We follow 15 open programs for Manitoba businesses. The strongest ones are for specific groups of business owners.
Programs for Indigenous and women entrepreneurs
- Indigenous entrepreneurs: the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund offers the largest start-up support in the province. It pays non-repayable contributions of up to 40% of eligible costs (a maximum of $99,999 for a business owned by a First Nation individual, and $250,000 for one owned by a Manitoba First Nation or group) plus up to 75% of the cost of an independent business plan, 60% of marketing costs, and 75% of business-support costs. Its Entrepreneur Loan Program adds lending up to the lesser of $200,000 per project or 50% of fair market value of project costs. The grant and the loan come from one fund and are meant to be used together.
- Women founders: WeMB lends $5,000 to $150,000 for start-up and expansion at prime plus 2% to 3%, with smaller WeWork and WeMicro streams of $5,000 to $25,000, no monthly fees, and no penalty for paying it off early.
Community Futures, Brandon and the green tax credit
Community Futures Manitoba offices lend and advise across the province. Brandon runs a facade and storefront improvement program. It is cost-share, you need approval before work starts, and you send quotes with the application. And Manitoba's Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit returns 7.5% to 15% on renewable-energy equipment, from geothermal heat pumps to solar thermal to biomass, claimed at tax time.
National programs open in Manitoba
Four national programs are open to businesses anywhere in Canada. The Canada Small Business Financing Program backs loans up to $1,150,000 through your own bank, with a 2% registration fee and term-loan interest capped at prime plus 3%. Futurpreneur Canada Side Hustle lends up to $25,000 to owners aged 18 to 39 who keep a full-time income for the first year, and the Futurpreneur Canada Core Start-Up Program combines up to $25,000 from Futurpreneur with up to $50,000 from BDC for up to $75,000 total, with two years of mentorship. BDC's Start-up financing lends up to $150,000 once you have 12 months of operating history, so it is for your second year.
Three rules to know before you apply
- Approval comes before purchase. If you start the work before approval, most cost-share programs will not pay any of it.
- Cost-share means reimbursement: you pay first and claim it back with invoices, so plan the cash.
- Grants are generally taxable income; borrowed money is not. Ask your accountant before you spend.
Most applications also want written quotes for the work before anything is approved.
Want the whole country on one page? See start-up funding, province by province.
Official sources