First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance program?

To be eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance program, you must: • Applicants must be a member of a First Nation, with a headquarters location in Manitoba. • Applicants must be aged 18 and over, and eligible to work in Canada. • Applicants must not have owned a similar business in the past 12 months.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance?

You can contact First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. (FPEGF).

Q: Where is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance available?

The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance program is available the province of MN.

Q: Are startups eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance program.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

MN, Canada

Funding for Manitoba First Nation business planning

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $20,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get up to $20,000 to cover up to 75% of the costs associated with hiring a professional consultant to assist in the research and development of a quality business plan that you can use to attract financing.

Financing terms and conditions

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.

Activities funded

This grant supports First Nation individuals and enterprises in Manitoba who need financial assistance to develop professional business plans. The eligible activities focus on engaging professional consultants for the research and development of business plans to attract financing opportunities.

Engagement of professional consultants to assist in the research and development of a business plan.
Preparation of a comprehensive business concept summary, including business overview, industry overview, and marketing strategy.
Development of management experience outlines and staffing plans.
Estimation of project costs and financing for business ventures.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 16,500

Hire a consultant for a feasibility study for a social enterprise café

$ 18,000

Consultancy to develop a new sustainable fashion line business plan

$ 18,000

Hire a consultant to improve planning for a non-profit art centre

$ 19,500

Engage a consultant for developing a scalable e-commerce platform business plan

$ 20,000

Develop a business plan for a community-run renewable energy project

$ 18,000

Develop a business plan for a zero-waste grocery cooperative

Eligibility

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?

First Nation individuals or First Nation-based enterprises headquartered in Manitoba, Canada, who meet specific conditions stated in the eligibility criteria.

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.

Selection criteria

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

How to apply

Application Preparation

Draft a detailed business concept summary including business overview, industry overview, marketing strategy, management experience, staffing, estimated project costs, and financing.
Research and select a professional consultant to aid in preparing the business plan.
Obtain three competitive quotes from professional consultants.

Application Submission

Complete the application form detailing the business for which the plan is being developed.
Attach the business concept summary to the application.
Provide the name and qualifications of the selected consultant and a quote.
Submit the application with all required documents to the funding body for approval before beginning work with the consultant.

Confirmation and Approval

Await confirmation and approval of funding from the funding body prior to starting the business plan development.

Additional information

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.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance. 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.