First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Entrepreneur Loan Program
Grow your Manitoba First Nation business with interest-free loans up to $200,000 or 50% of project costs. This is a repayable loan, so you must contribute at least 5% equity and get approval before spending. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Each loan will be for the lesser of $200,000 per project, or 50% of the fair market value of the total project costs (including identified startup costs and working capital) identified in the project costs.”
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come before spending as loan proceeds must be used in the manner applied for.
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 a member of a Manitoba First Nation, living on or off reserve, and are 18 or older.
- You need funding to start, expand, or acquire a business, or for working capital and startup costs.
- You can contribute at least 5% equity in cash or unencumbered assets and have a sound business plan.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not a member of a Manitoba First Nation.
- You intend to use the funds for refinancing or paying existing debt.
- You have unresolved collection issues or cannot provide a viable business plan.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $200,000 per project or 50% of the fair market value of total project costs, whichever is less.
What may be supported
- Starting a new business.
- Expanding an existing business.
- Acquiring an existing business.
- Working capital needs.
- Startup costs.
What's excluded or restricted
- Refinancing purposes.
- Paying existing debt.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a sound business plan, register your business with the Companies Office, and prepare your equity contribution before applying.
- 01Ensure you are a member of a Manitoba First Nation and eligible to work in Canada.
- 02Register your business name with the Companies Office.
- 03Prepare a sound business plan demonstrating viability and calculate your 5% equity contribution.
- 04Submit your application to the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF) via their official channel.
- 05Undergo a credit score review and resolve any collection issues if flagged.
Who to ask: https://firstpeoplesfund.ca/contact/
Documents commonly required
- Sound business plan demonstrating viability.
- Proof of Manitoba First Nation membership.
- Business registration with the Companies Office.
- Documentation of equity contribution (cash or unencumbered assets).
- Credit history information for review.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your new or expanded business a credible digital storefront that attracts customers from day one.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile using the loan so Manitoba customers find you when searching online.
- BBN implements a Google review system and loyalty program with the loan capital, turning your early customers into repeat buyers and building the social proof that drives long-term growth.
- BBN designs your storefront signage and vehicle wraps with qualified partners, using the loan to create a bold physical presence that draws eyes to your business location.
- 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 a loan, not a grant, so you must repay the full amount over a term normally not exceeding 10 years (20 years for buildings).
- You must contribute a minimum of 5% equity (cash or unencumbered assets), which may be higher for high-risk projects.
- A credit score review is conducted, and unresolved collection issues will disqualify you, though a low score alone may not.
- Intake status and specific deadlines are not stated, so confirm current availability on the official page.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on the viability of your business plan, your equity contribution, and your credit history; there is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is the interest-free loan taxable?
Interest-free loans are generally not taxable income, but you must repay the principal. Confirm specific tax implications with a professional.
Can I use the loan for working capital?
Yes, the FPEGF funds working capital, startup costs, and capital for starting, expanding, or acquiring a business.
What if I have a low credit score?
A low credit score alone does not disqualify you, but you must have no unresolved collection issues.
How long do I have to repay the loan?
Loans are repayable over a term normally not exceeding 10 years, or 20 years for buildings.
What you can combine it with
This program may be combined with other FPEGF programs like the Joint Venture Program or Business Plan Assistance, but confirm eligibility for each.
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.