First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program

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 — Entrepreneur Loan Program program?

To be eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program program, you must: • The business must register its name with the Companies Office. • The loan proceeds must be used as applied for, such as starting, expanding, or acquiring a business, and not for refinancing or paying existing debt.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program?

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

Q: Where is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program available?

The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program program is available the province of MN.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

MN, Canada

Loans for Manitoba First Nations entrepreneurs

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $200,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get a repayable loan that is the lesser of $200,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the total costs of your business project, including starting a new business and purchasing, upgrading or expanding an existing business.

Financing terms and conditions

The Entrepreneur Loan Program offers strategic financing structures to support Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs, enhancing their access to leverage financing from other institutions.

Subordinated, interest-free loans provided to fund capital and/or working capital for eligible projects.
Loans available up to $200,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the total project costs, whichever is lower.
Repayment terms up to 10 years for most projects, with an extended term up to 20 years for buildings.
Supplementary loans available contingent upon submission of satisfactory financial statements.
Loan proceeds are to be used strictly for the purposes outlined in the application (not for refinancing or existing debt).
The proceeds are registered as security or collateral for the loan.

Activities funded

The Entrepreneur Loan Program focuses on supporting First Nations entrepreneurs in Manitoba by providing financial assistance for specific business-related activities. The eligible activities revolve around establishing, expanding, or acquiring businesses.

Starting a new business that aligns with market demands and sustainability.
Expanding an existing business to enhance operations and market reach.
Acquiring a current business for growth and diversification opportunities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 90,000

Upgrading a transportation business

$ 20,000

Starting a new IT consulting firm

$ 40,000

Starting a new Indigenous-owned organic farm

$ 30,000

Expanding a community-owned coffee shop

$ 100,000

Purchasing an outdoor adventure company

$ 65,000

Purchasing an existing bakery

Eligibility

Eligibility for this loan program is based on specific criteria related to the applicant's background and the proposed business project.

Applicants must be members of a Manitoba First Nation, regardless of residence on or off reserve in Manitoba.
Applicants must be aged 18 and over, and eligible to work in Canada.
A sound business plan demonstrating the viability of the business must be provided.
Applicants must contribute equity equal to a minimum of 5% of the total project costs. In cases of higher risk, larger equity contributions may be required.
All applicants will undergo a credit score review, though approval is not solely based on credit score. Unresolved collection issues must be resolved before proceeding with the application.

Who is eligible?

This program is intended to assist Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs by providing financial support through subordinated interest-free loans. Applicants must be members of a Manitoba First Nation, aged 18 or over, and eligible to work in Canada. They must also present a viable business plan and contribute at least 5% equity of the total project costs, which can be in cash or unencumbered business assets.

Who is not eligible

There are specific considerations when applying for this grant, though detailed restrictions on company types or industries are not fully specified. However, businesses must meet certain operational and ownership conditions to qualify.

Must primarily operate in Manitoba.
Businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a member of a Manitoba First Nation.
Projects must have a profit objective; not-for-profit projects are not considered.
The business should be reputable and appropriate in nature.
New businesses, business purchases, or expansions only; refinancing is not eligible.

Eligible expenses

This grant is designed to support Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs in establishing or expanding their businesses. The eligible projects focus on new business startups, expansion of existing businesses, and business acquisitions.

Starting a new business venture.
Expanding an existing business operation.
Acquiring an existing business as part of business growth strategies.

Eligible geographic areas

The Entrepreneur Loan Program exclusively targets First Nation entrepreneurs in Manitoba. Eligible businesses must be located within this province to apply.

Businesses operated by members of a Manitoba First Nation, living on or off reserve in Manitoba.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include assessing the viability of the business plan, the applicant's equity contribution, ownership by a member of a Manitoba First Nation, and the primary operation in Manitoba.

Viability of the business plan
Applicant's equity contribution
Ownership by a member of a Manitoba First Nation
Primary operation in Manitoba

How to apply

Prepare Business Plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates the viability of your business.
Ensure that the plan aligns with the project costs and financing requirements.

Verify Eligibility

Confirm membership in a Manitoba First Nation and eligibility criteria (e.g., age and work eligibility in Canada).
Determine your ability to contribute the required equity (cash or assets).

Register Business Name

Compile Financial Statements

Prepare and compile any requested financial statements (quality, internally prepared, auditor reviewed, etc.).

Application Submission

Complete any additional forms and gather necessary documentation as required by the loan program.
Submit all materials directly to the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF) as per their instructions.

Address Credit and Collection Issues

Resolve any outstanding collection issues prior to application processing.

Obtain Confirmation

After submission, ensure you receive a confirmation of receipt from FPEGF.
Keep a record of your application details for future reference.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Loan proceeds are required to be used strictly for the purpose they were applied for, such as starting, expanding, or acquiring a business.
Loan proceeds cannot be used for refinancing or to pay off existing debt.
The business funded through this program will be registered as security or collateral for the loan.
Applicants are subject to a credit score review, but low credit scores are not disqualifiers, though unresolved collection issues must be addressed before the application can proceed.
The applicant’s equity contribution to the project can be in cash or unencumbered business assets with appropriate documentation supporting the value.
Supplementary loans may be available based on satisfactory financial statements provided to the fund.
The program includes a flexible approach to accepting various types of financial statements depending on the complexity of the business.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program. 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.