LRCC Business Plan & Grant Funding for Métis Entrepreneurs in Manitoba
The Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC) provides non-repayable grants and business loans to help Red River Métis citizens start, expand, or acquire businesses in Manitoba. Their Business Support Program covers up to 75% of the cost of a professionally prepared business plan — meaning your out-of-pocket cost may be as low as $1,250.
Acadia Hill prepares LRCC-ready business plans and financial projections for Métis entrepreneurs applying through LRCC programs. We understand what LRCC requires in a business plan, how the grant contribution works, and how to structure the plan to support your full funding application.
How the LRCC Business Plan Grant Works
LRCC’s Business Support Program provides a non-repayable contribution covering up to 75% of the cost of a professionally prepared business plan. LRCC notes that business plans often cost at least $5,000 plus applicable taxes. To hire an outside consultant, you must obtain at least two quotes for the business plan.
What Is the Louis Riel Capital Corporation?
Founded in 1992 by the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the Louis Riel Capital Corporation is a Métis-owned lending institution created to finance the start-up, acquisition, and expansion of viable Métis-controlled small businesses in Manitoba.
LRCC provides commercial financing, non-repayable grants, business planning support, and aftercare services to eligible Red River Métis entrepreneurs. Through its main Business Grant & Loan Program, LRCC offers up to $99,999 in non-repayable grant funding and loans up to $250,000, with the ability to co-lend with other Métis financial institutions for projects up to $500,000. In November 2025, LRCC entered into a five-year funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada to continue supporting Red River Métis entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on Métis women entrepreneurs and youth entrepreneurs.
LRCC is not just a lender — it is a business development partner that helps Métis entrepreneurs move from idea to funded, operating business.
Key Details
Founded in 1992 by the Manitoba Métis Federation
Serves Red River Métis citizens in Manitoba
Up to $99,999 in grant funding, loans up to $250,000
Business plan costs covered up to 75%
Requires at least 51% Métis ownership
Minimum 10% owner cash equity contribution
LRCC Funding Programs for Métis Entrepreneurs
LRCC offers several distinct programs depending on your business stage, project size, and ownership profile. All programs require a business plan, and most offer a non-repayable grant component.
Business Grant & Loan Program
The main LRCC program. Up to $99,999 in non-repayable grant funding and loans up to $250,000 for start-ups, expansions, and acquisitions. LRCC can co-lend with another Métis financial institution for loans up to $500,000, with larger amounts considered on an exception basis. Projects generally must be above $30,000. Requires 10% owner equity.
Small Business Program
Up to $40,000 in funding with a non-repayable grant portion. Designed for smaller projects. Same eligibility requirements — 51% Métis ownership, Manitoba-based, 10% cash equity. Good fit for home-based businesses and lower-cost startups.
Métis Women Entrepreneurship (MWE) Program
Up to $30,000 in funding for businesses that are at least 51% Métis women-owned. Requires only 5% owner equity (lower threshold than standard programs). Includes a Grant & Mentorship Program pairing new entrepreneurs with experienced Métis business owners.
Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Designed for young Red River Métis entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. Includes grant funding and mentorship support to help youth entrepreneurs build business skills and access capital.
Fishers & Trappers Program
Specialized financing for Red River Métis citizens in the fishing and trapping industries. Supports equipment purchases, licensing costs, and business development for traditional economic activities.
Business Support Program (Plan Funding)
Covers up to 75% of the cost of a professionally prepared business plan through a non-repayable grant. This is the program that funds your business plan before you apply for the larger grant and loan package.
LRCC Eligibility Requirements
LRCC programs are available to Red River Métis citizens in Manitoba who meet the following basic requirements. Additional conditions may be identified as your application progresses.
The business must be at least 51% Red River Métis owned, with valid MMF Citizenship Cards. The Métis owners must reside in Manitoba, and at least one principal owner must be actively involved in the business on a day-to-day basis with the necessary skills, training, and knowledge to operate it.
Owners must be able to make a cash investment of at least 10% of total project costs from non-borrowed funds (5% for the Métis Women Entrepreneurship Program). Certain business types are excluded, including bars, gambling establishments, pawnshops, payday lenders, and passive investments such as rental properties.
Basic Requirements
At least 51% Red River Métis ownership
Valid MMF Citizenship Card(s)
Business registered and operating in Manitoba
Owner(s) residing in Manitoba
Active day-to-day involvement by principal owner
Minimum 10% owner cash equity (5% for MWE)
Business plan required for all programs
What LRCC Requires in a Business Plan
LRCC provides a Business Plan Statement of Work and Business Plan Checklist that outlines what they expect to see. Acadia Hill builds every LRCC business plan to meet these specific requirements — so the plan supports both the business plan funding contribution and the subsequent grant and loan application.
Executive Summary
Who you are, what the business does, what funding you are requesting, and why the project is viable. This is the first thing LRCC reviewers read.
Business Description
Products or services, target market, competitive position, business model, legal structure, and ownership details including Métis citizenship confirmation.
Market Analysis
Industry context, target customer profile, competitive landscape, and market demand evidence. LRCC wants to see that you understand your market.
Financial Projections
Revenue forecasts, expense budgets, cash flow projections, and break-even analysis. Numbers must be consistent with the narrative and supported by realistic assumptions.
Use of Funds & Project Budget
Detailed breakdown of how grant and loan funds will be used — equipment, leasehold improvements, operating costs, marketing. LRCC uses this to calculate the grant component.
Owner Background & Commitment
Skills, experience, and qualifications of the owner. Evidence of personal commitment including the required cash equity contribution.
Costs Typically Eligible for LRCC Grant Funding
The non-repayable grant portion of LRCC financing covers specific types of costs. LRCC staff will confirm which costs in your project are grant-eligible based on your application.
Equipment & Machinery
Production equipment, tools, commercial equipment, and specialized machinery needed to operate the business.
Leasehold Improvements
Renovations, build-outs, and improvements to leased commercial space required for the business.
Commercial Vehicles
Vehicles required for business operations. Note that personal-use vehicles may not be grant-eligible.
Marketing & Branding
Website development, advertising, signage, vehicle decaling, and other marketing costs to launch or grow the business.
Initial Operating Costs
Rent, utilities, and insurance for the first three months of operations for startups.
Professional Services
Legal fees and accounting or bookkeeping costs during the startup phase.
How Acadia Hill Supports Your LRCC Application
Acadia Hill prepares professional business plans specifically structured to meet LRCC requirements. We understand the Business Plan Checklist, the Statement of Work, and the documentation standards LRCC reviewers use to evaluate applications.
When you work with Acadia Hill, you receive a complete, LRCC-ready business plan with integrated financial projections, market analysis, and a use-of-funds breakdown that maps directly to LRCC’s grant-eligible cost categories. For businesses with significant assets, an equipment appraisal can also be prepared to support the funding request.
We also provide the pricing quote that LRCC requires when you hire an outside consultant — and we can help you understand the process for obtaining the business plan contribution before the engagement begins.
LRCC Business Plan Deliverables
Complete business plan meeting LRCC Checklist requirements
Integrated financial projections (income, cash flow, balance sheet)
Detailed use-of-funds and project cost breakdown
Market analysis and competitive positioning
Professional quote for LRCC business plan contribution
Ongoing support through the LRCC review process
From First Call to LRCC-Approved Plan
The process is structured to align with how LRCC works — so the business plan contribution is secured first, and the plan itself is built to support your full grant and loan application.
Free Consultation
Discuss your business idea, confirm LRCC eligibility, and understand which program fits your project. No cost, no obligation.
Business Plan Contribution
Contact LRCC to apply for the business plan funding contribution (75% of plan cost). Acadia Hill provides the required quote and scope documentation.
Plan Development
Once the contribution is approved, we gather your information, build the plan and projections, and review the draft with you by phone or Zoom.
LRCC-Ready Delivery
Final plan delivered in professional format, ready to submit alongside your LRCC grant and loan application.
What an LRCC Business Plan Engagement Looks Like
Acadia Hill recently prepared a business plan and financial projections for a Red River Métis entrepreneur in Winnipeg applying through LRCC’s Business Grant & Loan Program to launch a service-based business. The plan included market research, a detailed project budget mapping costs to LRCC’s grant-eligible categories, two-year financial projections, and a community impact section.
The business plan contribution covered 75% of the plan cost. The completed plan was submitted alongside the entrepreneur’s full LRCC grant and loan application and helped secure approval for startup financing.
All inquiries are confidential, and initial discussions help determine the appropriate scope of work before any engagement begins.
Scope of Work
LRCC-ready business plan meeting Checklist requirements
Market analysis for the Winnipeg service area
Project budget with grant-eligible cost breakdown
Two-year income statement and cash flow projections
Owner background and commitment documentation
Professional quote for LRCC plan contribution
LRCC Business Plan Pricing
With the LRCC business plan contribution covering up to 75%, your actual cost for a professional business plan is often as low as $1,250.
Starting price — LRCC covers up to 75%.
Starting price for standalone projections.
LRCC Business Plan & Grant Funding FAQ
What is LRCC?
The Louis Riel Capital Corporation is a Métis-owned lending institution founded in 1992 by the Manitoba Métis Federation. It provides grants, loans, and business support services to Red River Métis entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
How much does an LRCC business plan cost?
Full business plans start at $5,000. LRCC’s Business Support Program covers up to 75% of this cost through a non-repayable contribution, bringing your out-of-pocket cost to approximately $1,250.
Do I need to get the plan contribution approved before starting?
Yes. LRCC typically wants to approve the business plan contribution before the work begins. Acadia Hill provides the required quote and scope documentation so you know exactly what to submit to LRCC.
Does LRCC require two quotes?
Yes. LRCC requires at least two quotes from outside consultants before approving the business plan contribution. Acadia Hill provides a professional quote that meets this requirement.
Who is eligible for LRCC funding?
You must be a Red River Métis citizen with a valid MMF Citizenship Card, residing in Manitoba, with at least 51% Métis ownership of the business. You must also be able to contribute at least 10% of total project costs in non-borrowed cash (5% for the MWE program).
What types of businesses does LRCC fund?
LRCC supports a wide range of businesses including retail, construction, food service, professional services, transportation, and more. Excluded businesses include bars, gambling, pawnshops, payday lenders, and passive investments like rental properties.
How long does the process take?
LRCC recommends allowing 4–6 weeks for application processing once all documentation is submitted. The business plan itself is typically completed within 2–4 weeks once information is provided to Acadia Hill.
Can Acadia Hill help with the full LRCC application?
Acadia Hill prepares the business plan and financial projections that form the core of your LRCC application. We can also provide guidance on what LRCC expects in terms of documentation and scope, but the formal application is submitted by the entrepreneur directly to LRCC.
What if LRCC requests changes to my plan?
If LRCC requests changes or additional details, Acadia Hill revises the plan at no additional cost until it meets funder requirements.
Does Acadia Hill work with other Indigenous funding programs?
Yes. Acadia Hill prepares business plans for entrepreneurs applying through Indigenous funding programs across Canada, including FPEGF, TWCC, SIEF, SMEDCO, NADF, and others.
Discuss Your LRCC Business Plan
If you are a Red River Métis entrepreneur in Manitoba considering applying through LRCC, the first step is a free, confidential conversation. We can help you understand the process, confirm scope, and provide the quote LRCC requires.
- Phone 204-951-4751
- Email [email protected]
Louis Riel Capital Corporation
2100-333 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4E2
Phone: 204-589-0772 | Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lrcc.mb.ca
Tell Us About Your LRCC Business Plan Needs
Complete the form below and Acadia Hill will follow up — typically within one business day. All inquiries are confidential.