In 2024, Manitoba presents a diverse array of funding opportunities tailored to Indigenous entrepreneurs, including those from Metis and First Nations communities. These programs encompass a wide spectrum of objectives, such as supporting Indigenous youth and women and encouraging cooperative projects. Many of these incentives are designed to be stackable, allowing entrepreneurs to maximize benefits by combining different funding sources. They address various business needs, covering operating costs, capital expenditures, and microloans for craft supplies, ensuring there is a suitable program for every business requirement.

2024 Small Business Indigenous Funding Incentives in Manitoba

Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba can access a variety of financing programs provided by the Canadian government, offering significant benefits like non-repayable funding and compatibility with provincial funding.

Notable Business Incentives for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in 2024

• Government of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada – Relief Measures for Indigenous Businesses: Offers interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions to support Inuit, First Nations, and Metis businesses impacted by COVID-19.
• Manitoba Indigenous Business Development Corporation – Business Loans: Provides a range of business loans to entrepreneurs in Manitoba for starting, expanding, or purchasing a business.
• Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre (MICEC) – Various Programs: Includes emergency loans, business stabilization, recovery funds, and professional services relief grants for Aboriginal businesses.
• Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) – Financing Programs: Features general loans, express financing, and start-up financing for First Nations entrepreneurs in the SCO service area.
• Manitoba Metis Federation – Micro Loan Program: Available to members of the Metis community, offering funding assistance for documented Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
• Winnipeg Arts Council – Indigenous Arts Projects: An annual grant program for Indigenous collectives, artists, and organizations in Winnipeg to enhance Indigenous arts creation and presentation.
• Indian Agricultural Program of Manitoba (IAPM) – Various Financing Options: Offers business financing and farm and business loans to First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
• Manitoba Arts Council – Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials: Supports Indigenous artists in Manitoba working in visual arts, crafts, or traditional Indigenous art forms.
• AgriDiversity Program – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Provides non-repayable contributions to under-represented groups in Canadian agriculture, including Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Grants for Aboriginal Businesses from the Federal Government

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development (ABED): Aids Indigenous entrepreneurs with capital for various business activities, including marketing and expansion.
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative: Helps Indigenous communities in developing agriculture and food system projects, enhancing capacity in the agri-food sector.

Business Loans for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Indigenous Entrepreneur Program: BDC’s program, with its enhanced financing options and favorable terms, reflects an understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous businesses. This program provides a critical financial boost, helping Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada, including Manitoba, to scale their businesses.

Internship Subsidy for Aboriginal Youth

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Internship Initiative: Provides a wage subsidy for First Nations and Inuit organizations offering on-the-job training and work experience to Indigenous youth.

Manitoba Aboriginal Business Incentives

Provincial funding sources for Indigenous-owned businesses in Manitoba complement federal programs. These Manitoba-specific grants and loans offer customized support for Indigenous entrepreneurs, with some programs focused on certain regions within the province.

Manitoba Aboriginal Business Grants

• Manitoba Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) – Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP): Provides funding to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba for marketing efforts and business growth.

Manitoba Aboriginal Business Loans and Financing

• Manitoba First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. Programs: Offers various loan programs and strategic planning support for entrepreneurs, including Business Enhancement Loan, Helping Hand Loan, Women in Business Loan, and Youth in Business Loan.
• Manitoba Metis Federation Economic Development Fund – Loan Programs: Provides financing options to support Metis businesses in Manitoba, including specific financing for
• seasonal projects.
• Metis Economic Development Organization (MEDO) Financing Solutions: Offers a variety of financial solutions for Metis-owned businesses in Manitoba, supporting their development and growth.

In 2024, Manitoba’s Indigenous entrepreneurs are presented with a rich tapestry of funding opportunities designed to stimulate business development and growth. These programs collectively offer a comprehensive suite of options for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba, addressing a wide range of business needs from startup capital to expansion funds. This diversity of funding sources empowers Indigenous business owners to not only sustain their enterprises but also to innovate and grow, significantly contributing to the economic landscape of Manitoba.

In 2024, Manitoba presents a comprehensive array of funding opportunities for artists, spanning diverse disciplines. These funding mechanisms, predominantly grants, are augmented by various tax credits, offering substantial financial support to aid artists in realizing their creative ambitions. The breadth of these programs ensures that artists of all disciplines, from digital gaming to music to literature, can find relevant financial resources.

Detailed Overview of Manitoba-Based Funding Programs for Artists in 2024

Manitoba Arts Council – Development Stream for Film: Supports the different stages of film production in Manitoba, offering essential aid to producers.

Manitoba Arts Council – Marketing and Distribution Initiative for Film: Geared towards Manitoba film producers, this initiative assists in the marketing and distribution of film projects.

Manitoba Book Awards: Recognizes the diversity and quality of writing in Manitoba, promoting literary excellence.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Historic Sites Animation: Provides funding for artists to animate or reinterpret selected historic sites in Winnipeg, bridging art with heritage.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Artists In Libraries: Offers grants for artist residencies in selected Winnipeg Public Library branches, enhancing community arts engagement.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Community Arts Support: Backs ongoing arts projects by non-profit organizations within Winnipeg’s diverse neighborhoods.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Dance Funding: Allocates funds for dance productions, creations, and projects, fostering professional dance growth in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Indigenous Arts Projects: Supports Indigenous art creation and presentation in Winnipeg through annual grants for Indigenous artists and collectives.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Literary Arts Support: Aids literary projects, including production and presentation, to enrich Winnipeg’s literary scene.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Newcomer and Refugee Arts Engagement: Funds projects that involve newcomers and refugees in the arts, promoting inclusivity and integration.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Innovative Arts Projects: Grants for groundbreaking projects with the potential to transform the arts sector.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Theatre Project Funding: Provides financial support for professional theatre projects in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Arts Council – Visual and Media Arts Projects: Offers funding for contemporary media and visual arts projects in Winnipeg.

Manitoba Arts Council: Hosts a variety of grant programs for different artistic disciplines, benefiting both individuals and organizations.

Manitoba Artist Tax Credits in 2024

Manitoba Book Publishing Tax Credit: A refundable tax credit for eligible expenses by Manitoba book publishing firms, promoting literary works.

Manitoba Film & Television Tax Credit: Provides refundable credits based on labor expenses for film and television production companies in Manitoba.

Manitoba Production Services Tax Credit: A refundable credit for production expenses by eligible corporations for film or television productions in Manitoba.

Manitoba Computer Animation & Special Effects Tax Credit: Offers an 18% refundable tax credit for qualified labor expenses related to computer animation and special effects.

Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit: A tax credit for Manitoba-based companies creating interactive digital products, covering 40% of eligible expenses.

In 2024, Manitoba’s funding landscape for artists is extensive and robust, supporting a wide range of artistic endeavors. From film and literature to dance and digital arts, these programs and tax incentives provide crucial backing to artists and organizations at different stages of their creative journeys. Manitoba’s artists are encouraged to explore these opportunities to find support that aligns with their creative projects and professional goals, thereby enhancing the province’s artistic vibrancy and diversity.