Indigenous Business Grants and Funding in Manitoba (2026)

Manitoba has several organizations that help Indigenous entrepreneurs start, buy or grow a business. Some offer non-repayable contributions (grants), some offer loans, and most offer both along with business advice. This guide covers the main options in 2026: the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF), the Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC), Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation (TWCC), the Community Futures offices, and the national route through NACCA.

Figures below are only included where the organization publishes them on its own website. Program terms change, so confirm the current rules directly before you apply.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF)

FPEGF is an economic development initiative of the Province of Manitoba and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. It serves First Nations entrepreneurs and First Nation-owned businesses in Manitoba. FPEGF publishes these programs on its website:

• Business Plan Assistance: up to 75% of the cost of a professional business plan, to a maximum of $20,000. It is non-repayable, and the client pays the first 25%. FPEGF recommends three competitive quotes and requires funding approval before the consultant starts.
• Business Contribution Fund: a non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $99,999 for a business owned by a First Nation individual, or $250,000 for a business owned by a Manitoba First Nation or group of Manitoba First Nations. It requires at least 10% cash equity, a commercial loan of at least 40% of the financing, at least 51% First Nation ownership, and a business plan.
• Acquisitions: for a contribution toward buying a business, FPEGF requires three years of historical financial statements and an independent business valuation, and can provide up to 75% of the valuation cost as a non-repayable contribution.
• Entrepreneur Loan Program: interest-free loans for the lesser of $200,000 per project or 50% of the fair market value of total project costs.
• Aftercare Program: up to 75% of the cost of professional support for new businesses already assisted by another FPEGF program, to a maximum of $20,000.

FPEGF also offers a Joint Venture Program for larger First Nation enterprises and a Community Economic Expansion program for community-owned businesses. For a step-by-step look at the business plan program, see our FPEGF business plan page.

Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC)

LRCC is a Manitoba Métis-owned lender founded in 1992 through the economic development initiatives of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Its Business Grant and Loan Program helps Red River Métis citizens start, expand or buy a business in Manitoba. LRCC publishes these terms:

• At least 51% Red River Métis ownership, with valid MMF citizenship cards, and owners who live in Manitoba.
• A cash investment of at least 10% of total project costs.
• Projects generally above $40,000, with separate programs for smaller start-ups and for Métis women.
• A maximum grant of $99,999 and a maximum loan of $250,000, with co-lending possible for loans up to $1,000,000.
• Costs incurred before approval are not eligible, and LRCC recommends applying two to three months before your project.

For business plans, LRCC’s Business Support Program provides a non-repayable grant of up to 75% of the cost (excluding GST) of a business plan, business valuation or environmental assessment by an independent consultant. LRCC requires at least two quotes and approval before the work starts. Our LRCC business plan page has more detail.

Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation (TWCC)

TWCC was established in 1993 by five Manitoba Tribal Councils and several Independent First Nations to provide financial resources to qualified member Aboriginal entrepreneurs and businesses in Manitoba. TWCC says its loans have helped create about 800 Indigenous businesses in Manitoba and over 2,300 jobs.

TWCC’s website does not publish current program amounts or business plan funding terms. If you are a member of one of TWCC’s owner Tribal Councils or First Nations, contact TWCC directly to ask what it offers today.

Community Futures offices in Manitoba

Community Futures Manitoba says its 16 corporations provide loans and advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses, along with community economic development. Its general FAQ notes that Community Futures loans are repayable, and that staff can help you develop a business plan even if you are not borrowing from them. Several offices serve First Nations communities:

• Community Futures North Central Development (north central Manitoba) lists business loans of up to $150,000, Indigenous women’s and youth micro-loans of up to $25,000 with up to 45% forgivable, and up to $3,000 in grants plus mentorship for early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Dakota Ojibway Community Futures serves member First Nations including Birdtail Sioux, Long Plain, Roseau River, Sandy Bay Ojibway and Swan Lake with loans and business services.
• Community Futures Cedar Lake Region offers loans, advice and project support, and runs a grant program for community projects.
• Kitayan, Southeast and Northwest Community Futures offer loans and business support, including help preparing a business plan.

Community Futures Manitoba also runs an Indigenous Business Development Services program that offers help with business plan preparation. Loan and grant terms vary by office, so confirm them with the office that serves your area.

The national route: NACCA and Indigenous Financial Institutions

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) supports a network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) across Canada. Its Business Financing Program provides start-up financing and non-repayable contributions through local IFIs, along with business planning resources and mentorship. NACCA also runs programs for Indigenous women and youth through the same network.

In practice, Manitoba entrepreneurs usually reach these federal programs through a local institution. For example, FPEGF says its Business Contribution Fund is supported by Indigenous Services Canada through NACCA. NACCA’s own website does not publish percentages for business plan funding, so ask your local institution whether business plan costs are eligible.

What to prepare before you call

Each funder has its own forms, but FPEGF’s and LRCC’s published checklists overlap a lot. Having these ready speeds things up:

• Proof of Indigenous identity, such as a First Nation status card or an MMF citizenship card.
• Proof of your cash equity. LRCC, for example, asks for bank or investment statements showing the funds on hand for at least 30 days.
• A résumé showing your experience in the industry.
• Quotes for the equipment, inventory and other costs in your project.
• For an existing business or a purchase, historical financial statements. FPEGF asks for three years and LRCC for at least two.
• Business registration or incorporation documents, if the business already exists.

Which program fits?

• First Nations entrepreneurs: start with FPEGF, and ask about TWCC if you belong to one of its owner Tribal Councils or First Nations.
• Red River Métis entrepreneurs: start with LRCC.
• Smaller or rural projects: talk to the Community Futures office for your region, which may also point you to other funders.
• Buying a business: check whether an independent valuation is required or funded. FPEGF requires one for contributions toward acquisitions, and LRCC’s Business Support Program can fund one.

Whichever route you take, a solid business plan with realistic financial projections is at the centre of the application. Funders use it to judge whether the business can succeed and repay any loan. Our Indigenous business plans page compares programs across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Are there grants for Indigenous businesses in Manitoba?

Yes. FPEGF’s Business Contribution Fund and LRCC’s Business Grant and Loan Program both include non-repayable funding, usually alongside a loan and your own equity. Some Community Futures offices also run grant programs.

Who pays for the business plan?

FPEGF can cover up to 75% (maximum $20,000) and LRCC’s Business Support Program up to 75% (excluding GST). You pay the rest, and both require approval before the consultant starts.

Do I need my own money?

Usually. FPEGF’s Business Contribution Fund and LRCC’s grant and loan program both require at least 10% cash equity.

Where do I start?

Call the funder that fits your situation and ask what it needs. If you need a business plan, contact Acadia Hill for a quote you can include with your application.