First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Aide à la planification d'entreprise ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous-led businesses - First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business owners - Sole proprietors with Indigenous ownership/control - Partnerships with Indigenous majority ownership - Indigenous corporations and cooperatives - Businesses operating in Canada with Indigenous leadership ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000 per applicant - Cost Coverage: Up to 75% of eligible professional advisor fees - Funding Type: Non-repayable grant - Applicant Contribution: Minimum 25% of eligible costs (required matching contribution) - No Loan Component: This is grant funding only; no repayment obligations ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Professional business planning advisor fees (primary eligible expense) - Consultant or specialist services for business plan development - Research and development costs related to business plan creation - Labour costs for hired professional advisors - Services to support high-quality business plan preparation - Expert guidance on market analysis, financial projections, and business strategy ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Applicants must demonstrate Indigenous ownership or control of the business - Business plan must be of "high quality" and meet program standards - 25% cost-sharing requirement must be met by the applicant - Grant must be used within a specified project timeline (check with administrator for exact duration) - Eligible advisor must be a qualified external professional (not internal staff) - Funds must be claimed based on actual expenses incurred - Recipients may be required to submit the completed business plan as a deliverable - Eligible expenses must be documented with invoices and receipts