First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1000000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: 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: • The business must have a profit objective and not be a not-for-profit entity. • The enterprise must be at least 51% owned and controlled by Manitoba First Nations. • The business must primarily operate in Manitoba.

Q: 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).

Q: Where is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program available?

The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program program.

Last Update: October 27, 2025

MN, Canada

Financing for Manitoba First Nations projects

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $200,000 to $1,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Financing 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.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 700,000

Establishing a tech hub to support local startups and innovation

$ 300,000

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

$ 400,000

Launching an innovative mobile health clinic to serve underserved communities

$ 400,000

Building a new recycling facility to promote sustainable waste management

$ 500,000

Developing a green energy solution for businesses to reduce carbon footprint

$ 450,000

Revitalizing a heritage building into a cultural arts center

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

Selection 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.

How to apply

Preliminary Inquiry

Contact the Fund to express interest in the Joint Venture Program.
Request initial screening for business concept evaluation.

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.

Prepare Business Plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan demonstrating viability and a profit objective.
Include detailed financial projections and market analysis.

Application Compilation

Gather all required documentation, including business plan and financing needs.
Prepare to identify forms of financing options desired.

Submit Application

Send the completed application and all supporting documents to the Fund.
Confirm submission with the Fund and retain any acknowledgment received.

Additional information

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture 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 – Joint Venture Program?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Joint Venture Program?

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.