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SMEDCO Loan Programs
Financing for Métis business growth in Saskatchewan
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
SMEDCO provides financing to support Métis entrepreneurs in starting, acquiring, or expanding a business. The program combines repayable financing and non-repayable contributions, with eligible projects including viable business start-ups, acquisitions, and expansions.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop an online presence
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting a new business.
- Acquiring an existing business.
- Expanding a business.
Documents Needed
- Project Application form
- Personal Financial Statement
- MN-S Card copy
- Resume for each business owner
- Quotes for listed project costs
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Métis entrepreneurs
- Métis-owned businesses
- Businesses in Saskatchewan
Who is not eligible
- Political bodies
- Businesses in cultural activities or social programs
- Businesses involved in residential real estate
- Businesses focused on payment of dividends
- Businesses seeking refinancing, with some exceptions
Eligible expenses
- Project costs for business start-ups, acquisitions, and expansions.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Political bodies or political process
- Cultural activities and social programs
- Residential real estate
- Payment of dividends
- Refinancing, with some exceptions
Eligible geographic areas
- Saskatchewan
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Métis owned and controlled.
- The project is viable and provides a reasonable income to the owners.
- Applicants must reside within Saskatchewan and the business is headquartered in Saskatchewan.
How to apply
1
Initial Inquiry
- Reach out to SMEDCO for any questions regarding the Blended Financing package using the provided contact form.
- Ensure you meet the basic criteria for eligibility, including Métis ownership and Saskatchewan residency.
2
Prepare Documentation
- Gather necessary documents, such as proof of Métis ownership and third-party appraisal for contributed assets.
- Prepare a business plan outlining the startup, acquisition, or expansion proposal.
3
Equity Preparation
- Ensure you have the required 10% cash equity ready to invest in your project.
- Consider additional equity contributions, if applicable.
4
Submit Application
- Coordinate with SMEDCO to access and complete the application forms.
- Submit all required documents and the completed application through the specified submission process.
5
Await Confirmation
Wait for confirmation of receipt from SMEDCO, which may include an application reference number.
Processing and Agreement
- The application is reviewed after submission.
- Applicants will be contacted after the review.
- Credit checks and inquiries may be conducted to reach a decision.
- Supporting documents must be completed, signed, dated, and witnessed where required.
Additional information
- SMEDCO combines traditional financing with non-repayable contributions.
- The non-repayable contribution depends on the cash equity provided.
- Assets contributed to the project require a third-party appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the SMEDCO Loan Programs Program
What is the SMEDCO Loan Programs?
SMEDCO provides financing to support Métis entrepreneurs in starting, acquiring, or expanding a business. The program combines repayable financing and non-repayable contributions, with eligible projects including viable business start-ups, acquisitions, and expansions.
Who is eligible for the SMEDCO Loan Programs program?
To be eligible for the SMEDCO Loan Programs program, you must:
Métis owned and controlled
Based in Saskatchewan
Minimum 10% cash equity
What expenses are eligible under SMEDCO Loan Programs?
Starting a new business.
Acquiring an existing business.
Expanding a business.
Who can I contact for more information about the SMEDCO Loan Programs?
You can contact Government of Saskatchewan.
Where is the SMEDCO Loan Programs available?
The SMEDCO Loan Programs program is available the province of Saskatchewan.
Is the SMEDCO Loan Programs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
SMEDCO Loan Programs is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the SMEDCO Loan Programs?
SMEDCO Loan Programs is funded by Government of Saskatchewan, SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation (SMEDCO)