Clients Testimonials

Feast Café Bistro Ltd.

Christa Bruneau-Guenther

My name is Christa Bruneau-Guenther proud owner of Feast Café Bistro; a neighbourhood cafe located in Winnipeg’s historic West End. Feast Café Bistro offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering, serving modern dishes rooted in traditional Indigenous foods.

I pride myself on serving seasonal, fresh and local ingredients with unique dishes like Manitoba Bison Burgers, the famous Pow Wow Taco, Pickerel Sliders, Blueberry Bison Ribs, Salads with Wild Rice, Seeds & Berries, Roasted Butternut Squash, Bannock Pizza, fresh baked goods, bannocks, desserts, and more!

I've spent over 15 years refining my cooking skills and expanding my knowledge of our Indigenous foods. My creativity and passion also stems from gardening, teaching, owning and operating a licensed daycare for 9 years and, of course, cooking for friends and family.

Discovering there are only a handful of restaurants across the country focusing on First Nation foods and culture, I took a leap of faith and Feast Café Bistro was born in 2015.

I found First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF) on the internet and was pleased to discover the many resources offered to First Nation entrepreneurs. I spoke with FPEGF staff and they were very excited to hear about my business idea which was very encouraging.

This began the application process. I received the business plan support which was very helpful to take my business to the level it needed for success.

FPEGF staff were both positive but very realistic, they asked me tough questions that needed to be asked to understand the hard work it was going to take to open a restaurant.

The support and dedication all the staff at FPEGF provided is a definite result of my success. I am grateful and blessed that they believed in my abilities and business.

My staff mean the world to me, my priority is to hire Indigenous peoples, who currently comprise 80% of all the staff at Feast Café Bistro. I want all our customers to feel the spirit of our culture through the food, seasons and enjoy the abundance that our land has to offer.

Feast Café Bistro has become a pillar in the community through local initiatives, business tours, the arts, training and mentorship for student practicum needs, just to name a few. I feel a responsibility to inspire and empower people in the areas of business, education, Indigenous food sovereignty, and to restore pride in culture.

Having received extensive local, provincial and national press coverage Feast Café Bistro has been welcomed with rave reviews.

I look forward to a continued relationship with FPEGF as Feast Café Bistro continues to grow and evolve.

Gorilla Fries Inc.

Gary Freeman

My name is Gary Freeman, and I am the owner of Gorilla Fries. Gorilla Fries is a food truck that has been serving delicious food at various venues throughout the province of Manitoba since 2018. I expressed my interest in purchasing a food truck to Debbie McElhinney from the Surrender Claim Trust in Peguis. She suggested I contact First Peoples Economic Growth Fund in Winnipeg about their zero interest loans for businesses.

I contacted FPEGF and they set up an appointment with the loans manager, Tom Thordarson. Tom was very supportive of my business idea, and he explained what FPEGF needed from me to get approved for a loan and what grants might be available to me as well. You do not just apply, and it is approved, you must supply lots of information with supporting documents and a business plan.

I hired a consulting company to prepare the business plan for Gorilla Fries and that made the process much easier. Once all the documentation and the business plan were submitted it didn’t take long for the loan to be approved.

Tom even assisted me with applying for a grant from Surrender Claim Trust to offset the amount of loan I needed to apply for. Gorilla Fries had only been in operation 1½ seasons when COVID-19 hit. Operating a food truck during covid was a financial struggle to say the least. There were no rodeos, fairs, pow wows, markets, music festivals at all in 2020 and most of 2021, so our major revenue sources were gone. This coupled with the increase in fuel and food costs made the struggle even more challenging.

I tried other ways to generate revenue, but I could not generate the revenue needed to cover the operating costs and long-term liabilities. If it wasn’t for my FPEGF loans officer, Tiffany Monkman telling me about the COVID-19 Contingency Funding and helping me with the application, Gorilla Fries probably would not have survived. I am very thankful for the support I received.

Gorilla Fries is a seasonal business that my wife and I operate from June 1st until October 31st. Even though Gorilla Fries has not financially recovered from the pandemic we are optimistic that 2023 will be a good year. We really enjoy taking our food truck to pow wows and rodeos, and we are hopeful that we will get more bookings for Gorilla Fries at these types of venues.

Schnell Construction Incorporated

Nicolle Schnell

My name is Nicole Schnell, and I am the proud owner of Schnell Construction Incorporated. We are a small company that offers excavation services of any size, aggregate hauling, snow removal, landscaping, lot clearing, shoreline stabilization, septic tank installation as well various skid steer work. We started our business in May 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was a challenge due to having to do everything online, and not meet with people in person.

We first heard about First Peoples Economic Growth Fund from a relative. The process of applying for financing was daunting at first, facing a lot of paperwork, but with so much help and friendly assistance it was made much easier. Help was always a quick phone call away.

If we did not have the financing from FPEGF we would not be able to offer the services we currently do, and we would not be as successful. We were able to buy the equipment to meet our customers needs and expand the services we can now offer. Our business is having a very successful year and we are happy with our growth.

Recently, we were able to thank our customers by offering a weekend of skid steer services for free. We donate prizes annually to the community and run the annual kids beach games, donating food and prizes as well and our time. It feels amazing to give back a small part to the community that has helped our business grow.

We would apply for financing from FPEGF in the future. The COVID-19 Contingency Fund was a huge help financially during the pandemic. We owe so much of our success to FPEGF. The financing from FPEGF has enabled us to grow and meet our customers needs in a competitive market during challenging times. We are grateful and humbled by the help that we have received, and the support has touched our hearts and been our backbone.

The staff and FPEGF are so kind and knowledgeable. FPEGF has given us our dignity in asking for help when we needed it. We are so proud of our accomplishments thus far and are excited for the future.

The Indigenous Marketing Company

Kaeden Merasty

Tansi, my name is Kaeden Merasty, and I am the Founder and CEO of The Indigenous Marketing Company (IMC) and a proud member of Flying Dust First Nation. My vision is to guide Indigenous Peoples towards achieving full economic independence that aligns with their cultures, values, and beliefs. As a Cree First Nations businessman, I established this agency to work with aspiring entrepreneurs and Indigenous business professionals just like you.

Over the years, I have held numerous roles, working closely with executives and CEOs on developing business strategies, executing sales and marketing initiatives, and managing client relationships.

Utilizing this knowledge and experience, IMC was created to produce desirable outcomes for Indigenous Peoples through its holistic digital marketing solutions. It is my mission to empower Indigenous Peoples by providing equal opportunities and the support systems needed to achieve economic success.

I would not be where I am today without the help I received from First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF). FPEGF played a significant role in making my business vision a reality. Through essential start-up funding, FPEGF enabled me to purchase the required equipment for myself and my team to begin growing the company.

Tiffany Monkman, the Senior Loans Manager at FPEGF, was very helpful throughout the application process. She responded to my questions in a timely manner and ensured that I followed the necessary steps to meet all the application's requirements. If you are a First Nations person looking to start or grow a business in Manitoba, FPEGF is there to support you.

Sternat Manaigre Law Corporation

Priscilla Sternat-McIvor, Lisa Manaigre

We are Priscilla Sternat-McIvor and Lisa Manaigre – the partners of Sternat Manaigre Law Corporation. We opened our female, indigenous-owned law firm in March 2017, with the help of the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund. We were lucky enough to learn about FPEGF through our former law firm.

Without the lending and grant opportunities afforded to us by FPEGF, it is doubtful that we would have been able to open our firm within a relatively short time frame (under six months). We were able to quickly access the funds that we needed to start our planning, purchase our equipment, and set up a full office in months. We were able to start our operation with the technology needed for remote work from day one, with the idea in mind that this kind of flexibility was important in supporting women working in private legal practice.

Little did we know that this would also make it easy for our team to transition to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic without skipping a beat. Since our initial loan was granted to us, we have been able to work with our account manager to foresee changes to our business and adapt to them before they happen. We have found the account managers at First Peoples to be responsive and agile in helping us to meet our business’s needs.

The support that we have received from FPEGF has helped our firm grow from four lawyers to nine lawyers and from three full-time staff to four full-time staff. We are proud to support indigenous hiring wherever possible and we are constantly finding ways to support the greater community through our lawyer volunteer hours, supporting many boards and organizations, giving to those less fortunate with our annual Christmas hampers and offering flexible payment arrangements to our clients who require competent and compassionate legal services but are not able to access Legal Aid.
We look forward to a continued, strong relationship with FPEGF as we continue to grow our firm. Chief Dennis Meeches
President, Arrowhead Development Corporation

Thompson Family Foods

NCN Development Corporation

My name is David Kobliski, General Manager for NCN Development Corporation. We began negotiating a 10 year lease with the owners of the Thompson Plaza in 2012 for a 24,000 square foot space to own and manage a grocery store which we were successful in acquiring.

Our goal was to provide employment, product and service to the City of Thompson and surrounding communities. And whatever profits made would go to reinvesting in new opportunities or programing for the Community of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

The store had its grand opening July 19, 2013, and is doing very well now that we have gone through our growing pains. There are currently 30-40 employees from the City of Thompson and surrounding communities.

We would like to thank FPEGF for providing an interest free loan of $300,000 for this project.

Dreamcatcher Promotions

Michelle Cameron

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 & Event Planning

Allen Morrison

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!

Wiisiinin Oma

Mavis Sinclair

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!

Fisher River Economic Development Corporation

Fisher River Cree Nation

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

Amik Aviation Ltd.

Oliver Owen

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.

All Nations Print

Brenda Parsons

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.

Cooks Campground & Cabins

Terry Cook

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.

Manto Sipi Construction Ltd.

Manto Sipi Cree Nation

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

Madison Petro-Canada

Long Plain First 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
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