Manitoba Trade Growth Investment Financing Program (TGIF)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Repayable government loan of $250,000 to $5,000,000 (up to 25% of total project costs) for Manitoba-based CCPCs and cooperatives investing in productivity-enhancing capital projects — equipment, facilities, IT, or infrastructure — with demonstrated economic benefits including export expansion, job creation, or workforce development.
Eligibility Requirements
- Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC) or cooperative registered and in good standing in Manitoba
- Business must be permanently established in Manitoba
- Must contribute minimum 25% equity toward total project costs
- Must demonstrate ability to fund the remaining balance beyond the TGIF loan
- Project must be applied for before commencement of eligible activities
- Must demonstrate measurable economic benefits to Manitoba: trade/export growth, job creation/wage increases, or workforce development
- Three years of financial statements and T2 tax returns required (start-ups with compelling business plans may be considered)
- Project must involve business facility/infrastructure upgrades, equipment and machinery, or IT investments
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- $250,000–$5,000,000 (repayable loan, up to 25% of total project costs)
- Type
- Loan
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 25% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win TGIF — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 7 rejection pitfalls reviewers flag — so you catch them first
- 7-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 5-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 3-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
Applying for TGIF? Most founders end up needing more than one template — grab the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27 vs separate) →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipApply before breaking ground on any project — TGIF explicitly excludes retroactive funding. The 25% equity minimum means you must demonstrate at least 25% of your own capital, but the remaining 50%+ can come from bank financing or other sources. Loan terms can extend up to 12 years, and principal deferral may be available during early project phases, which helps manage cash flow during construction or equipment installation. Pair with the Manitoba Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (MITC) — the TGIF loan funds capital acquisition, and the MITC simultaneously generates a tax credit on the same eligible assets.
Rejection Pitfalls 7
- Project started before application was submitted — retroactive funding is explicitly excluded
- Applicant is not a CCPC or cooperative registered in Manitoba
- Insufficient equity contribution — applicant cannot demonstrate 25% minimum equity
Success Profile
Manitoba-based manufacturer, food processor, or agricultural processor with 3+ years of financial history undertaking a $1M–$15M capital project (equipment acquisition, facility upgrade, or IT investment) with demonstrated export growth or job creation potential. Companies with existing bank relationships that need subordinate government financing to bridge the gap between equity and chartered bank lending capacity.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated on: (1) economic benefit to Manitoba — trade/export growth, job creation or wage growth, workforce development; (2) financial viability — applicant's ability to repay the loan based on financial statements and business plan; (3) security adequacy — whether eligible collateral covers the loan amount; (4) project readiness — defined scope, timeline, and cost structure. Projects addressing multiple economic benefit objectives receive priority.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 7
Eligible Expenses 5
- Business facility construction, renovation, or leasehold improvements
- Equipment and machinery acquisitions (new or used)
- Land development costs directly related to eligible project
- Information technology and communications infrastructure investments
- Third-party professional fees directly related to project scope
Ineligible Expenses 5
- Working capital and operating expenses
- Debt restructuring or refinancing of existing obligations
- In-kind contributions
- Land purchase or lease costs
- Projects commenced before application submission
Intake Periods
Continuous intake, subject to fund availability. No fixed intake rounds or competitive windows. Apply as early as possible relative to project start date.
Deadline Notes
Continuous intake subject to program fund availability. Applications must be submitted before the eligible project begins — retroactive funding is not available. Contact the Economic Programs and Initiatives Branch to confirm fund availability before committing project timelines.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Sole proprietors and unincorporated businesses
- Partnerships
- Public corporations (non-CCPCs)
- Non-profit organizations and registered charities
- Corporations not registered and in good standing in Manitoba
- Retail businesses without manufacturing or export component
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskAs a repayable loan, default on repayment triggers security enforcement — Manitoba may seize pledged assets. If project objectives (job creation, export targets) are materially not met, early repayment or modified terms may be required.
How TGIF Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba Trade Growth Investment Fina... | $250,000–$5,000,000 | Moderate | Loan | Ongoing |
| Manitoba Manufacturing Investment Tax... | 8% | Easy | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
| Business Development Bank of Canada (... | Varies | Easy | Loan | Ongoing |
| Canada Small Business Financing Program | Up to $1.15 million | Easy | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
Related Programs
Other programs you might be eligible for
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about TGIF