CDEM — Financing

Eligibility for CDEM’s Investment Fund is determined by specific requirements related to the business ownership and operations.

• The business must belong to one or several Francophones who own at least a 50% interest in the business.
• The business must operate or be about to operate in Manitoba.
• Any loan request must be accompanied by an appropriate and reasonable business plan showing the real potential for commercial viability and the ability to repay.
• The applicants must prove they have explored all other reasonable methods to obtain financial support and were unable to obtain this support.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the CDEM Investment Fund grant. To qualify, a business must:

• Be owned by Francophones who own at least a 50% interest in the business.
• Operate or is about to operate in Manitoba.
• Submit a reasonable business plan demonstrating commercial viability and repayment ability.
• Show efforts in exploring other financing options before seeking support from the fund.

Eligible expenses

This investment fund provides financial support for businesses owned by Francophones in Manitoba, supporting new ventures and growth activities. Eligible projects mainly focus on business start-up, expansion, and diversification plans.

• Business start-up activities for new ventures.
• Expansion projects to grow existing businesses.
• Diversification initiatives to expand business offerings.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant specifically targets businesses operating or about to operate in Manitoba. This geographic focus ensures support for Francophone-owned enterprises within the province.

• Businesses operating in Manitoba.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

• The business must belong to one or several Francophones who own at least a 50% interest in the business.
• The business must operate or is about to operate in Manitoba.
• Any loan request must be accompanied by an appropriate and reasonable business plan showing the potential for commercial viability and ability to repay.
• Applicants must prove they have explored other methods to obtain financial support and were unable to secure it.

Here is additional relevant information about the CDEM's Investment Fund:

• CDEM is a partner with Western Economic Diversification and the Business Development Bank of Canada in managing a risk capital fund for Manitoba Francophone businesses.
• Joel Lemoine is the contact person for inquiries regarding business services, including the Investment Fund, at CDEM.