What We Offer

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AIOC offers loan guarantees and capacity support for mid- to large-scale Indigenous-led projects in the natural resources, agriculture, telecommunications, and transportation sectors. But the key to what we really offer lies in our name – opportunity. We work to help Indigenous groups and communities take ideas and ingenuity and turn them into opportunities for prosperity and success. But opportunities don’t just happen. They require partnerships and collaboration, investment and planning, and more than anything, they take capital and capacity. That’s where AIOC goes to work.

Investing in Alberta’s Economy and People

A growing number of Indigenous communities recognize sustainable development as a path to community prosperity and long-term success. Major projects can help create opportunities for these communities that will reap benefits for years to come.

Until now, accessing the capital to invest in major projects has been a barrier. The AIOC changes that. We are investing in more than commercially viable projects – we’re investing in Indigenous Peoples across Canada and in Alberta’s natural resources, agriculture, telecommunications, and transportation sectors.

With up to $3 billion in loan guarantees, we help to reduce the cost of borrowing capital for Indigenous groups. This makes it easier to access money, improve lending terms and make financing more affordable. The range for the loan guarantee we offer is a minimum $20 million to a maximum $250 million for projects in the natural resources, agriculture, telecommunication and transportation sectors.

We also have select capacity supports available to help applicants connect with investment experts to assess large-scale investments. From legal advice to financial due diligence, support is available. Our goal is to create opportunities for economic prosperity and strengthen communities – here and now, and for generations to come.

What is a Loan Guarantee?

A guaranteed loan means that someone else – a third party – assumes the debt obligation if the borrower defaults. Loan guarantees make sure the lender won’t lose money, which makes it easier to access capital, makes financing more affordable and improves lending terms. AIOC provides loan guarantees to successful applicants for the partial (or full) value of a loan that is used to support Indigenous investment. Our goal is to reduce your cost of borrowing so that your project can get off the ground.

To learn more about AIOC’s Loan Guarantees, including eligibility and how to apply, in our guideline document.

Download Loan Guarantee Guidelines

What is Capacity Support?

AIOC has a pool of discretionary funds to assist Indigenous communities in accessing professional support on qualified project opportunities. This capacity support may include legal, technical and economic expertise to Indigenous communities who want to move toward being long-term strategic partners with industry and the Alberta government.

Download Capacity Grant Program Guidelines