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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program - Manitoba - Canada
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Source verified July 16, 2026

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program

Interest-free financing for Manitoba First Nation businesses
Offered by
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. (FPEGF)
Official source: firstpeoplesfund.ca
Funding available
$ 300,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Who can apply

Manitoba First Nation community-owned small and medium-sized businesses.

See full eligibility

Overview

Get an interest-free loan of up to $300,000 or 50% of total project costs to support a startup, acquisition, or expansion. The program is intended to help Manitoba First Nation community-owned businesses create wealth and jobs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Complete an acquisition or business transfer
  • Start a business
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 300,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Manitoba
Legal structures
  • 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

  • Starting a new business.
  • Purchasing an existing business.
  • Upgrading or expanding an existing business.

Documents Needed

  • Completed loan application form
  • Detailed business plan with financial projections
  • Proof of cash equity
  • Previous financial statements, if applicable

Official resources

Official page

Community Economic Expansion

Application form

Community Economic Expansion

Supporting document

Approval Criteria - Financing Programs

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Manitoba First Nation community-owned small and medium-sized businesses.

Who is not eligible

  • Not-for-profit projects.
  • Businesses that are not at least 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations.

Eligible expenses

The grant provides loan proceeds that can be utilized for specific business activities and enhancements.

  • Starting a new business.
  • Purchasing an existing business.
  • Upgrading or expanding an existing business.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Refinancing existing debt.
  • Not-for-profit projects.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Manitoba

Selection criteria

  • Feasibility of the business plan and the experience of key people involved.
  • Availability of the technical and financial expertise needed to operate the business.
  • Potential for growth and development of related businesses.
  • Impact on the province and local community, including jobs and new goods or services.
  • Ability to borrow funds, repay the loan, and the amount of equity committed.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Complete the application form
    • Fill in all sections that apply to the applicant.
    • Have each partner or shareholder complete a separate application, if applicable.
  • Step 2: Prepare supporting material
    • Attach a detailed business plan with cash flow, income/expense, and balance sheet projections.
    • Provide proof of cash equity and previous financial statements, if applicable.
  • Step 3: Submit the application
    • Submit the completed form and supporting documents to First Peoples Economic Growth Fund.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by First Peoples Economic Growth Fund.
  • Loan decisions are based on the program’s general approval criteria.
  • Applicants authorize credit checks, inquiries, and property searches.
  • Approval is required before financing is provided.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

  • The maximum loan amount is $300,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the total project costs, whichever is less.
  • At the end of the loan, a portion of the loan (up to $75,000 or 25% of the total loan) may be forgiven under certain conditions.
  • Loans are interest-free with a repayment schedule not exceeding 10 years for most projects (20 years for buildings).
  • Business assets used as loan security will be subordinated to other debt financing supporting the business.
  • Loans are strictly for new initiatives, as they cannot be used for refinancing existing debt.

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 – Community Economic Expansion Program Program

What is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program?

Get an interest-free loan of up to $300,000 or 50% of total project costs to support a startup, acquisition, or expansion. The program is intended to help Manitoba First Nation community-owned businesses create wealth and jobs.

How much funding can be received?

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $300,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program program?

To be eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program program, you must: 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations. Primarily operates in Manitoba. Profit-oriented and viable business.

What expenses are eligible under First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program?

Starting a new business. Purchasing an existing business. Upgrading or expanding an existing business.

Who can I contact for more information about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program?

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

Where is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program available?

The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program program is available the province of Manitoba.

Is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Community Economic Expansion Program is a Loans and Capital investments