History

Who We Are

NADF is the first choice for Aboriginal business and economic development in Northern Ontario.

We are a not-for-profit Aboriginal Financial Institution serving entrepreneurs, businesses and communities in Northern Ontario. We offer a variety of services to support Aboriginal business and economic development, including financing, business support, community planning, and workshops and bookkeeping training.

Whether you need funding to start or grow your business, support to build community capacity or professional business advice, NADF has the tools to help you succeed.

NADF History

NADF was incorporated in 1984 and officially established in 1987.  Today, we service 89 First Nations and their members, on or off-reserve, as well as all Aboriginal entrepreneurs and wholly-owned or majority-owned Aboriginal businesses operating rural and urban centers in Northern Ontario.

 

Key Milestones

 

1984

• Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chief's Resolution passed mandating the establishment of NADF
• NADF incorporated October 22nd

1986

• Bentley Cheechoo hired as NADF's first President/CEO

1987

• NADF receives $7M in capitalization from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
• NADF host grand opening on the Fort William First Nation on November 19th
• Loan Guarantee Program established in partnership with CIBC and the Bank of Nova Scotia to increase loan maximum to $250,000 for the Nishnawbe Aski Nation membership

1989

• Dennis Franklin Cromarty hired as President/CEO

1991

• NADF hosts 1st Annual NADF Awards to celebrate Aboriginal business
• Direct Loans Program introduced, allowing NADF to administer term, bridge and youth loans.

1992

• Industry Canada tops up NADF's loan fund with an additional $1.5M

1993

• Harvey Yesno hired as President/CEO
• NADF partners with Industry Canada and is designated an External Delivery Office to deliver the programs and services of the Aboriginal Business Canada program

1994

• NADF opens a sub-office in Timmins, ON

1997

• NADF's wholly-owned subsidiary, Neegani Investment Management Inc. is established to provide equity and conventional financing of up to $1M

2002

• Fednor designates NADF as a Community Futures Development Corporation to provide business counselling, investment and community strategic planning services

2004

• Aboriginal Financial Institutions across Canada, including NADF, reach the $1 billion milestone for total loans disbursed

2007

• NADF hosts the 1st Annual "Fairways for the Future Charity Golf Classic"

2010

• NADF hosts 20th Annual Business Awards in Thunder Bay

2013

• Brian Davey hired as Executive Director

2014

• $4.4M Fednor funding for a 3-year project to enhance NADF's programs and services to support business development and opportunities related to mining development, particularly the Ring of Fire
• NADF begins administering the Aboriginal Business Contribution Program (formerly Aboriginal Business Canada program)

2015

• $2.5M Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs funding for a 3-year project under the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund to support business and community economic development

2016

• NADF begins offering commercial mortgages and micro-loans

2017

• NADF celebrates 30th Anniversary

2018

• NADF's CCP Toolkit: Finding Bimadizowin (The Good Life) receives “Award for Planning Excellence” from the Canadian Institute of Planners

• NADF updates brand and unveils new logo

2021

• NADF celebrates $50M loans disbursed. This milestone is a true testament to all the business and economic development of our Aboriginal communities.