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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund
Funding for Manitoba First Nation businesses
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
Get a non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs for start-up, expansion or acquisition of a viable business. The program also supports business valuation, business planning, environmental assessments, marketing, and business support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Manitoba
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Start-up of a viable business
- Expansion of an existing business
- Acquisition of a viable business
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Copy of Status card, if applicable
- Résumé of management experience
- Partnership agreement or incorporation documents
- Recent financial statements, if existing business
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations businesses in Manitoba
- First Nation-owned partnerships and community-owned businesses
- First Nation individuals, bands, and groups of First Nations
Who is not eligible
- Bars, gambling businesses, sexually exploitive businesses, pawn shops, payday loan businesses, and tobacco shops
- Passive investment businesses such as real estate or apartment blocks
- Businesses that would significantly harm another business
Eligible expenses
- Business valuation for an acquisition, up to 75% of the cost
- Independent business plan development, up to 75%
- Environmental assessments, up to 75%
- Marketing costs, up to 60%
- Business support such as training and aftercare management, up to 75%
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Bars, gambling, sexually exploitive businesses, pawn shops, payday loans, and tobacco shops
- Passive investments such as real estate or apartment blocks
- Projects that would significantly harm another business
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by First Peoples Economic Growth Fund before a decision is made.
- Credit checks, inquiries, and property searches may be conducted as part of the review.
- If approved, the applicant must sign the financing agreement and follow the program conditions.
- Financial statements and a Business Performance Review must be submitted during the control period, generally three years.
- If the business changes significantly or stops operating during the control period, the contribution may become repayable.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The fund is supported by Indigenous Services Canada through the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association.
- The contribution becomes repayable if the business does not operate as proposed during the control period.
- There is a control period of generally three years during which financial statements and a Business Performance Review must be submitted.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund. 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 First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund?
Get a non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs for start-up, expansion or acquisition of a viable business. The program also supports business valuation, business planning, environmental assessments, marketing, and business support.
How much funding can be received?
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund program?
To be eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund program, you must:
51% First Nation-owned
10% cash equity required
40% commercial loan required
What expenses are eligible under First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund?
Start-up of a viable business
Expansion of an existing business
Acquisition of a viable business
Who can I contact for more information about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund?
You can contact First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. (FPEGF) by email at info@fpegf.ca or by phone at 1-888-942-6026.
Where is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund available?
The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund is a Grant and Funding