First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Programme d'expansion économique communautaire ### 📋 Eligible Entities - First Nations individuals and entrepreneurs - Indigenous-owned businesses (sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations) - First Nations communities and bands - Indigenous cooperatives and social enterprises - Businesses located on or off reserve with Indigenous ownership/control - New business ventures and established businesses seeking expansion or modernization ### 💰 Funding Details - Loan Amount: Up to $300,000 per applicant - Funding Structure: Interest-free, repayable loan (non-grant) - Maximum Coverage: 50% of eligible project costs - Repayment Terms: To be determined based on business cash flow and project viability - No equity stake: Funds provided as debt financing, not equity investment ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - New business launch costs - Acquisition of established businesses - Business modernization and expansion - Capital equipment and infrastructure purchases - Working capital for business operations - Technology and systems upgrades - Facility improvements and renovations - Related professional fees (legal, accounting, business planning) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Indigenous Ownership Requirement: Business must be Indigenous-owned and controlled - Co-Investment Requirement: Applicant or business must cover minimum 50% of project costs - Business Plan: Comprehensive business plan and financial projections required - Feasibility Assessment: Loan approval contingent on project viability and repayment capacity - Accountability: Funds must be used for stated purposes only - Reporting: Ongoing financial reporting and business performance monitoring - Repayment Obligation: Formal loan agreement with defined repayment schedule - Collateral/Security: Security requirements determined on case-by-case basis