Métis entrepreneurs have their own lending and development organizations in most provinces and in the Northwest Territories. They combine loans, non-repayable grants and business advice, and several help pay for a professional business plan. This guide goes province by province through the main Métis funders and what each one publishes about its programs.
We only include figures that each organization publishes on its own website. Terms change, so confirm the details with the funder before you apply.
Manitoba: Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC)
LRCC is a Manitoba Métis-owned lender founded in 1992 through the Manitoba Métis Federation. Its Business Grant and Loan Program finances the start-up, purchase or expansion of Red River Métis-owned businesses in Manitoba.
- At least 51% Red River Métis ownership with valid MMF citizenship cards, and a cash investment of at least 10% of project costs.
- A maximum grant of $99,999 and a maximum loan of $250,000, with co-lending possible up to $1,000,000.
- The Business Support Program covers up to 75% of the cost (excluding GST) of a business plan, business valuation or environmental assessment by an independent consultant, with at least two quotes and approval before work starts.
See our LRCC business plan page for more.
Saskatchewan: Clarence Campeau Development Fund and SMEDCO
The Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF) was established by the Métis Society of Saskatchewan Inc. in 1997 through an agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan. It serves Métis entrepreneurs and communities in Saskatchewan.
- The Business Plan Program can consider funding up to 75% of the cost of a professional business plan, to a maximum of $10,000.
- Other programs include a non-repayable equity grant, interest-free and interest-bearing loans, and programs for Métis women and youth.
- Applicants must be of Métis ancestry and operating a business based in Saskatchewan, and the business must show it is viable.
The SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation (SMEDCO) has served Saskatchewan Métis entrepreneurs since 1987, with secured loans and a non-repayable Métis Assistance Program grant. The CCDF and SMEDCO websites list the same offices, phone number and board, and use the same application form, so ask either one which program fits your project. Our Clarence Campeau business plan page has the details.
Alberta: Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.
Apeetogosan finances Métis entrepreneurs in Alberta. It publishes three grant-and-loan programs, each built from a set mix of loan, grant and owner’s equity:
- Full-Time Program: at least 50% loan, up to 30% MEAP grant and 10% to 35% owner’s equity, for total project costs of $20,000 to $330,000.
- Part-Time Program: 65% loan, 25% MEAP grant and 10% owner’s equity, for projects of $10,000 to $50,000.
- Métis Women Micro-Business Program: 50% loan, 40% non-repayable subsidy and 10% owner’s equity, for projects of $5,000 to $25,000.
Apeetogosan also offers business loans from $5,000 to $1 million, with a minimum 10% owner’s equity. Basic eligibility includes Alberta residency, a business located in Alberta, at least 51% Métis ownership and control, and six months to a year of experience in the industry. Apeetogosan does not publish a business plan funding percentage; its website also describes Pinnacle Business Services, which helps clients prepare business plans for Apeetogosan funding applications.
British Columbia: Métis Financial Corporation of BC
The Métis Financial Corporation (MFC) was founded by Métis Nation British Columbia and supports Métis entrepreneurs across the province.
- Traditional Business Loan Program: projects of $20,000 to $500,000, with the applicant contributing 10% to 30% of costs. Eligible projects may receive a grant as part of the loan, and applicants must go through MFC’s business plan process.
- Sophie Morigeau Women’s Entrepreneurship Program: projects of $15,000, $20,000 or $25,000, made up of a loan, a grant and 5% or 10% cash equity. Each loan comes with a 30% grant applied at the end of the loan term if the loan is repaid on time.
- Eligibility includes valid Métis identification accepted by MFC, at least six months’ residence in BC, 18 or older, and a business at least 51% Métis owned, located and registered in BC.
MFC does not publish a separate business plan funding percentage. Its loans include a business plan process with its own staff.
Ontario: Métis Voyageur Development Fund (MVDF)
MVDF is a Métis-owned and controlled economic development agency whose mandate is to fund and support Ontario Métis businesses. Businesses where at least one owner is Métis and holds 50% or more can apply.
- Financing of up to $1,500,000.
- Professional assistance and non-repayable financial support for a business plan as part of a loan application. MVDF does not publish the percentage.
- Support for business and financial management training.
Other Ontario funders also point Métis applicants to MVDF. Waubetek Business Development Corporation, for example, says Métis citizens should apply to MVDF.
Northwest Territories: NWT Métis-Dene Development Fund (MDDF)
MDDF is an Indigenous Financial Institution run by a Métis and First Nation team. It says it has provided loans and contributions worth over $30 million to more than 715 businesses in the NWT since 1991.
- Term and working capital loans of up to $100,000 for up to five years.
- Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship micro-loans of up to $20,000, made up of 5% equity, 45% grant and 50% loan.
- Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship micro-loans of up to $25,000 for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
- CanNor Entrepreneurship and Business Development contributions of up to $99,999, non-repayable, for expansion, capital and marketing, with 10% equity from the client.
MDDF asks for a business plan and financial statements with applications, and its staff assist with completing the application.
If you are buying a business
Several of these funders finance acquisitions as well as start-ups. LRCC’s Business Grant and Loan Program covers buying a business, Apeetogosan’s eligibility rules include acquisitions, and MFC’s Traditional Business Loan Program covers purchasing an existing business.
Expect to provide more paperwork for a purchase. LRCC’s checklist, for example, asks for at least two years of the business’s financial statements and an offer to purchase with a financing condition, prepared by a lawyer. LRCC’s Business Support Program can also cover up to 75% of the cost of an independent business valuation, which helps you, your lender and the funder check that the price is supported. Acadia Hill is a CBV firm and prepares business valuations for purchases like these.
What these programs have in common
- Your own equity: most programs ask for 5% to 10% cash equity or more.
- Majority Métis ownership: usually at least 51%, with the Métis owner working in the business.
- Grants come with loans: in most programs the grant is part of a package with a loan, not a stand-alone payment.
- No retroactive costs: LRCC and MFC both say costs incurred before approval are not eligible.
- A business plan: most funders here ask for one, and LRCC and CCDF publish how much of its cost they can cover.
For First Nations programs and a province-by-province comparison, see our Indigenous business plans page.
Frequently asked questions
Which Métis funders pay for business plans?
LRCC (up to 75%, excluding GST) and CCDF (up to 75%, maximum $10,000) publish their business plan funding. MVDF offers non-repayable business plan support but does not publish the percentage.
Can I apply outside my home province?
These funders generally require the business to be located in their province or territory, and some require residency. Check each funder’s eligibility rules.
Do I need a Métis citizenship card?
LRCC requires a valid MMF citizenship card. MFC lists the Métis identification it accepts from several provincial Métis governments. Ask each funder what it accepts.
How do I get started?
Contact the funder in your province first. If you need a business plan, contact Acadia Hill for a quote to include with your application.