Métis women in Manitoba often face barriers when seeking funding to start or expand a business. The LRCC Métis Women Entrepreneurship Program offers up to $40,000 in financing for businesses owned and controlled by Red River Métis women. This guide explains how the program works, who can apply, and how to avoid common mistakes.
The program is managed by Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC). It supports Métis women entrepreneurs with repayable financing. In some cases, LRCC may include a non-repayable grant portion. According to LRCC, this grant portion is considered “on a case-by-case basis, depending on the project’s impact and applicant’s financial situation.” For more details, contact LRCC directly.
To qualify, your business must meet all of these requirements:
LRCC does not fund certain types of businesses, including:
Make sure your ownership structure and MMF citizenship documents are ready. Applications without valid MMF cards or clear Métis women control are often declined.
You must show 5% of total project costs in cash that is not borrowed. This can come from:
Loans or credit lines do not count toward this requirement.
LRCC reviews:
Explain how the funding will help your business start, stabilize, or grow in Manitoba.
Applications are submitted directly through Louis Riel Capital Corporation. LRCC staff may follow up with questions or request more documents before making a decision.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find programs by province and ownership group efficiently.
This program is mainly repayable financing. Only some projects may get a grant portion, and LRCC decides this after reviewing your application.
Equity must be cash that is not borrowed. Using a loan or credit card for this will disqualify your application.
Passive ownership does not qualify. LRCC expects the Métis woman owner to run the business every day.
If your business or owners are based outside Manitoba, your application will not move forward.
Q: Is the LRCC Métis Women Entrepreneurship Program a grant or a loan?
It is mainly a repayable loan, but LRCC may include a non-repayable grant portion for some projects, based on their assessment.
Q: Can I apply if I am starting a new business?
Yes. The program supports startups and existing businesses, as long as all eligibility requirements are met.
Q: Do I need to live in Manitoba to apply?
Yes. The business must be headquartered in Manitoba, and at least one Red River Métis owner must be a Manitoba resident.
Q: What does the 5% cash equity requirement mean?
You must contribute at least 5% of the total project cost using your own non-borrowed cash. This shows financial commitment to the business.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
Eligible businesses can receive up to $40,000, depending on project needs and LRCC’s assessment.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant and loan programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.
If you are a Métis woman entrepreneur in Manitoba, the LRCC Métis Women Entrepreneurship Program can support you when traditional loans are not enough. Before applying, review your ownership documents, cash equity, and business plan carefully. GrantHub can also help you find other Indigenous and women-focused funding programs that may work alongside LRCC support.
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