Closed
Source verified August 5, 2026
Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services
Services for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: August 1, 2026Latest change: The IBDS page now shows a 2026-2027 Call for Proposals for Capacity Building Projects with updated submission instructions and project timing.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 1, 2026
Latest change: The IBDS page now shows a 2026-2027 Call for Proposals for Capacity Building Projects with updated submission instructions and project timing.
IBDS 2026-2027 proposal section added
The Indigenous Business Development Services page now includes a 2026-2027 Call for Proposals for Capacity Building Projects. The new section says projects may access up to $5,000, must be completed by March 31, 2027, and may be submitted by email or fax to dsmith@cfmanitoba.ca. It also adds application details not previously shown on the page, including the need for a completed application form and a budget and cash flow summary, with additional pages allowed. The new text states that individual organizations may apply and that partnerships among service providers or partners will be preferred.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
Business advisory services and training for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba, plus related funding opportunities. Winners of Dragon’s Quest can receive up to $7,500, and capacity building projects can receive up to $5,000.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Manitoba
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Capacity building projects that encourage, support and/or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in communities served by the organization.
- Training, workshops, or business counselling sessions in First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in rural and northern Manitoba.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Budget and cash flow summary
- Business plan
- Dragon’s Quest Entry Form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Community Futures organizations.
- All new and existing Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) Manitoba-based businesses in all sectors and industry categories.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses whose plans are prepared by professional consultants are not eligible for Dragon’s Quest.
- Staff members of the Organizer are not eligible for the Contest.
Eligible expenses
Eligible projects for this grant support the capacity building of organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs. They aim to foster collaboration and provide essential resources and services to enhance entrepreneurship among Indigenous communities in Manitoba.
- Projects that encourage, support, and assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
- Capacity building initiatives that involve partnerships among service providers.
- Training, workshops, or business counselling sessions in First Nations, Metis, or Inuit communities.
- Projects completed by March 31, 2025, designed to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Business plans prepared by professional consultants are not eligible for Dragon’s Quest.
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
- First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in rural and northern Manitoba
Selection criteria
- Preference will be given to applications demonstrating partnerships among service providers/partners.
- Each judge will rank your business plan and assign you point values.
- Your scores from three rounds of judging will be tallied and the highest score will be declared the winner.
How to apply
- Include a completed application form and a budget and cash flow summary.
- Submit proposals by email or fax to the Indigenous Business Development Services Coordinator.
- For Dragon’s Quest, submit your business plan and completed Dragon’s Quest Entry Form to the IBDS Coordinator at Community Futures Manitoba.
- Dragon’s Quest submissions can be sent by mail or email.
Processing and Agreement
- Mid-Term Progress and Final Reports must be submitted to the IBDS Coordinator.
- The Organizer reserves the right to judge and to evaluate the entries, the function of which is reserved solely for the judges appointed.
- The Organizer reserves the right to make all final decisions regarding all aspects of the Contest.
- Only successful Semi-Finalists will be notified.
- By submitting a business plan to enter the Contest, the Contestant agrees to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of the Contest as designed and published by the Organizer.
Additional information
- The Organizer will maintain the information submitted in confidence and will not reproduce, distribute, or communicate it without expressed written consent of the contest entrant.
- All plans submitted will be disposed of (shredded) immediately at contest conclusion unless the contestant submits a written request that their business plan be returned to them concluding the contest.
- The Organizer will not be responsible for loss or damages to materials submitted.
- The Contest authorizes the Organizer to identify the successful contestant (name/picture) in connection with organizing or promoting the Contest.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services Program
What is the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services?
Business advisory services and training for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba, plus related funding opportunities. Winners of Dragon’s Quest can receive up to $7,500, and capacity building projects can receive up to $5,000.
How much funding can be received?
Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services program?
To be eligible for the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services program, you must:
Organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs may submit proposals for Indigenous Business Development Services Capacity Building Projects.
Community Futures organizations can apply for funding assistance to deliver training, workshops, or business counselling sessions in First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in rural and northern Manitoba.
Dragon’s Quest is open to all new and existing Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) Manitoba-based businesses, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and businesses must have started after January 2025 or begin before May 2026.
What expenses are eligible under Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services?
Capacity building projects that encourage, support and/or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in communities served by the organization.
Training, workshops, or business counselling sessions in First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in rural and northern Manitoba.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services?
You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) by email at dsmith@cfmanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-944-8438.
Where is the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services available?
The Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services is a Grant and Funding