Photo of AIOC ribbon cutting at Tsuut'ina office opening / Photo by William Baliko
The opening of a new office in the Buffalo Run Commercial district in Tsuut’ina promises to offer services that will assist in project funding for Southern Alberta’s Indigenous Population.
The mission of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) is to help Indigenous Nations and groups across our province transform ideas and innovation into action.
This is achieved through Government of Alberta-backed loans for First Nations and Métis groups that may not be eligible for traditional loans, as assets that can be used as traditional forms of collateral are restricted by the Indian Act.
As the organization celebrates five years and opens a new office in Tsuut’ina, located southwest of Calgary, AIOC Board Chair Stephen Buffalo said setting up in Tsuut’ina instead of Calgary’s downtown was to meet Indigenous business owners where they already gather.
Setting up an office in a First Nation isn’t a new concept to the organization, as back in February of 2025, AIOC opened an office in Enoch Cree Nation just outside of Edmonton.
AIOC supports loan guarantees from $20 million to $200 million for qualified projects, as the organization has access to a total of three billion dollars in funding.
Each of the approved projects will not only benefit the Alberta economy but also the communities the money is invested.
AIOC CEO Chana Martineau explains that investing in these communities and uplifting Indigenous communities in Alberta creates opportunities and grows the greater economy.
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