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First Peoples Economic Growth Fund: Community Economic Expansion Program

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This program offers interest-free loans of up to $300,000 to Manitoba First Nation businesses for startup or expansion. It is a repayable loan, but you may qualify for up to $75,000 in forgiveness if you stay in business and keep payments consistent.

Know a business owner this could help?
“The maximum loan amount is $300,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the total project costs (including identified startup costs and working capital).”

From the official program page

At a glance

Maximum supportUp to $300,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the total project costs, whichever is less (including identified startup costs and working capital). Loans are interest-free. If you are still operating at the end of the loan, have not sold the business, and have made all payments consistently, up to $75,000 or 25% of the total loan (whichever is less) may be forgiven.
Issued byFirst Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Administered byFirst Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF), Manitoba (a partnership supporting Manitoba First Nations economic development)
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 own and control at least 51% of a for-profit business operating primarily in Manitoba.
  • You are a Manitoba First Nation community-owned entity looking to grow through startup, expansion, or acquisition.
  • You have a solid plan to manage a long-term repayment schedule and can cover payments starting within one year.

Probably not the right fit if

  • You are a not-for-profit organization or charity.
  • You want to use the funds to refinance existing debt or pay off past loans.
  • Your business is not majority-owned by a Manitoba First Nation.

How much you'd realistically get

Up to $300,000 or 50% of the fair market value of total project costs, whichever is less.

What may be supported

  • Starting a new business.
  • Purchasing an existing business.
  • Improving or expanding an existing business.
  • Identified startup costs and working capital.

What's excluded or restricted

  • Refinancing
  • Repaying existing debt
  • Not-for-profit entities

How applying works

Effort: involvedYou must demonstrate viability through a sound business plan and likely engage directly with FPEGF officers to structure the deal.

  1. 01Confirm your business is at least 51% owned by a Manitoba First Nation.
  2. 02Prepare a sound business plan demonstrating viability.
  3. 03Contact the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund via firstpeoplesfund.ca to initiate the application process.
  4. 04Submit your proposal for review and secure written approval before spending.

Who to ask: Contact FPEGF through firstpeoplesfund.ca.

Documents commonly required

  • Sound business plan demonstrating viability.
  • Proof of at least 51% Manitoba First Nation ownership and control.
  • Project cost breakdown including startup costs and working capital.
  • Confirm specific document requirements on the official page.

What to know before you count on it

  • It is a loan, not a grant. You must repay the principal over time.
  • Forgiveness is conditional. You only get up to $75,000 or 25% of the loan forgiven if you stay in business, do not sell, and make all payments consistently for the full term.
  • Repayment starts within one year of disbursement, in equal monthly amounts. You need enough cash flow to cover these payments.
  • Terms are long. Repayment extends up to 10 years, or 20 years for building projects.

What are your odds?

Approval is at FPEGF's discretion. It depends on the strength of your business plan and the viability of the project.

Frequently asked questions

Is this money taxable?

Because it is a repayable loan, the principal is not taxable income. Confirm specific tax treatment of the forgiven portion with a tax professional.

When do I start paying back the loan?

Repayment begins within one year of disbursement in equal monthly amounts.

Can I use this to pay off old debt?

No. The program explicitly excludes refinancing purposes and repaying existing debt.

How much of the loan can be forgiven?

Up to $75,000 or 25% of the total loan, whichever is less, provided you meet all conditions at the end of the term.

What you can combine it with

Check if this loan can be combined with other FPEGF programs like the Joint Venture Program or Business Contribution Fund.

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