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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program
Financing for large First Nations ventures
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000 - $ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
The program offers financing of up to the lesser of $1,000,000 or 50% of total project costs, with a minimum funding amount of $200,000. It supports large-scale First Nations enterprises in Manitoba with commercially viable, for-profit joint venture projects.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
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
- Large-scale First Nations business ventures.
- Commercially viable for-profit projects.
- Higher-end value-added projects.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Business plan with cash flow, income/expense, and balance sheet projections.
- Proof of cash equity.
- Status card, if applicable.
- Previous financial statements and legal agreements, if applicable.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Large-scale First Nations enterprises.
- Businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations.
- For-profit businesses operating primarily in Manitoba.
Who is not eligible
- Not-for-profit projects.
- Businesses that are not at least 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations.
Eligible expenses
- Startup costs.
- Working capital.
- Project costs related to land, buildings, equipment, vehicles, inventory, operating needs, and licenses or fees.
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba.
Selection criteria
- Feasibility of the business plan and enterprise.
- Experience and expertise of the key people involved.
- Potential for growth, employment, and community impact.
- Applicant’s ability to borrow and repay funds.
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application form
- Fill in all applicable sections in full.
- Each partner or shareholder must complete a separate application.
- Step 2: Gather supporting documents
- Attach a detailed business plan with projections.
- Include proof of cash equity and any required financial statements or legal agreements.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the completed application package to First Peoples Economic Growth Fund.
- Include all supporting documents required for review.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed only after all applicable sections are completed in full.
- The Fund may conduct credit checks, inquiries, and property searches to make a decision.
- Applicants authorize disclosure of credit information for review and administration of the assistance.
- Approved financing may be publicized by the Fund.
Additional information
- Minimum funding is $200,000.
- Financing may take different forms, including equity and debt.
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program Program
What is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program?
The program offers financing of up to the lesser of $1,000,000 or 50% of total project costs, with a minimum funding amount of $200,000. It supports large-scale First Nations enterprises in Manitoba with commercially viable, for-profit joint venture projects.
How much funding can be received?
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program program?
To be eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program program, you must:
For-profit business.
Sound business plan.
Primarily operates in Manitoba.
What expenses are eligible under First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program?
Large-scale First Nations business ventures.
Commercially viable for-profit projects.
Higher-end value-added projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program?
You can contact First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. (FPEGF).
Where is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program available?
The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program is a Loans and Capital investments