity in Action national webinar on May 21, 2025, exploring how connectivity can support reconciliation when guided by Indigenous leadership. TELUS has also been highlighted for its Reconciliation Action Plan and broadband expansion partnerships with Indigenous communities, including the Nisga'a Nation partnership where the Nation owns the towers.
• CPA CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2024CPA Canada collaborated in the development of the Money Smarts: My Financial Journey board game, contributing financial expertise to ensure the game's content reflects professional financial literacy standards.
• Affordance Studio (Victoria LaBillois)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2024Victoria LaBillois of Affordance Studio collaborated as lead designer on the Money Smarts board game, bringing design expertise and Indigenous perspective to the game's development.
• Brandon Mitchell (Lead Indigenous Artist)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2024Brandon Mitchell served as lead Indigenous artist on the Money Smarts board game, contributing artwork and cultural design elements to ensure the game reflects Indigenous aesthetics and values.
• NACCA (National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNACCA co-developed the Launchpad program with IPF and DMZ, and originally partnered with IPF to develop the Money Smarts board game and Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program. IPF was established by NACCA and Indigenous Financial Institutions across Canada, making NACCA the founding parent organization. NACCA is also a key ecosystem partner for the ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub.
• DMZ (Defence Construction Canada)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDMZ provided guidance on course development and structural expertise for the Launchpad program, helping ensure the curriculum balanced world-class instructional design with Indigenous-led creativity and expertise.
• Community Futures North Central Development (CFNCD)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFNCD serves 17 First Nation, Northern Affairs, and urban communities in northern Manitoba, providing financing, training, and mentorship to empower new and growing businesses. IPF collaborates with CFNCD to deliver the Grant & Mentorship Program in North Central Manitoba as part of the McConnell Foundation partnership.
• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRBC is acknowledged as a partner of the Indigenous Launchpad Showcase held during the NACCA Indigenous Prosperity Forum. RBC is listed alongside other financial partners supporting the inaugural Launchpad cohort.
• BMO (Bank of Montreal)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMO is acknowledged as a partner of the Indigenous Launchpad Showcase held during the NACCA Indigenous Prosperity Forum. BMO is listed alongside other financial partners supporting the inaugural Launchpad cohort.
• FuturpreneurminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPF partnered with Futurpreneur to bring Money Smarts to the Moose Cree Business Development Conference. Futurpreneur focuses on supporting entrepreneurs as they move into next-stage growth, while IPF builds the early foundation, creating a complementary pathway.
• Pow Wow Pitch (Sunshine Tenasco)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, guided IPF's Walk Together visit to Kitigan Zibi First Nation, providing local expertise and connections to the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• däna Näye Ventures (Elaine Chambers)minorStrategic or Co-development Partnerdäna Näye Ventures, led by CEO Elaine Chambers, hosted IPF during its Whitehorse visit as part of the Walking Together Tour. The organization is a cornerstone of Indigenous business development in the Yukon, offering financial services, business advisory support, and mentorship to Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Membertou (Eileen Paul / Membertou Entrepreneur Centre)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Membertou Entrepreneur Centre (MEC) in Membertou First Nation, led by Manager Eileen Paul, hosted IPF during its Walk Together visit. MEC provides tailored business training, individualized assistance for businesses, and collaborates with Ulnooweg Development Group and other agencies to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in Membertou.
• Indian Business Corporation (IBC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Indian Business Corporation (IBC) in Siksika First Nation, led by Romeo Crow Chief (Interim General Manager) and Jack Royale (Board Chair), hosted IPF during its Walk Together visit. IBC provides essential financial services and support to Indigenous entrepreneurs and identified key barriers including limited access to capital and need for improved communication strategies.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pow Wow Pitch: Indigenous pitch competition and entrepreneur support program supporting Indigenous founders across North America. Direct peer in target audience (Indigenous entrepreneurs) and complementary in offering startup visibility and seed funding pathways.
• AFOA Canada (Aboriginal Financial Officers Association): Indigenous-led organization providing financial management training, certification, and capacity building for Indigenous communities and businesses. Comparable as a culturally grounded training-and-capacity-building nonprofit serving Indigenous finance and business professionals.
• Futurpreneur: Canadian nonprofit providing financing, mentorship, and resources to young entrepreneurs aged 18–39. Already a partner of IPF on Money Smarts delivery; comparable in serving early-stage entrepreneurs with financing and mentorship, though not Indigenous-specific.
• NACCA (National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association): IPF's founding parent organization and core strategic partner. NACCA is the national network of Indigenous Financial Institutions providing capital and business support to Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada, directly comparable in mandate, target population, and program delivery model.
• Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB): National Indigenous-led organization delivering business resources, mentorship, awards, and certification programs to Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses in Canada. Highly comparable mission and customer base to IPF, with a broader corporate-procurement focus.

Regional players

• Ulnooweg Development Group: Indigenous-owned Community Futures Development Corporation serving Atlantic Canada, providing loans, advisory, and programs to Indigenous entrepreneurs. Comparable as an IFI-style Indigenous business support organization, though regionally focused rather than national.

Broad incumbents

• MaRS Discovery District: Large Canadian innovation hub supporting entrepreneurs with programs, capital connections, and advisory services. Comparable as an entrepreneurship support ecosystem, though much broader in scope and not Indigenous-specific.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) - Indigenous Entrepreneurship Fund: Federal government department that co-developed the original EEP curriculum with NACCA. Comparable as a large-scale funder and program operator for Indigenous entrepreneurship, though primarily a government body rather than a charity.
• Community Futures Network of Canada: National network of 267 Community Futures organizations delivering small business loans, training, and community economic development, including in Indigenous communities through partners like CFNCD. Broader mandate but directly comparable in training-plus-financing model for early-stage entrepreneurs.

Emerging players

• DMZ (Toronto Metropolitan University): Leading Canadian startup incubator co-developing IPF's Launchpad curriculum. Comparable as a startup support and education provider, though DMZ is a university-anchored tech incubator rather than Indigenous-focused.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IPF_Impact
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC4I-TRQbiWfEdDvldAXg5ew
• Facebookfacebook.com/indigenousprosperityfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/indigenousprosperity

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Indigenous Prosperity Foundation