How much funding can be received?

Get a non-repayable contribution of up to 30% of eligible costs for start-up, expansion or acquisition of a business that is majority Manitoba First Nation-owned.

Financing terms and conditions

This fund provides non-repayable contributions to eligible First Nations businesses, facilitating their start-up, expansion, or acquisition efforts. The financing modalities emphasize substantial support in terms of business valuation, planning, and sustainability strategies.

Non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $99,999 for businesses owned by First Nation individuals.
Non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $250,000 for businesses owned by a Manitoba First Nation or group of First Nations.
Up to 75% coverage for the cost of a required independent Business Valuation for business acquisition.
Up to 75% funding for the development of an independent business plan.
Contribution towards environmental assessments of up to 75% when required.
Support covering up to 60% of marketing costs.
Funding up to 75% for business support, including training and aftercare management.
Three-year control period requiring the submission of financial statements and Business Performance Reviews.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports the start-up, expansion, or acquisition of First Nations businesses in Manitoba, focusing on enhancing economic growth. The eligible projects aim to assist First Nations entrepreneurs with viable business ventures.

Start-up of new First Nations-owned businesses.
Expansion of existing First Nations-owned businesses.
Acquisition of an already established business by a First Nations entrepreneur.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 21,000

Expanding a First Nation-owned eco-tourism business

$ 28,200

Expanding a software development company specializing in education technology

$ 24,000

Starting a fish-farming business with eco-friendly practices

$ 13,500

Launching a First Nation artisan crafts store

$ 21,000

Opening a sustainable café focusing on local produce and zero-waste

$ 29,700

Acquiring an existing eco-lodge and transitioning it to renewable energy

Eligibility criteria of the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the ownership, financial structure, and operational plans of the business.

The applicant must have a minimum of 10% cash equity to invest in the business.
A minimum of a 40% commercial loan must be part of the total business financing.
The business must be at least 51% owned by a First Nation band, First Nation band member, or a group of First Nations.
First Nation members and communities outside Manitoba are eligible if the business headquarters are located in Manitoba.
In case of a partnership, the business must be at least 51% First Nation owned, and the contribution will reflect the First Nation's ownership proportion.
The First Nation owner or partner must be an integral part of the business operations.
The business must demonstrate viability and management capacity via a business plan submission.
The business should not belong to excluded categories such as bars, gambling establishments, pawn shops, etc.
It must not be a passive investment.
The business should not cause significant harm to existing businesses.
A control period usually lasting three years will apply, during which financial statements must be prepared and a "Business Performance Review" submitted.

Who is eligible?

This grant is available for projects associated with starting up, expanding, or acquiring a business owned by First Nations in Manitoba. Specific eligibility criteria need to be met, such as having a minimum 10% cash equity, securing at least a 40% commercial loan, and ensuring at least 51% ownership by a First Nation band or member. Application is open to First Nations individuals, communities, or groups in Manitoba with business headquarters located within the province. The grant supports various business activities, except those deemed non-viable or harmful to other enterprises.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward viable and ethical business opportunities.

Bars and establishments primarily focused on alcohol sales.
Businesses involved in gambling such as those with video lottery terminals (VLTs).
Sexually exploitive businesses.
Pawn shops and payday loan businesses.
Tobacco shops.
Passive investment businesses, such as real estate or apartment blocks, where the owner is not actively managing the business.
Businesses that have the potential to significantly harm existing businesses, like opening a second laundromat in a small town that cannot support two.

Eligible expenses

This grant provides non-repayable contributions to support various business initiatives for First Nations businesses in Manitoba. Eligible projects include start-up endeavors, expansions, and acquisitions that demonstrate viability and economic potential.

Start-up of a new business venture.
Expansion of an existing business operation.
Acquisition of a viable business.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to First Nations businesses with headquarters specifically located in Manitoba. Eligible geographical regions focus on areas within the province to enhance economic development for Indigenous communities.

Businesses with headquarters located in Manitoba.

Eligibility criteria of the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund program

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Business Contribution Fund include financial viability, ownership requirements, equity contribution, business plan quality, and business impact.

Financial Viability: The business must demonstrate financial viability and management capacity through the submission of a comprehensive business plan.
Ownership Requirements: The business must be at least 51% owned by a First Nation individual or Manitoba First Nation Community.
Equity Contribution: Applicants must have a minimum of 10% cash equity to invest in the business.
Business Plan Quality: FPEGF will consider providing a non-repayable contribution towards the development of an independent business plan, which is a key evaluation criterion.
Business Impact: The business must show potential to contribute positively to the community and not significantly harm other businesses in the area.

How to apply to the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund program

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.

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.

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.

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.

Await Confirmation

Receive confirmation of receipt from the funding body.
Retain all confirmation communications for your records.

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.