How much funding can be received?

Is your business planning to undertake a large-scale project that costs more than $500,000? Get financing of at least $200,000 up to $1 million, in a variety of financing options.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers a range of financing options tailored to the needs and structures of large-scale First Nations enterprises, ensuring flexibility in funding.

Common shares.
Preferred shares.
Convertible preferred shares.
Convertible debentures.
Term Loans.
Mortgages.
Units in a limited partnership or joint venture for a period negotiated and set out in the partnership or joint venture agreement.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant funds large-scale First Nations enterprises engaged in profitable and commercial activities in Manitoba. It prioritizes high-value, value-added projects that are owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations.

Projects aimed at establishing or expanding commercially viable businesses.
Initiatives focused on high-end, value-added production or services.
Large-scale operations with substantial startup costs and working capital needs, exceeding $500,000 in project costs.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 300,000

Opening a new organic coffee roastery and café offering locally sourced products

$ 500,000

Developing a green energy solution for businesses to reduce carbon footprint

$ 400,000

Launching an innovative mobile health clinic to serve underserved communities

$ 400,000

Building a new recycling facility to promote sustainable waste management

$ 700,000

Establishing a tech hub to support local startups and innovation

$ 450,000

Revitalizing a heritage building into a cultural arts center

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to ownership, business operations, and project scope.

The business must have a profit objective, as not-for-profit projects are not eligible.
A sound business plan demonstrating viability is required.
The business must primarily operate in Manitoba.
The nature of the business must be reputable and appropriate.
The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This program targets large-scale First Nations enterprises in Manitoba seeking financial support for commercially viable, for-profit projects. The primary applicants must be First Nations businesses that meet specific ownership and operational criteria.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is designed for specific large-scale First Nations enterprises that meet certain criteria. Although the exact exclusions are not detailed, the focus is on profit-oriented and commercially viable ventures in Manitoba.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports large-scale First Nations enterprises, specifically in for-profit ventures that show promise for commercial success. It focuses on projects with a profit objective and those that are commercially viable.

Projects that are primarily operated in Manitoba.
Enterprises that involve at least 51% ownership and control by Manitoba First Nations.
For-profit ventures with total project costs exceeding $500,000.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically targeted at companies operating within a defined geographical area to enhance local economic growth. Eligible businesses must primarily operate within Manitoba as per the Fund's requirements.

Primarily operate in Manitoba.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:

Businesses must have a profit objective and demonstrate viability through a sound business plan.
Projects must primarily operate in Manitoba, be reputable, appropriate in nature, and at least 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Preliminary Inquiry
- Contact the Fund to express interest in the Joint Venture Program.
- Request initial screening for business concept evaluation.
Step 2: Eligibility Assessment
- Ensure the business is at least 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations.
- Verify that the business operates primarily in Manitoba and is for-profit.
Step 3: Prepare Business Plan
- Develop a comprehensive business plan demonstrating viability and a profit objective.
- Include detailed financial projections and market analysis.
Step 4: Application Compilation
- Gather all required documentation, including business plan and financing needs.
- Prepare to identify forms of financing options desired.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Send the completed application and all supporting documents to the Fund.
- Confirm submission with the Fund and retain any acknowledgment received.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The minimum funding available under this program is $200,000.
Financing options include various forms of equity, debt, and joint venture agreements.

Apply to this program

Empowering First Nations Enterprises Through Strategic Funding

The Joint Venture Program offers substantial financial backing to large-scale enterprises owned by Manitoba First Nations, promoting cooperation and business innovation. Aimed at projects exceeding $500,000, this initiative supports for-profit ventures with a robust profit objective under specified terms and forms of financing.

Understanding the Joint Venture Program and Its Advantages

In Canada, First Nations enterprises are pivotal to the economic landscape, particularly in Manitoba, where the Joint Venture Program acts as a cornerstone for facilitating their growth. This strategic funding initiative supports commercially viable, for-profit projects that hold significant promise, as evidenced by their sound business plans. By focusing on large-scale projects, the program ensures that the supported ventures are not only ambitious in scope but also impactful in their respective industries.

The program stands out by offering financing options tailored to the unique needs of First Nations enterprises. With support available up to $1,000,000 or 50% of the project's fair market value, whichever is lesser, businesses have the flexibility to navigate the initial hurdles of significant investments and startup costs. This financial support extends to various forms of financing, including common and preferred shares, convertible debentures, term loans, and even units in limited partnerships or joint ventures, providing enterprises with the capital they need to succeed.

Eligibility for the program mandates that businesses operate predominantly within Manitoba and be 51% owned and controlled by First Nations, ensuring that the economic benefits and growth opportunities remain within the community. This aspect of the program not only bolsters economic self-sufficiency but also enhances community reputation and entrepreneurial drives.

Additionally, the Joint Venture Program prioritizes value-added projects, especially those that demonstrate potential for creating new jobs, innovation in business practices, and sustainable partnerships across sectors. Such projects might include advanced manufacturing, green technologies, or other industries where cutting-edge developments could offer competitive advantages both locally and beyond.

Beyond financial assistance, projects supported by this program gain increased visibility and credibility within the province and beyond. This elevated status can translate to strategic partnerships, opening doors to new markets and opportunities previously inaccessible without the backing of a reputable program.

Overall, the Joint Venture Program not only alleviates the financial constraints faced by emerging and established First Nations enterprises but also serves as a catalyst for broader economic and social development. By enabling these enterprises to launch or expand their operations, the program fosters a thriving business ecosystem that benefits the Manitoba economy and affirms the importance of integrating indigenous-led businesses within the greater economic framework of Canada.