LRCC: Business Grant & Loan Program
Red River Métis entrepreneurs in Manitoba can get up to $99,999 in grant funds and up to $250,000 in loans. Grant funds are paid to you after you spend, so you need cash to cover costs first. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks once all documents are received.
“Business must be at minimum 51% Red River Métis owned and controlled.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come BEFORE you spend; costs incurred prior to approval are not eligible for support.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You own at least 51% of your business and hold a valid MMF Citizenship Card.
- Your Manitoba-based project costs at least $40,000.
- You have the cash flow to cover 10% equity and upfront expenses before reimbursement.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not Red River Métis or lack a valid MMF Citizenship Card.
- Your business operates outside Manitoba or involves liquor, gambling, tobacco, or passive real estate.
- You have already spent money on the project before getting program approval.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $99,999 in grant funds and up to $250,000 in loan funds, depending on project size and equity.
What may be supported
- Equipment and Machinery purchases
- Leasehold Improvements and Commercial Vehicles
- Marketing Costs including Website, Advertising, and Signage
- Business Acquisition costs and Initial Inventory
- Working Capital for the first 3 months of operations
What's excluded or restricted
- Businesses with primary focus on providing liquor (bars/alcohol providers).
- Gambling businesses (including VLTs).
- Sexually exploitive businesses.
- Pawnshops.
- Payday loans.
- Tobacco or cannabis retailers or manufacturers.
- Passive investments (e.g., real estate, apartment buildings/complexes, or businesses managed by someone else for the owner).
- Real estate purchased for income generation (flipping homes, rental homes).
- Assets perceived to be for personal use (e.g., personal cars or pick-up trucks) are not eligible for grant funding (may be eligible for loan financing).
- Land & Building costs (unless leased property is clearly not available in the area).
- Costs already incurred by owners prior to funding approval.
- Non-business related reasons (e.g., purchase of a home, personal vehicles).
- Industries deemed harmful to the Red River Métis Community.
- Businesses located outside the Province of Manitoba.
- Bridge Financing projects are not eligible for grant contributions.
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must prepare a business plan, complete personal and business financial forms, and gather extensive documentation including proof of heritage and equity.
- 01Contact the LRCC Credit team directly for details and guidance.
- 02Prepare a business plan using LRCC's template or funded consultant support.
- 03Complete the Business Grant & Loan Application and Personal Statement of Affairs forms.
- 04Gather required documentation including proof of Métis heritage, equity, and financial statements.
- 05Submit the completed application and documents to LRCC for review.
Who to ask: Phone: 204-589-0772 or Toll Free: 1-800-387-6004; Email: info@lrcc.mb.ca; Address: 2100-333 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3C 4E2
Documents commonly required
- Proof of Métis Heritage (MMF Card/Genealogy)
- Proof of 10% Cash Equity (bank statements/gift letters)
- CRA Tax Filings/Notices of Assessment
- Business Registration docs and Financial Statements
- Quotes for costs and Offer to Purchase (for acquisitions)
What to know before you count on it
- You must provide a minimum of 10% cash equity from non-borrowed funds.
- Grant funds are reimbursed after you spend, so you need upfront cash flow.
- Processing takes 6-8 weeks once all documentation is received.
- The reimbursed grant portion is generally taxable income; ask your accountant.
What are your odds?
To give your application the best chance, do not spend any money before approval, and send a complete application with every required document.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this program for a start-up under $40,000?
No, start-ups under $40,000 should apply for the Small Business Grant & Loan Program.
Do I need to pay for the business plan myself?
LRCC can provide a template or fund up to 75% of consultant costs via the Business Support Program if approved.
Are personal vehicles eligible for grant funding?
No, assets perceived to be for personal use are not eligible for grant funding, though they may be eligible for loan financing.
How long does it take to get approved?
Processing takes up to 6-8 weeks once all documentation is received.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
LRCC can co-lend up to $1,000,000 together with another Red River Métis financial institution.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.