Indigenous Business Certification
CCAB (Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business) certification and Indigenous procurement set-aside qualification. Access federal contracts reserved for Indigenous businesses with proper certification.
The Government of Canada has committed that at least 5% of the total value of federal contracts is awarded to Indigenous businesses each fiscal year through the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB). Qualifying requires registering in the federal Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) and often holding Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Certified Aboriginal Business (CAB) status. GovPrepare guides Indigenous entrepreneurs and band-owned corporations through ownership validation, board composition, and the documentary proof required by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Goals
- Screen ownership structure (51%+ Indigenous ownership and operational control)
- Assemble founding documentation, band registry / status proof, and partnership agreements
- Complete Indigenous Business Directory (IBD / PSIB) profile and portal upload
- Prepare Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Certified Aboriginal Business application
- Advise on joint-venture structures to satisfy federal set-aside standing offers and supply arrangements
Outcomes
- Proof of Indigenous heritage (Status Card, Métis citizenship card, or Inuit beneficiary confirmation)
- Articles of Incorporation or partnership agreement showing 51%+ equity and voting interest
- Recent financial statements and bank signatory documents
- T4 payroll records or employee roster showing operational control
The Indigenous Business Certification Process
Initial assessment
Review entity ownership, voting control, and qualifying Indigenous identity credentials.
Evidence collation
Gather and certify corporate filings, governance bylaws, and proof of ancestry or recognition.
Portal filing
Submit formal files to the federal Indigenous Business Directory and CCAB verification desks.
Procurement briefing
Provide a targeted briefing on upcoming CanadaBuys Indigenous set-aside tenders.
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Indigenous Business Certification - Your Questions Answered
What is the 5% Indigenous procurement target?
Federal departments must award at least 5% of contracts to qualified Indigenous-owned businesses. Our service helps you get officially listed to bid on these reserved opportunities.
Can a joint venture qualify?
Yes, joint ventures where an Indigenous business maintains at least 51% control and receives 51% of economic benefit can qualify under PSIB guidelines.
Statistics & Program References (2026)
All figures on this page are sourced from official Government of Canada and United States government publications. Figures reflect 2026 program parameters unless otherwise noted.
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