First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Up to 30% non-repayable contribution for Manitoba First Nation business ventures, plus up to $20,000 in business plan development assistance. Exclusively for Manitoba First Nation individuals or communities with 51%+ ownership. Requires minimum 10% cash equity from the applicant.
Eligibility Requirements
- Manitoba First Nation individual or community
- 51%+ Indigenous ownership required
- Minimum 10% cash equity contribution from applicant
- Viable business plan required
- Business must operate in or serve Manitoba
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to 30% non-repayable contribution + up to $20,000 business plan assistance
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 30% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Open
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time. Unlock with Premium →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThe $20,000 business plan assistance is a standout feature — apply for this first if you don't have a polished plan. FPEGF staff actively help applicants through the process. The non-repayable contribution means this is essentially a grant, not a loan. Combine with the business plan assistance to strengthen your overall application.
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Success Profile
Manitoba First Nation entrepreneurs starting or expanding businesses across all sectors — retail operations, construction companies, tourism enterprises, service businesses, and agricultural operations. Community-owned ventures serving on-reserve needs are common successful applicants alongside individual entrepreneurs.
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Evaluation Criteria
Viability of the business plan; management capacity and experience of the applicant; First Nation ownership verification (51%+ threshold); adequacy of the financing structure (10% cash equity + 40% commercial loan); projected community and economic impact; business does not fall into excluded categories.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 7
- Start-up costs for a new business venture
- Expansion costs for an existing business operation
- Acquisition costs for a viable business
- Business plan development (up to 75% of cost, max $20,000)
- Environmental assessments (up to 75% of cost)
- Marketing costs (up to 60% of cost)
- Business support, training, and aftercare management (up to 75% of cost)
Ineligible Expenses 7
- Bars and alcohol-focused establishments
- Gambling venues with video lottery terminals
- Sexually exploitative businesses
- Pawn shops and payday loan operations
- Tobacco retailers
- Passive investments (apartment blocks, real estate not operated as active business)
- Businesses that would significantly harm existing local competitors
Intake Periods
Open continuously — applications accepted on an ongoing basis year-round.
Deadline Notes
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Processing times may vary based on application complexity and volume.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Non-First Nation businesses
- Businesses with less than 51% Manitoba First Nation ownership
- Businesses unable to provide 10% cash equity
- Businesses headquartered outside Manitoba
- Businesses in excluded categories (bars, gambling, pawn shops, passive investments, etc.)
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How FPEGF Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (F... | up to $20,000 b | Easy | Reimbursement | Open |
| Indigenous Growth Fund | Via local IFIs (amounts vary) | Easy | Loan | Ongoing (apply through... |
| PrairiesCan (Prairies Economic Develo... | Varies | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Canada-Manitoba Job Grant | Up to 75% of costs | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Innovation Growth Program | Up to $100,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Quarterly intakes... |
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