Supporting Your Business and Community

Summary of Programs

Financing Programs:

  1. Joint Venture Program

    This program is intended to provide support for large-scale First Nations enterprises, which, in the opinion of the Fund, have a business concept that, through initial screening, provides excellent opportunity.

  2. Entrepreneur Loan Program

    This program is intended to assist First Nation entrepreneurs by providing capital and/or working capital through subordinated interest-free loans that will enhance the applicant's ability to leverage financing from other institutions and agencies.

  3. Community Economic Expansion Program

    This Program is intended to assist First Nation community-owned businesses for startup, expansions or acquisitions. The intent is that these viable businesses will provide for the creation of wealth and jobs for First Nations.

Support Programs:

  1. Business Plan Assistance

    This program is intended to provide support to First Nation individuals or First Nation-based enterprises which, in the opinion of the Fund, have a business concept that, through initial screening, provides excellent opportunity but demonstrates a need for financial assistance with a professional business plan.

    This program allows the applicant to engage the services of a professional consultant to assist in the research and development of a quality business plan that will be used to attract financing.

    Applicants should also attach a business concept summary. The business concept summary should include, but not be limited to, the following: business overview, industry overview, marketing strategy, management experience, staffing, estimated project costs and financing.

  2. Aftercare Program

    This program is intended to provide professional support to new businesses that have obtained assistance under another FPEGF program in order to help improve the opportunity for success.

  3. Skills Development Program

    This program supports rapid business readiness training for new and existing First Nations entrepreneurs to develop their management and marketing skills.

  4. Business Contribution Fund

    The Business Contribution Fund (BCF) will consider non-repayable contributions to First Nation clients for eligible capital and operating costs to start, expand or acquire a viable business.

    The BCF may contribute up to 40% of the eligible costs to a maximum of $99,999 for entrepreneurs and $250,000 for First Nation community-owned businesses, based on a professional business plan and subject to other financing being in place.

    The BCF will also look at non-repayable contributions for Business Plans, Marketing and related Business Support services.

Summary of Programs Loan Approval Criteria (PDF format)