First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance

This grant provides partial financial support to aid in the development of business plans, facilitating access to professional consultation services for First Nation entrepreneurs. Specific terms ensure that clients contribute a portion of project costs, maximizing the grant's reach and impact.

• Non-repayable funding covers up to 75% of costs, capped at a maximum of $20,000.
• Clients are required to contribute the remaining 25% of the cost for developing the business plan.
• Approval of funding must be secured before any consultancy work begins.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's identity and the proposed project's readiness.

• Applicants must be a member of a First Nation, with a headquarter location in Manitoba.
• Applicants must be aged 18 and over, and eligible to work in Canada.
• Applicants must submit an application describing the business for which they wish to develop a business plan.
• Applicants must not have owned a similar business in the past 12 months.
• Applicants must provide the name and qualifications of the proposed consultant, proposed terms of reference and a written proposal, including a quote.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant:

• Non-First Nation individuals or enterprises
• Individuals under 18 years old
• Individuals not eligible to work in Canada
• Those who have owned a similar business in the past 12 months

Eligible expenses

The Business Plan Assistance program offers support for the research and development of business plans for First Nation individuals or enterprises. Eligible initiatives involve engaging professional consultants to assist in crafting comprehensive plans aimed at attracting financing.

• Engaging professional consultants for business plan development.
• Conducting research to support the business planning process.
• Developing marketing strategies as part of the business plan.
• Analyzing industry overviews as part of the business plan framework.
• Outlining management experience and staffing in the business plan.
• Estimating project costs and financing requirements in the business plan.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant supports First Nation individuals or enterprises headquartered in a specified region. Eligibility is specific to the area detailed below.

• Companies headquartered in Manitoba, Canada, associated with a First Nation community.

The Business Plan Assistance program has specific evaluation and selection criteria to assess the merit and feasibility of the proposed business projects.

• Business concept feasibility
• Opportunity for economic impact in the community
• Potential for sustainable growth
• Clarity of marketing strategy
• Experience and capability of management team
• Comprehensive financial plan and project costing

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The program is administered by the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF), which is dedicated to supporting the economic development of First Nations in Manitoba.
• Applicants are recommended to obtain three competitive quotes from consultants to ensure a fair selection process.
• Funding approval must be obtained before any consultant can commence work on the business plan.