Closed
Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services
Business support and funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 7,500
Timeline
- Closing date : May 21, 2024
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 7,500 $
Timeline
- Closing date : May 21, 2024
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
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
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
- Business advisory and support services for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Capacity Building Projects that encourage, support, or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
- Training, workshops, and business counselling in First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in rural and northern Manitoba.
- Entry to the Dragon’s Quest Business Plan Competition.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Budget and cash flow summary
- Dragon’s Quest Entry Form
- Business plan
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Community Futures organizations.
- Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit businesses.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses whose plans are prepared by professional consultants, for Dragon’s Quest.
- Staff members of the organizer, for Dragon’s Quest.
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.
- Staff members of the organizer are not eligible for Dragon’s Quest.
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
- Rural Manitoba
- Northern Manitoba
Processing and Agreement
- Dragon’s Quest business plans are reviewed by volunteer judges from business support programs across Manitoba.
- Scores from three judging rounds are tallied to determine the winner.
- Only successful semi-finalists will be notified.
- Contestants agree to be bound by the terms and conditions.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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 $7,500 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 in Manitoba.
Partnership-based applications are preferred.
Indigenous Manitoba-based entrepreneurs age 18+.
What expenses are eligible under Community Futures Manitoba — Indigenous Business Development Services?
Business advisory and support services for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Capacity Building Projects that encourage, support, or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
Training, workshops, and business counselling in First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in rural and northern Manitoba.
Entry to the Dragon’s Quest Business Plan Competition.
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 rbaker@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