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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program
Loans for Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
Get a repayable loan of up to $200,000 or 50% of total project costs, whichever is lower. The program supports Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs with capital and working capital for new businesses, expansions, and acquisitions.
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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
- Manitoba
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- 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
- Expanding an existing business
- Acquiring a business
Documents Needed
- Completed loan application form
- Copy of Status card
- Detailed business plan with financial projections
- Proof of cash equity
- Previous financial statements, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs
- Businesses operated in Manitoba
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.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Refinancing existing debt
- Paying existing debt
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
Selection criteria
- Feasibility of the business plan
- Education and experience of the principals
- Potential for growth and job creation
- Ability to borrow and repay the loan
- Community and economic impact
How to apply
1
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.
2
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).
3
Register Business Name
Register your business name with the Companies Office, if not already done.
4
Compile Financial Statements
Prepare and compile any requested financial statements (quality, internally prepared, auditor reviewed, etc.).
5
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.
6
Address Credit and Collection Issues
Resolve any outstanding collection issues prior to application processing.
7
Obtain Confirmation
- After submission, ensure you receive a confirmation of receipt from FPEGF.
- Keep a record of your application details for future reference.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF).
- Applicants authorize credit checks, inquiries, and property searches as part of the decision process.
- Financial assistance is only provided after approval.
- Applicants must agree to public disclosure related to approved financing.
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
What is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program?
Get a repayable loan of up to $200,000 or 50% of total project costs, whichever is lower. The program supports Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs with capital and working capital for new businesses, expansions, and acquisitions.
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:
Member of a Manitoba First Nation
18+ and eligible to work in Canada
Minimum 5% equity contribution
What expenses are eligible under First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program?
Starting a new business
Expanding an existing business
Acquiring a business
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 Manitoba.
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