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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund - MN - Canada
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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund

Financial support for Manitoba First Nation businesses
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
MN, Canada

Overview

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.

/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
  • MN
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
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

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.

Eligibility

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.

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

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: The business must be at least 51% owned by a First Nation band, First Nation band member, or group of First Nations, with headquarters in Manitoba. The applicant must have a minimum of 10% cash equity invested in the business. A minimum of a 40% commercial loan is required as part of the business's total financing.

What expenses are eligible under First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund?

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.

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 MN.

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