How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 7500% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services?

Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services is funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Community Futures Manitoba, Government of Canada

Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services

Q: What are Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services's eligibility criterias?

Organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba are eligible to apply. Preference is given to applications demonstrating partnerships among service providers or partners. Capacity Building Projects must be designed to encourage, support, or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

MN, Canada

Advice and awards for Indigenous businesses in Manitoba

Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $7,500

Timeline

Closing date : May 21, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Community Futures Manitoba
Government of Canada

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services program

Business advisory services for Indigenous businesses in Manitoba, as well as some financial award programs.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial assistance to Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations in Manitoba through targeted funding modalities. The support aims to facilitate business development activities and capacity building projects.

Financial assistance of up to $7,500 is available for winners of the Indigenous Business Planning Competition to start their business.
Organizations can receive up to $5,000 to implement Capacity Building Projects that support Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Funding of up to $5,000 is available for Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) Community Futures (CFs) to deliver training and business counselling in rural and northern Manitoba, with up to $1,000 available for non-IFI CFs.

Eligible projects & activities

The Indigenous Business Development Services Program encourages projects that support Indigenous entrepreneurship and business development in Manitoba. The following activities are eligible for funding under this grant:

Submission of business plans to participate in the Dragon's Quest Business Plan Competition.
Capacity building projects that help Indigenous entrepreneurs access resources and support for business development.
Training and workshops designed to provide business counselling and support in First Nations, Metis, or Inuit communities in rural and northern Manitoba.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 5,500

Setting up training programs for Indigenous sole proprietors

$ 4,500

Organizing business plan preparation workshops for Indigenous entrepreneurs

$ 4,500

Business counselling sessions for Indigenous entrepreneurs

$ 6,000

Development of an online resource hub for Indigenous entrepreneurs

$ 6,500

Facilitating business development seminars for Indigenous organizations

$ 5,500

Implementing community economic development activities for Indigenous startups

Eligibility criteria of the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements for organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Organizations must be serving Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
Preference is given to applications that demonstrate partnerships among service providers or partners.
Projects needs to be designed to encourage, support, and/or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs.
All projects must be completed by March 31, 2025.

Who is eligible?

The Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) program does not specify particular types of companies as eligible for the grant but focuses on supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations serving them. The grants are available for several initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurial growth within Indigenous communities, particularly in rural and northern Manitoba.

Business information and resource material distribution
Business plan preparation assistance
Business advisory services
Workshops and seminars for business training
Capacity building projects for organizations supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs
Training, workshops, or business counseling sessions specifically in First Nations, Metis, or Inuit communities

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.

Eligible geographic areas

The Indigenous Business Development Services program targets Indigenous entrepreneurs in rural and northern Manitoba. This regional focus aligns with enhancing support for diverse Indigenous communities within these areas.

Rural Manitoba
Northern Manitoba

Eligibility criteria of the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services program

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Indigenous Business Development Services Capacity Building Projects grant are designed to prioritize organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs and those demonstrating collaborative partnerships. Applicants are expected to provide detailed project proposals with clear budget and cash flow summaries.

Organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs
Preference for applications demonstrating partnerships among service providers/partners
Completed application form
Detailed budget and cash flow summary
Project completion by March 31, 2025

How to apply to the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services program

Review Program Requirements

Read the details of the Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Program to ensure applicability and understanding of the opportunity.
Download necessary documents and resources like the Business Planning Workbook and Guide to Starting a Business in a First Nation Community.

Prepare Business Plan

Utilize available resources and advisory services to prepare a comprehensive business plan.
Ensure the business plan aligns with the criteria set forth for the Dragon's Quest Business Plan Competition.

Fill Out Entry Form

Download and complete the Dragons Quest Entry Form with accurate information.

Submit Competition Entry

Prepare an email addressed to Raena Baker, IBDS Coordinator, at rbaker@cfmanitoba.ca.
Attach the completed business plan and Entry Form to the email.
Submit your entry before the deadline: March 15, 2024, at 4:30 pm.

Await Confirmation

Wait for a confirmation email to acknowledge receipt of your submission.

Submission for Capacity Building Projects (Optional)

For organizations looking to apply for Capacity Building Projects, download the application form.
Complete the application form with the project details, budget, and cash flow summary.
Email or fax the application to Raena Baker at rbaker@cfmanitoba.ca.

Additional information

The Indigenous Business Development Services Program offers various resources and support services to Indigenous entrepreneurs including business information, advisory services, and training. The program also sponsors the Dragon's Quest Business Planning Competition and provides funding for capacity building projects and training in rural and northern Indigenous communities.

Deadline for the 2024 Dragon's Quest Business Planning Competition is March 15, 2024, at 4:30pm.
Call for Proposals 2024/2025 is accepting applications for Capacity Building Projects due March 31, 2025.
Each organization can receive up to $5,000 for capacity building projects encouraging and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
Contact person for submissions and more information: Raena Baker, Project Coordinator, via email at rbaker@cfmanitoba.ca.