Testimonials

I approached FPEGF with a plan to purchase and expand an existing business. I was new in the small business world and found the staff at FPEGF able to assist me greatly in getting the required information and professional help needed to do valuations of the campground located in Grand Rapids, Manitoba, and to do a proper business plan for the intended future development of the business.

Most of the work I did with FPEGF was with Daryl Bone, Senior Loans Manager. I found Daryl easy to speak to, full of information and ideas on how to develop the business and what to look for in professional help with the valuation of the business and setting forth a business plan.

Daryl and all the staff I met at FPEGF were easy to speak with. The staff made the application, valuation and planning of the business as simple as possible for a newcomer in the small business world.

Overall if someone is willing to work on the development of a business and provide information, the staff at FPEGF can be of great help with funding and getting a prospective business the support it requires. 

My Name is Blair Owen and Manto Sipi Construction Ltd. is a construction company located in a fly in First Nation community in Northern Manitoba. The construction company builds cabins, homes, commercial buildings, decks, floors, etc. Funding was required to build two new cabins in the northern community to further the economic development of the community. Manto Sipi Construction Ltd. was created to carry out this new business endeavour.

Manto Sipi Construction Ltd. approached First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF) for financing in order to further economic development activities in their northern community.

These two new cabins formed additional places for visitors to stay as part of God's River Lodge (an economic venture that has existed for many years in the northern community). By word of mouth, Manto Sipi Cree Nation had heard that FPEGF was willing to work with First Nations and help them further their economic ventures. Senior Loans Manager Tom Thordarson met with the Chief and Council and laid out all the requirements necessary in order to apply for a loan and a grant. Financing from FPEGF's Business Plan Assistance Program helped with the development of a comprehensive business plan as well.

From the onset of the project, through the stages of cost estimates and contract negotiations, and with the completion of the financing, FPEGF's level of professionalism impressed the First Nation. We felt a high level of trust dealing with FPEGF. I am certain that other First Nations and companies would benefit from the financing offered. Manto Sipi Construction Ltd. was able to purchase heavy equipment to help build the cabins it needed. Through the funding, the First Nation experienced economic growth, employment opportunities, and an expansion of training opportunities.

I recommend FPEGF to other First Nation businesses as they have helped further the economic dreams of Manto Sipi Cree Nation and made them a reality. We wish FPEGF continued success in the future. They offer a unique business opportunity to access funds not normally available from financial institutions.

Chief Oliver Okemow
Manto Sipi Cree Nation

A Message from Chief Meeches, Long Plain First Nation

The first Urban Reserve within the city limits of Winnipeg has proven to be a very valuable economic zone for Long Plain First Nation. With the help of our partners Suncor and First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF), Long Plain First Nation opened the Madison Petro-Canada on February 23, 2015, in the City of Winnipeg.

The staff of FPEGF understood our needs and challenges and shared our vision in developing the first Urban Reserve in Winnipeg. Today the Madison Petro-Canada has surpassed all of our expectations and we are proud to share with other First Nations a roadmap to economic development. We acknowledge the staff of FPEGF and we will continue to work with them on other important economic development projects.

Chief Dennis Meeches
President, Arrowhead Development Corporation