LRCC — Metis Women Entrepreneurship Program

Access to early-stage capital can be a major hurdle for women entrepreneurs, especially when launching or expanding a business rooted in community and culture. The LRCC — Metis Women Entrepreneurship Program is designed to help Métis women in Manitoba move their business ideas forward with practical financing support. Delivered by Louis Riel Capital Corporation, the program combines loan financing with the potential for a non-repayable grant portion, helping reduce the financial pressure that often comes with startup and growth investments.

The program can provide funding support of up to around $40,000 to assist with eligible business expenses tied to starting or strengthening a Métis women–owned enterprise. It’s well suited for startups and small to medium-sized businesses that are majority Métis women–owned and controlled, and that are prepared to invest some of their own cash into the project. LRCC takes a relationship-based approach, assessing each application on its business fundamentals, financial need, and overall viability, rather than offering one-size-fits-all funding. Certain industries and passive investments are excluded, and costs must be approved before being incurred.

Applications are currently being accepted on an ongoing basis, with timelines that encourage entrepreneurs to plan ahead before launching their projects. For Métis women business owners in Manitoba who want to better understand how this mix of loan and grant funding could support their goals, exploring the full program details can help clarify whether it’s the right fit.