FPEGF Business Plan & Grant Funding for First Nations Entrepreneurs in Manitoba
The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF) provides non-repayable contributions to help First Nations entrepreneurs in Manitoba start, expand, or acquire businesses. Their Business Plan Assistance program covers up to 75% of the cost of a professionally prepared business plan — to a maximum of $20,000.
What Is the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund?
The First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF) is a joint economic development initiative between the Province of Manitoba and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Launched in 2008, FPEGF’s mandate is to provide financing that supports Manitoba First Nation business proposals that are economically viable.
FPEGF offers non-repayable contributions, business loans, business plan assistance, and aftercare support to eligible First Nations entrepreneurs and community-owned businesses. Through its Business Contribution Fund (BCF), FPEGF provides up to 40% of eligible costs as a non-repayable contribution — to a maximum of $99,999 for individually owned businesses, and up to $250,000 for Manitoba First Nation community-owned businesses.
For acquisitions, FPEGF requires an independent Business Valuation completed by a Certified Business Valuator — and can contribute up to 75% of that valuation cost as an additional non-repayable contribution. Acadia Hill provides both the business plan and CBV-standard business valuations for FPEGF applications.
FPEGF is not just a lender — it is a business development partner that helps First Nations entrepreneurs move from concept to funded, operating business.
FPEGF at a Glance
- Founded 2008 by Province of Manitoba & Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
- Serves First Nations entrepreneurs and communities in Manitoba
- Up to $99,999 non-repayable (individual), up to $250,000 (community)
- Business plan assistance up to 75%, max $20,000
- Requires at least 51% First Nations ownership
- Minimum 10% owner cash equity required
- Minimum 40% commercial loan required in total financing
- Three-year control period after contribution
FPEGF Funding Programs for First Nations Entrepreneurs
FPEGF offers several programs depending on your business stage, ownership profile, and project size. All programs require a business plan, and most include a non-repayable contribution component.
Business Contribution Fund (BCF)
The main FPEGF program. Non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs for start-ups, expansions, and acquisitions. Requires 10% owner equity and a minimum 40% commercial loan. Projects must demonstrate viability through a business plan.
Business Plan Assistance
Covers up to 75% of the cost of a professionally prepared business plan to a maximum of $20,000. Approval from FPEGF must be obtained before the consultant begins work. Three competitive quotes are recommended.
Entrepreneur Loan Program
Provides capital or working capital loans to Manitoba First Nations entrepreneurs. Designed to supplement grant funding and commercial financing for viable business projects.
Community Economic Expansion
Supports Manitoba First Nation community-owned businesses for startup, expansion, or acquisition. Larger contribution limits apply for community-controlled projects.
Joint Venture Program
Supports large-scale First Nation enterprises with significant capital requirements and strong business concepts. Designed for projects that require joint venture structures.
Aftercare Program
Provides professional support to new businesses funded through another FPEGF program. Helps entrepreneurs navigate the three-year control period requirements and build long-term sustainability.
FPEGF Eligibility Requirements
FPEGF programs are available to First Nations entrepreneurs and communities in Manitoba who meet the following basic requirements. Additional conditions may be identified as your application progresses.
The business must be at least 51% owned by a First Nation individual, Manitoba First Nation community, or group of Manitoba First Nations. First Nation members and communities outside of Manitoba remain eligible if the business headquarters are located in Manitoba.
Applicants must be able to make a minimum cash equity investment of 10% of total project costs from non-borrowed funds, and must have or arrange a minimum 40% commercial loan as part of the total financing structure.
Certain business types are excluded, including bars, gambling establishments (VLTs), sexually exploitive businesses, pawnshops, payday lenders, and passive investments such as rental properties. The contribution will not support a business that would significantly harm an existing similar business in the same community.
When a contribution is made, a control period of generally three years applies. During this period, annual financial statements and a Business Performance Review must be submitted to FPEGF.
- At least 51% First Nations ownership
- Business headquartered in Manitoba
- First Nation owner actively involved in day-to-day operations
- Minimum 10% owner cash equity (non-borrowed)
- Minimum 40% commercial loan in total financing
- Business plan required for all programs
- Applicant must be 18 or older and eligible to work in Canada
- Must not have owned a similar business in the past 12 months (Business Plan Assistance)
What FPEGF Requires in a Business Plan
FPEGF requires a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates viability and management capacity. Acadia Hill builds every FPEGF business plan to meet these specific requirements — so the plan supports both the business plan assistance contribution and the subsequent BCF application.
Business Concept Summary
A clear overview of the business, including the business model, products or services, target market, and why the concept has strong opportunity. This is what FPEGF reviews in initial screening.
Industry & Market Overview
Industry context, competitive landscape, and local market demand. FPEGF wants to see that you understand your market and that real demand exists for your business.
Marketing Strategy
How the business will attract and retain customers. Pricing approach, sales channels, and promotional strategy appropriate to the business type and market.
Management Experience & Staffing
Owner background, relevant skills and qualifications, and hiring plans where applicable. FPEGF evaluates management capacity as part of the contribution decision.
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.
Project Costs & Financing
Detailed breakdown of all project costs, sources of financing including owner equity, commercial loan, and FPEGF contribution. This section determines the grant-eligible cost categories.
Costs Typically Eligible for FPEGF Contributions
The non-repayable BCF contribution covers specific types of costs. FPEGF staff will confirm which costs in your project are eligible based on your application. Contributions are not available for assets that could be perceived as personal use.
Equipment & Machinery
Production equipment, commercial tools, and specialized machinery required to operate the business. Personal-use assets are not eligible.
Leasehold Improvements
Renovations, build-outs, and improvements to leased commercial space required for the business to operate.
Commercial Vehicles
Vehicles required for business operations. Vehicles that could be perceived as personal use are generally not eligible.
Marketing & Branding
FPEGF can contribute up to 60% of marketing costs including website development, signage, advertising, and branding materials.
Business Valuation (Acquisitions)
For acquisitions, an independent Business Valuation by a Chartered Business Valuator is required. FPEGF can contribute up to 75% of the valuation cost.
Business Support & Training
FPEGF can contribute up to 75% towards aftercare management, business training, and support programs that help the business succeed post-funding.
How Acadia Hill Supports Your FPEGF Application
Acadia Hill prepares professional business plans specifically structured to meet FPEGF requirements. We understand the Business Plan Assistance criteria, what FPEGF’s analysts look for in a BCF application, and how to structure the plan to support your full funding request.
When you work with Acadia Hill, you receive a complete, FPEGF-ready business plan with integrated financial projections, market analysis, and a project cost breakdown that maps directly to FPEGF’s contribution-eligible categories. For businesses requiring a business valuation for an acquisition, Acadia Hill can also prepare a CBV-standard business valuation — and FPEGF can contribute up to 75% of that cost as well.
We provide the professional quote that FPEGF requires when engaging an outside consultant, and we can help you understand the process for securing the business plan contribution before work begins. FPEGF recommends obtaining three competitive quotes — Acadia Hill provides a professional quote that meets this requirement.
All initial consultations are free and confidential. We help you confirm eligibility, understand program fit, and determine the appropriate scope of work before any engagement begins.
FPEGF Business Plan Deliverables
- Complete business plan meeting FPEGF requirements
- Integrated financial projections (income, cash flow, balance sheet)
- Detailed project cost and financing breakdown
- Market analysis and competitive positioning
- Management experience and staffing documentation
- Professional quote for FPEGF contribution application
- CBV business valuation for acquisitions (if required)
- Ongoing support through FPEGF review process
From First Call to FPEGF-Approved Plan
The process is structured to align with how FPEGF works — so the business plan contribution is secured first, and the plan itself is built to support your full BCF application.
Free Consultation
Discuss your business idea, confirm FPEGF eligibility, and determine which program fits your project. No cost, no obligation.
Business Plan Contribution
Contact FPEGF to apply for the business plan assistance contribution (up to 75%, max $20,000). Acadia Hill provides the required quote and scope documentation. Approval must be in place before work begins.
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.
FPEGF-Ready Delivery
Final plan delivered in professional format, ready to submit alongside your full FPEGF Business Contribution Fund application.
FPEGF Business Plan Pricing
With the FPEGF Business Plan Assistance contribution covering up to 75% (to a maximum of $20,000), your actual out-of-pocket cost for a professional business plan is typically around $1,250.
Full Business Plan
- Complete plan meeting FPEGF Business Plan Assistance requirements
- Integrated financial projections
- Project cost breakdown mapped to eligible BCF categories
- Market analysis and competitive positioning
- Professional quote for FPEGF contribution application
- Review and revision support through FPEGF approval
Financial Projections Only
- Income statement forecasts
- Cash flow projections
- Balance sheet projections
- Break-even analysis
- Built from your actual revenue drivers and cost structure
FPEGF Business Plan & Grant Funding FAQ
Related reading: How to apply for FPEGF Business Plan Assistance · Buying a business with FPEGF or LRCC funding
Discuss Your FPEGF Business Plan
If you are a First Nations entrepreneur in Manitoba considering applying through FPEGF, the first step is a free, confidential conversation. We can help you understand the process, confirm scope, and provide the quotes FPEGF requires.
- Phone 204-951-4751
- Email info@acadiahill.com
FPEGF Contact Information
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Toll-free: 1-888-942-6026
Local: 204-942-6026
Email: info@fpegf.ca
Website: www.firstpeoplesfund.ca