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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund —  Entrepreneur Loan Program - MN - Canada
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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program

Loans for Manitoba First Nations entrepreneurs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
MN, Canada

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.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 200,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • MN
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
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

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.

Eligibility

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.

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.

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.

What is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program?

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.

How much funding can be received?

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.

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.

What expenses are eligible under First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program?

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.

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).

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.

Is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program is a Loans and Capital investments