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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund: Business Contribution Fund

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This fund gives non-repayable grants to First Nation-owned businesses in Manitoba, covering up to 40% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $99,999 for individual owners or $250,000 for First Nation groups. You must secure 40% commercial financing and provide 10% cash equity before approval.

Know a business owner this could help?
“Maximum contribution towards a business owned by a First Nation individual is up to 40% of eligible costs to a maximum of $99,999.”

From the official program page

At a glance

Maximum supportUp to 40% of eligible costs. Maximum $99,999 for businesses owned by a First Nation individual; maximum $250,000 for businesses owned by a Manitoba First Nation or group of Manitoba First Nations. You can also get up to 75% of the cost of an independent business plan, up to 75% for environmental assessments, up to 60% for marketing costs, and up to 75% for business support such as training and aftercare management. For acquisitions, up to 75% of the independent Business Valuation cost is covered. The official page does not list an application fee.
Issued byFirst Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Administered byFirst Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF)
RegionManitoba

Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.

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Is this for you?

  • You are at least 51% owned by a First Nation band, band member, or group of First Nations.
  • Your business headquarters is located in Manitoba.
  • You are starting, expanding, or acquiring a viable business and can secure a commercial loan for at least 40% of the total project cost.

Probably not the right fit if

  • You operate a bar, gambling business, pawn shop, payday loan service, tobacco shop, or sexually exploitive business.
  • You are making a passive investment such as buying real estate or apartment blocks.
  • You cannot provide a minimum of 10% cash equity or secure a 40% commercial loan to match the grant.

How much you'd realistically get

Up to 40% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $99,999 for individual First Nation owners or $250,000 for businesses owned by a Manitoba First Nation or group. Additional contributions cover up to 75% of costs for business plans, environmental assessments, and training.

What may be supported

  • Startup of a viable business.
  • Expansion of a viable business.
  • Acquisition of a viable business.
  • Capital and operating costs.
  • Independent business plan development.
  • Environmental assessments.
  • Marketing costs.
  • Business support including training and aftercare management.

What's excluded or restricted

  • Bars
  • Gambling (VLTs)
  • Sexually exploitive businesses
  • Pawn shops
  • Payday loans
  • Tobacco shops
  • Passive investments (e.g., real estate, apartment blocks)
  • Businesses managed by someone other than the owner
  • Businesses that will significantly harm another business (e.g., a second laundromat in a town that cannot support two)

How applying works

Effort: involvedYou must prepare a detailed business plan, secure a commercial loan, provide cash equity, and potentially hire a Certified Business Valuator for acquisitions. Ongoing reporting is required for three years.

  1. 01Contact FPEGF via phone (1-888-942-6026) or email (info@fpegf.ca) to initiate the process and confirm current intake status.
  2. 02Secure a commercial loan for at least 40% of the total project cost and prepare your 10% cash equity.
  3. 03Develop a business plan demonstrating viability and management capacity. FPEGF covers up to 75% of the cost for an independent business plan.
  4. 04If acquiring a business, hire a Certified Business Valuator to perform an independent valuation. FPEGF covers up to 75% of this cost.
  5. 05Submit your application package, including the business plan and any required valuations or financial statements.
  6. 06If approved, adhere to the three-year control period requirements, including submitting financial statements and a Business Performance Review.

Who to ask: Phone: 1-888-942-6026 (toll free) or 204-942-6026 (Winnipeg); Email: info@fpegf.ca

Documents commonly required

  • Business plan demonstrating viability and management capacity.
  • Proof of First Nation ownership (at least 51%).
  • Evidence of secured commercial loan (minimum 40% of total financing).
  • Proof of cash equity contribution (minimum 10%).
  • For acquisitions: three years of historical financial statements and an independent Business Valuation by a Certified Business Valuator.

What to know before you count on it

  • You must provide at least 10% cash equity and get a commercial loan for at least 40% of the total project cost. Confirm the exact funding split with FPEGF.
  • The grant is repayable if you cease operations or make significant changes (like selling a major asset) during the three-year control period.
  • You must submit financial statements and a Business Performance Review during the control period.
  • The program is selective and requires a business plan demonstrating viability and management capacity.

What are your odds?

Selection is discretionary based on viability and management capacity. Projects that clearly demonstrate financial sustainability and meet the strict ownership and financing requirements have the best chance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay this money back?

No, it is a non-repayable contribution. However, it becomes repayable if you cease operations or make significant changes to the business during the three-year control period.

What if I am buying an existing business?

You must provide three years of historical financial statements and an independent Business Valuation by a Certified Business Valuator. FPEGF covers up to 75% of the valuation cost.

Can I use this for marketing?

Yes, FPEGF covers up to 60% of marketing costs as part of the eligible expenses.

Is the grant taxable?

Grants are generally considered taxable income. Ask your accountant for advice specific to your situation.

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What you can combine it with

FPEGF lists related programs like the Joint Venture Program and Entrepreneur Loan Program. Confirm with FPEGF if this grant can be stacked with other federal or provincial funding.

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Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.