The Community Economic Opportunities Program provides project-based support to those First Nation and Inuit communities that have the best opportunities for public services in economic development.

In these communities, the Community Economic Opportunities Program is expected to lead to community economic benefits including more community employment, greater use of land and resources under community control, enhanced community economic infrastructure, more and larger community businesses, more business opportunities, and a better climate and environment for community economic development.

CEOP Downloads:
• Download Guidelines (PDF)
• Download Application Template (PDF)

Community Economic Opportunities Program: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is it?

The Community Economic Opportunities Program provides project-based support to those First Nation and Inuit communities that have the best opportunities for public services in economic development.

In these communities, the Community Economic Opportunities Program is expected to lead to community economic benefits including more community employment, greater use of land and resources under community control, enhanced community economic infrastructure, more and larger community businesses, more business opportunities, and a better climate and environment for community economic development.

2. Who may apply?

First Nation Councils, governments of self-governing First Nation and Inuit communities, representative organizations of Inuit communities and other organizations mandated by the foregoing to carry out ongoing activities and projects on their behalf may apply.

3. What activities qualify?

Funded activities may include:

1. employment of community members;
2. community-owned and community-member business development;
3. development of land and resources under community control;
4. access to opportunities originating with land and resources beyond community control;
5. promotion of the community as a place to invest; and
6. research and advocacy.

4. What information is required?

Applicants may submit a brief Statement of Intent prior to submitting a full application. Your application will be reviewed by the Screening Committee, which consists of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) regional office, to ensure it meets the eligibility requirements in accordance to the guidelines of the Community Economic Opportunities Program. Applications meeting the screening criteria will then be forwarded to independent third party analysts for review. Program staff from FSIN and INAC or a third party will advise the applicant on the development of the full application.

A full application includes:

1. project design, including description, objectives, scope and deliverables;
2. uses and sources of funds;
3. identification and justification of costs;
4. management capacity;
5. project organizational structure;
6. administrative arrangements;
7. time lines;
8. community economic benefits; and
9. where appropriate, compliance with laws and regulatory requirements, environmental effects; land tenure requirements; and operating, maintenance and repair plans.

5. What are the funding limits?

INAC’s funding is directly related to the community economic benefits and the need for funding that has been demonstrated in the application. It will not exceed $3,000,000. In addition, INAC funding will not exceed two-thirds of the total project cost for economic infrastructure projects or 80% of the total cost for all other types of projects. Recipients must provide at least 10% of eligible project expenditures.

6. How is the program delivered?

Applications are submitted to the FSIN and INAC regional office. Projects are reviewed. Limited budgets will be allocated to those projects judged to have the greatest economic impact. Where projects are approved, INAC enters into funding agreements with the recipients. Recipients are expected to report on the implementation and results of their projects.

7. What is a Community Economic Development Organization (CEDO)?

CEDOs are the predominant economic development agents. They operate in 437 communities and provide support in a number of ways, including:
• helping to develop community economic plans and strategies
• providing advisory services
• planning and facilitating business development projects
• providing contributions, repayable contributions or loans to community members for training, business or resource development projects
• investing equity positions in start-up enterprises or expansions
• providing job-related training and employment programs
• managing financial and technical services

8. Why are Community Economic Development Organizations required to be involved with the transfer of funds?

Indian & Northern Affairs Canada has a contribution contract with the CEDO’s to transfer funds to First Nations. INAC will not transfer funds to recipients directly.