First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Community Economic Expansion Program
Grow your Manitoba First Nation business with interest-free loans up to $300,000 for startup or expansion. It is a repayable loan, but you may qualify for up to $75,000 in forgiveness if you stay in business and keep payments consistent. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“The maximum loan amount is $300,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the total project costs (including identified startup costs and working capital).”
Before you spend a dollar
Written approval is mandatory before you spend a dollar; do not incur costs until the loan is secured.
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 and control at least 51% of a for-profit business operating primarily in Manitoba.
- You are a Manitoba First Nation community-owned entity looking to grow through startup, expansion, or acquisition.
- You have a solid plan to manage a long-term repayment schedule and can cover payments starting within one year.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a not-for-profit organization or charity.
- You want to use the funds to refinance existing debt or pay off past loans.
- Your business is not majority-owned by a Manitoba First Nation.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $300,000 or 50% of the fair market value of total project costs, whichever is less.
What may be supported
- Starting a new business.
- Purchasing an existing business.
- Upgrading or expanding an existing business.
- Identified startup costs and working capital.
What's excluded or restricted
- Refinancing purposes — 'Loans are not provided for refinancing purposes'
- Proceeds cannot be obtained to repay existing debt
- Not-for-profit entities
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must demonstrate viability through a sound business plan and likely engage directly with FPEGF officers to structure the deal.
- 01Confirm your business is at least 51% owned by a Manitoba First Nation.
- 02Prepare a sound business plan demonstrating viability.
- 03Contact the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund via firstpeoplesfund.ca to initiate the application process.
- 04Submit your proposal for review and secure written approval before spending.
Who to ask: General contact via firstpeoplesfund.ca.
Documents commonly required
- Sound business plan demonstrating viability.
- Proof of at least 51% Manitoba First Nation ownership and control.
- Project cost breakdown including startup costs and working capital.
- Confirm specific document requirements on the official page.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the financing, giving your new or expanded business a digital storefront that attracts customers beyond your immediate neighborhood.
- BBN uses the loan to optimize your Local SEO and Google Business Profile, so Manitoba customers find your services easily.
- BBN implements a Google review system and loyalty program with the capital, turning your first customers into repeat buyers and building the social proof that drives long-term growth.
- BBN designs modern signage and vehicle wraps coordinated with qualified partners, using the loan to upgrade your physical presence and brand visibility without handling the installation yourself.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- It is a loan, not a grant. You must repay the principal over time.
- Forgiveness is conditional. You only get up to $75,000 or 25% of the loan forgiven if you stay in business, do not sell, and make all payments consistently for the full term.
- Repayment starts within one year of disbursement. You need cash flow to cover monthly payments during this grace period.
- Terms are long. Repayment extends up to 10 years, or 20 years for building projects.
What are your odds?
Discretionary and relationship-based. Approval depends on the strength of your business plan and the viability of the project.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money taxable?
Because it is a repayable loan, the principal is not taxable income. Confirm specific tax treatment of the forgiven portion with a tax professional.
When do I start paying back the loan?
Repayment begins within one year of disbursement in equal monthly amounts.
Can I use this to pay off old debt?
No. The program explicitly excludes refinancing purposes and repaying existing debt.
How much of the loan can be forgiven?
Up to $75,000 or 25% of the total loan, whichever is less, provided you meet all conditions at the end of the term.
What you can combine it with
Check if this loan can be combined with other FPEGF programs like the Joint Venture Program or Business Contribution Fund.
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.