What We’re Working On
NEDC is raising capital to expand lending to Indigenous entrepreneurs on Vancouver Island. In March 2026, we closed a $3 million private debt investment through Unit E Investments Ltd., believed to be the first investment of its kind made directly into an Indigenous Financial Institution in Canada.
We’ve since secured additional commitments bringing our initial raise to $5 million, and we’re already putting that capital to work. We’re actively seeking impact-aligned investors, foundations, and family offices who want to invest directly into Indigenous business lending.
Impact & Success
Over 40 years, NEDC has grown from $17 million in assets to over $100 million. Growth has been steady since our founding, with significant acceleration in recent years. We approved 151 loans this year alone, totaling over $38 million, with a 98% repayment rate across our portfolio.
About half our clients are women-owned businesses, working in tourism, seafood processing, forestry, welding, tech, and more.
Key Insight
Without capital, nothing moves, no matter how strong the idea. Indigenous entrepreneurs have faced systemic barriers to accessing mainstream financing for generations. Accessible, equitable capital paired with hands-on business support works.
Our strong repayment rate over four decades proves it. Every applicant is evaluated on the strength of their business, not their social status or background.
For many of our clients, NEDC has become a first step into the broader financial system. They build a track record with us and go on to access conventional capital.
How Forum for Impact Has Supported Our Work
Our participation in the Forum for Impact gathering in Tofino led directly to our introduction to Unit E Investments Ltd., our first private debt investor. It’s hard to imagine being at this stage without that connection.
The conditions Michael created for that group, bringing together people who think seriously about impact, had a lasting effect on what we’ve been able to build. We look forward to further collaboration and the opportunity to share our model across the network.
Looking Ahead
We’re focused on growing our investor base and proving out a model. The demand is there. Our team is managing a high volume of applications, and we’re looking to scale.
We’re also committed to highlighting our clients, like Maria Clark of Island Coast Mobile Welding & Fabrication, who built a mobile welding business serving remote Indigenous coastal communities with NEDC’s support.
The next 12 months are about deepening partnerships, welcoming new investors, and making sure capital keeps flowing to the businesses that need it.