CDEM Investment Fund
Get the capital you need to start, expand, or diversify your Manitoba business. This is a repayable loan for owners who are at least 50% Francophone and have already tried other financing options. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm current intake status and deadlines with CDEM; specific timing details are not published on the official page.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You own at least 50% of a Manitoba business and identify as Francophone.
- You need funding to start up, expand, or diversify your operations.
- You have already tried other financing channels without success.
Probably not the right fit if
- You do not meet the 50% Francophone ownership requirement.
- You have not yet attempted to secure funding through other reasonable channels.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding, as this is a loan.
How much you'd realistically get
The maximum loan amount is not published on the official page; confirm the cap and specific terms with the administrator.
What may be supported
- Start-up costs for new businesses.
- Expansion of existing operations.
- Diversification of products or services.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact the Director of Business Services directly to initiate the request and likely provide evidence of prior financing attempts.
- 01Confirm your eligibility as a Francophone owner with at least 50% interest in a Manitoba business.
- 02Document your attempts to secure funding from other reasonable sources.
- 03Contact Joel Lemoine, Director of Business Services at CDEM, via email or phone to make a loan request.
- 04Provide the required documentation and business details as requested by CDEM.
- 05Await review and confirmation of loan terms, including interest and repayment schedule.
Who to ask: Joel Lemoine, Director of Business Services - jlemoine@cdem.com, 204-792-8030
Documents commonly required
- Proof of Francophone ownership (at least 50% interest).
- Evidence of attempts to secure funding from other sources.
- Business plan or proposal for start-up, expansion, or diversification.
- Financial statements or projections (confirm specific requirements with CDEM).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your new or expanding business a credible digital storefront that attracts customers immediately.
- BBN configures your Local SEO and Google Business Profile using the loan, so your Manitoba business appears prominently when local customers search for your services.
- BBN implements a Google review system and loyalty program with the loan capital, turning your first customers into repeat buyers and building social proof that drives growth.
- BBN designs your branding and print materials to support expansion or diversification plans, so your new products or services look professional from day one.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan, not a grant, meaning the capital must be repaid.
- You must prove you have exhausted other reasonable financing methods before applying.
- Interest rates, fees, and repayment terms are not stated and must be confirmed on the official page.
- The program is specifically for Francophone-owned businesses in Manitoba.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on meeting the strict ownership criteria and demonstrating that other funding sources were unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
Is this funding taxable?
As this is a loan, the principal amount is not taxable income. However, interest payments may have tax implications; consult a tax professional.
What is the interest rate?
The interest rate is not published. You must confirm this with CDEM.
Can I apply if I own 40% of the business?
No. The program requires that the business be owned by one or several Francophones who hold at least a 50% interest.
What you can combine it with
This program requires you to have explored other funding methods first, suggesting it may be a secondary option rather than a primary stackable grant.
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated June 20, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.