LRCC — Business Grant & Loan Program
Grow your Manitoba business with up to $99,999 in grant funds and $250,000 in loans. You must cover upfront costs first and wait 6 to 8 weeks for reimbursement.
“Business must be at minimum 51% Red River Métis owned and controlled.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
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.
Not sure if you qualify?
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Check your fit →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)
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the grant funds, giving you a digital storefront that captures customers 24/7 and turns local interest into sales.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile so Manitobans find your services, driving foot traffic and calls directly to your door.
- BBN designs high-impact signage and vehicle decals funded by the program, making your brand impossible to miss on the street and turning every delivery into a moving billboard.
- BBN launches targeted digital ad campaigns using the marketing budget, putting your offer in front of the exact customers you need to grow revenue from day one.
- BBN implements a Google review system with QR codes, helping you collect five-star feedback that builds trust and convinces new visitors to choose you over competitors.
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?
If you qualify and apply before the budget runs out, approval is likely, but the real risks are starting too early or submitting an incomplete application.
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.
Related BBN services
Digital Menu Boards & Signage Systems
Managed menu screens with cloud updates, breakfast-to-dinner scheduling and a design service. A bare TV on the wall does none of that.
Loyalty Programs & CRM
Know your customers and bring them back: databases, loyalty mechanics, email/SMS and gift cards that fit your counter.
Online Ordering, Booking & Reservations
Ordering links that skip the big delivery-app fees, plus table reservations and appointment booking wired into your site and Google.
Local SEO & Google Business Profile
Show up when nearby customers search: accurate profiles, real local content and reviews handled honestly.
What you can combine it with
You can co-lend up to $1,000,000 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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.