Open
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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Feasibility of the business plan and development plan
- Education, experience, and management capacity of the principals
- Potential for growth and community impact, including job creation
- Ability to borrow funds and overall financial commitment
How to apply
1
Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your business meets the ownership and location requirements.
- Verify that you have a minimum of 10% cash equity and 40% commercial loan commitment.
- Check that your business aligns with the non-supported business sectors criteria.
2
Prepare Required Documentation
- Develop a comprehensive business plan demonstrating viability and management capacity.
- Obtain three years of historical financial statements and a business valuation if applying for an acquisition.
- Prepare documentation for funding contributions towards business support (training, marketing, etc.), if applicable.
3
Contact Fund Provider
- Reach out to the fund provider via the toll-free number or email provided for any clarifications.
- Request guidance on additional requirements specific to your application.
4
Submit Application
- Compile all required documents and complete the application form.
- Submit your application through the specified contact methods (email or mail).
- Ensure all sections are completed and documents are included to avoid delays.
5
Await Confirmation
- Receive confirmation of receipt from the funding body.
- Retain all confirmation communications for your records.
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
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