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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund - Manitoba - Canada
Open
Source verified July 16, 2026

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Contribution Fund

Funding for Manitoba First Nation businesses
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Who can apply

First Nations businesses in Manitoba

See full eligibility

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

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
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

Official page

Business Contribution Fund

Application form

Business Contribution FUND

Supporting document

Approval Criteria - Financing Programs

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

  • Step 1: Complete the application form and all applicable sections
    • Provide applicant and business information.
    • Complete separate sections for each partner or shareholder, if applicable.
  • Step 2: Attach supporting documents
    • Include the required supporting documents listed in the form.
    • Provide proof of cash equity and recent financial statements, if applicable.
  • Step 3: Submit the application to First Peoples Economic Growth Fund
    • Send the completed application package to the fund provider.
    • Ensure all sections and attachments are included to avoid delays.

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

Other components of this program

Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.

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