First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Business Contribution Fund
Grow your Manitoba business with non-repayable grants covering up to 40% of eligible costs, capped at $99,999 for individual owners or $250,000 for First Nation groups. You must secure 40% commercial financing and provide 10% cash equity before approval. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Maximum contribution towards a business owned by a First Nation individual is up to 40% of eligible costs to a maximum of $99,999.”
Before you spend a dollar
Approval mechanics imply a review process before funding; confirm with FPEGF if you must wait for formal approval before incurring any costs.
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 are at least 51% owned by a First Nation band, band member, or group of First Nations.
- Your business headquarters is located in Manitoba.
- You are starting, expanding, or acquiring a viable business and can secure a commercial loan for at least 40% of the total project cost.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate a bar, gambling business, pawn shop, payday loan service, tobacco shop, or sexually exploitive business.
- You are making a passive investment such as buying real estate or apartment blocks.
- You cannot provide a minimum of 10% cash equity or secure a 40% commercial loan to match the grant.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 40% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $99,999 for individual First Nation owners or $250,000 for businesses owned by a Manitoba First Nation or group. Additional contributions cover up to 75% of costs for business plans, environmental assessments, and training.
What may be supported
- Startup of a viable business.
- Expansion of a viable business.
- Acquisition of a viable business.
- Capital and operating costs.
- Independent business plan development.
- Environmental assessments.
- Marketing costs.
- Business support including training and aftercare management.
What's excluded or restricted
- Bars
- Gambling (VLTs)
- Sexually exploitive businesses
- Pawn shops
- Payday loans
- Tobacco shops
- Passive investments (e.g., real estate, apartment blocks)
- Businesses managed by someone other than the owner
- Businesses that will significantly harm another business (e.g., a second laundromat in a town that cannot support two)
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must prepare a detailed business plan, secure a commercial loan, provide cash equity, and potentially hire a Certified Business Valuator for acquisitions. Ongoing reporting is required for three years.
- 01Contact FPEGF via phone (1-888-942-6026) or email (info@fpegf.ca) to initiate the process and confirm current intake status.
- 02Secure a commercial loan for at least 40% of the total project cost and prepare your 10% cash equity.
- 03Develop a business plan demonstrating viability and management capacity. FPEGF covers up to 75% of the cost for an independent business plan.
- 04If acquiring a business, hire a Certified Business Valuator to perform an independent valuation. FPEGF covers up to 75% of this cost.
- 05Submit your application package, including the business plan and any required valuations or financial statements.
- 06If approved, adhere to the three-year control period requirements, including submitting financial statements and a Business Performance Review.
Who to ask: Phone: 1-888-942-6026 (toll free) or 204-942-6026 (Winnipeg); Email: info@fpegf.ca
Documents commonly required
- Business plan demonstrating viability and management capacity.
- Proof of First Nation ownership (at least 51%).
- Evidence of secured commercial loan (minimum 40% of total financing).
- Proof of cash equity contribution (minimum 10%).
- For acquisitions: three years of historical financial statements and an independent Business Valuation by a Certified Business Valuator.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and online store to create a professional digital storefront that captures customers 24/7 and supports your expansion goals.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and Google Business Profile to boost visibility in local searches, driving more foot traffic and calls to your Manitoba location.
- BBN launches targeted digital marketing campaigns using the funded marketing budget, putting your brand in front of the right buyers to accelerate sales.
- BBN designs your branding and print materials to give your business a cohesive look that builds trust and stands out in your community.
- BBN guides you through the application process and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is not free money: you must raise 50% of the total project cost yourself (10% cash equity plus 40% commercial loan).
- The grant is repayable if you cease operations or make significant changes (like selling a major asset) during the three-year control period.
- You must submit financial statements and a Business Performance Review during the control period.
- The program is selective and requires a business plan demonstrating viability and management capacity.
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary based on viability and management capacity. Projects that clearly demonstrate financial sustainability and meet the strict ownership and financing requirements have the best chance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay this money back?
No, it is a non-repayable contribution. However, it becomes repayable if you cease operations or make significant changes to the business during the three-year control period.
What if I am buying an existing business?
You must provide three years of historical financial statements and an independent Business Valuation by a Certified Business Valuator. FPEGF covers up to 75% of the valuation cost.
Can I use this for marketing?
Yes, FPEGF covers up to 60% of marketing costs as part of the eligible expenses.
Is the grant taxable?
Grants are generally considered taxable income. Ask your accountant for advice specific to your situation.
What you can combine it with
FPEGF lists related programs like the Joint Venture Program and Entrepreneur Loan Program. Confirm with FPEGF if this grant can be stacked with other federal or provincial funding.
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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 July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.