Testimonials

Dreamcatcher Promotions would first of all like extend a huge thank you and express our gratitude to First Peoples Economic Growth Fund staff, management and Board of Directors for their assistance and overall contribution to the growth of Dreamcatcher Promotions.

Dreamcatcher Promotions' business concept was to become an established, reputable and successful business and service provider in the promotions sector providing promotional items and apparel to the Aboriginal communities/organizations and business/corporate sector. It is our intent to provide a quality of service, which serves to excel to our clientele expectations, while seeking to expand our services, and be able to provide employment opportunities to others.

Like many entrepreneurs, the process of starting to plan for our business required preliminary research, and several scopes of work with various objectives enhanced our realization - that there is a wide array of commitment required to complete such an endeavor of becoming a small business.

We approached FPEGF and inquired about the services they had to offer their target audience. They were very helpful and were able to provide a free consultation on an overview of their services and roles.

Upon reviewing FPEGF's requirements, we committed to meeting their expectations and necessities required be considered as a qualified applicant. Our engagement was via the Business Plan Assistance Program. Working with the business planner we set to complete tasks such as the business overview, industry overview, marketing strategy, management experience, staffing, estimated project costs and financing. This task required some idealistic research and work. The onus was on us to complete these tasks at hand. Overall, it was a very eye-opening and valuable learning process. It surely surmounted our knowledge and vision as the extensive processes, responsibilities and matters relevant to successfully planning, operating and owning your own business.

Upon completing the business plan we applied to FPEGF's Entrepreneur Loan Program and Business Contribution Fund. Once again, upon meeting the requirements, we began the process of having to complete not only the application process but the work and engagement of the activities required to plan, design and implement our business plan.

Our key areas of need were marketing and capital enhancement. We strengthened and solidified the means to address these fields by increasing our supply and equipment required to carry out our unique service. Furthermore, we were able to develop and implement a marketing strategy to strengthen our presence in the current market.

Overall the entire experience was very helpful, insightful and allowed us to realize the parameters of becoming entrepreneurs in today's economy and markets.

In conclusion, First Peoples Economic Growth Fund served as excellent overall contributor in an advisory capacity, and they were resourceful in all aspects required for Dreamcatcher Promotions to establish and sustain a successful business.

Big Deal Catering is a Winnipeg-based First Nation owned and operated catering business. We started business in the fall of 2011 and have been very successful in serving a large and diverse client base throughout the city. Big Deal Catering also provides food services for my existing business - a nightclub and restaurant in downtown Winnipeg.

I have owned my business since 2001 and felt that I had not fully realized the potential of the business in regards to food sales. I decided that the natural and logical step to expand my company would be to include a catering service that would allow me to reach that potential.

In 2009 I attended a conference which included a presentation by FPEGF detailing the assistance they could provide. Shortly after the conference I arranged a meeting at their office and spoke to the staff.

They were able to financially assist me in finalizing a business plan and by providing a loan that was instrumental in getting me to the goal of expanding and renovating my space to include Big Deal Catering. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support and assistance of the FPEGF staff and especially the guidance and advice I received from Senior Loans Manager Daryl Bone.

I am thankful and grateful that such an organization exists to help First Nation people achieve greater business success in the community!

Aanin, my name is Mavis Sinclair and I am from Sagkeeng First Nation. My business name is Wiisiinin Oma. In 2012 I started selling food at our local Pow Wow using only a tent and some tables. I brought a fridge, freezer, Bar-B-Q and some food warmers to cook. The next year in 2013, I did the same thing, but then moved my stand to Brokenhead Pow Wow. I started watching shows on Food Network and was inspired by the people who would sell food out of their food trucks. I thought I would love to sell bannock burgers on the Pow Wow trail.

In January 2014 I decided that I was going to get my own truck and sell food. I called Sagkeeng Economic Development where Jeff Courchene gave me a few contacts to call. I talked with someone at Southeast Development and they told me about First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF). I called FPEGF and talked with Fabian Sanderson and he gave me a run down on how the process works. He was my main contact at FPEGF. Fabian was very patient and helpful.

The process of applying for financing through FPEGF was a long one, there was a lot of details to work through. The whole process was about 7 months and I wouldn't have my business if FPEGF wasn't there. If I had not received funding from FPEGF, I would have applied for a loan with a bank. FPEGF was my first choice because of the interest free loan, their willingness to help and guide me in the right direction.

My business is going on its third season. My business is doing well. It is a lot of hard work but I love it. I love travelling to Pow Wows and selling my bannock burgers. So watch out for me at the Pow Wows and come and eat some good food. Thanks to FPEGF for all the help and making my dream of owning a food truck possible. Meegwetch. See you on the Pow Wow trail.

Thanks to FPEGF for making my little dream possible!

My Name is Blair Owen and Fisher River Economic Development Corporation (FRED), along with leadership, has been involved in and serves as a catalyst and facilitator for economic development for Fisher River Cree Nation and its members. The corporation creates new revenue streams through its oversight, investment and partnerships in business.

With the announcement of First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF), the Cree Nation through FRED celebrated another opportunity to access an additional funding stream. FRED approached FPEGF as they provide a unique opportunity to access funds not normally accessible from regular financial institutions.

Since FPEGF's inception under the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, frontline individuals such as Ian Cramer, Tom Thordarson and Fabian Sanderson have been very supportive of FRED and we have developed an excellent relationship with them.

Financing attained through FPEGF's Business Plan Assistance Program resulted in the development of a comprehensive business plan. This then facilitated a successful use of FPEGF loan and non-repayable contribution financing and the development of ongoing projects within our community.

FRED's use of FPEGF financing has seen economic growth, an increase in employment opportunities and an expansion of training initiatives.

With the success and support received from FPEGF, without hesitation we would offer references to our fellow First Nations and Joint Venture partners. We wish First Peoples Economic Growth Fund continued success in the future.

Marshall Murdock Chairperson
Fisher River Economic Development Corporation

I wanted to provide an air transportation service to First Nations people who live in isolated Northern communities. The people of Little Grand Rapids and Paungassi First Nations are entitled to exceptional customer service - I wanted to be the one that delivered that type of customer-focused service.

In addition to being the sole owner of Amik Aviation Ltd., I manage the day-to-day operations of the business and assume piloting responsibilities. I have worn many hats in the aviation industry over the past 27 years as manager, pilot and owner.

Hearing about FPEGF, I approached them for financing because most financial institutions see Aboriginal business as high risk and have not been willing to take a chance on me. At FPEGF, I worked with Daryl Bone, Senior Loans Manager, and found him to have an open mind while working with the other lender to ensure a successful merger.

We currently provide daily scheduled passenger and cargo service to the First Nations people of Little Grand Rapids and Paungassi First Nations. They are picked up directly at their community on our Amphib Caravan.

I am fulfilling my vision for exceptional customer service, thanks to FPEGF.

My name is Brenda Parsons a member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba. I own a small print and design shop in Winnipeg operating as All Nations Print Ltd. incorporated February 2002.

We built the business to $500,000+ and were looking to expand to the next level. Upon investigation of what the marketplace had to offer we found exactly what we were looking for - an environmentally friendly Presstek 34 DI press. There were several issues to overcome prior to purchasing this equipment, especially obtaining the capital for this expensive machine.

We looked into what FPEGF had to offer and found their loan program and flexible terms were exactly what we needed to convince another lender to extend the other 50% required to purchase the equipment. The FPEGF loan program was instrumental in obtaining the required financing to expand the business to the next level where the possibilities are endless. The staff and management of FPEGF are professional and easy to work with.

We are thankful for the opportunity FPEGF has opened to All Nations Print Ltd. through their loan program and highly recommend them.