Clarence Campeau Development Fund — Métis Entrepreneur Equity Program

Insider Tip

CCDF is primarily a relationship-based financial institution — applicants who visit a CCDF office in person (Saskatoon or Prince Albert) and speak with a business advisor before submitting a written application have much stronger outcomes than those who submit cold. The business advisor can help shape your business plan to meet CCDF's internal assessment criteria. CCDF can also pair the equity contribution with a loan of similar size, effectively doubling the available capital — ask specifically about the combined equity + loan package if you need more than $75K. The minimum 10% cash equity requirement means you must bring some of your own money to the table.

Success Profile

A self-identified Métis citizen of MN–S in Saskatchewan starting or growing a business in any sector. Strong candidates have a clear business idea, some market validation, a realistic startup budget, and the willingness to engage with CCDF's business development support. First-time business owners are welcome — the program explicitly supports entrepreneurs who may not qualify for conventional bank financing.

Evaluation Criteria

CCDF business advisors evaluate applications on the viability and realism of the business plan, the applicant's management capacity and commitment, market demand for the product or service, the reasonableness of projected revenue and expenses, and the appropriate use of the equity contribution. Applications that demonstrate community benefit (local employment, Indigenous supply chain, community services) receive favourable consideration alongside commercial viability.

Application Steps

Required Documents 8

Eligible Expenses 7

• Business startup costs (registration, legal, accounting)
• Working capital for operations in the first year
• Capital equipment and tools required for the business
• Inventory and supplies for initial operations
• Website and marketing materials
• Training and skills development for the owner or employees
• Leasehold improvements for business premises

Ineligible Expenses 5

• Personal living expenses of the owner
• Refinancing of existing personal or business debt
• Speculative investments
• Activities outside Saskatchewan
• Purchases from related parties above fair market value

Intake Periods

Rolling intake year-round. No fixed application windows. CCDF may pause intake if annual budget is exhausted — contact the office for current capacity.

Deadline Notes

CCDF reviews applications on a rolling basis with no fixed intake window. The program is active and the CCDF website is live as of 2026-04-23 (server error during initial research was transient). Contact CCDF directly at their Saskatoon or Prince Albert offices for current availability and processing timelines.

Ineligible Organizations

• Non-Métis businesses
• Businesses not located in or serving Saskatchewan
• Businesses with outstanding unresolved CCDF or IFI debt
• Non-profit organizations (CCDF equity is for commercial businesses)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

Recovery is possible if funds are misused for non-approved purposes, but CCDF typically works with recipients to resolve issues before initiating recovery. Standard contribution agreement terms apply.