Who Can Apply
MFC Eligibility Criteria
- Last updated on February, 2025
- Valid Métis Identification.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- The applicant must be a resident of British Columbia for a minimum of 6 months.
- Project must be a start-up, expansion or acquisition.
- The applicant must go through MFC’s business plan process.
- The applicant must be able to contribute 10% cash equity towards the total project costs.
- Credit check is required.
- Security will be required.
- Business must be at least 51% Métis owned and the applicant must be the majority owner.
- Business must be located and registered in British Columbia .
- The applicant must have experience in the business industry and/or have the necessary education/qualifications to run the business.
- The applicant must have substantial involvement in the operation of the business.
- The applicant must have the necessary licensing, safety, or certification for their particular business.
- The applicant must show that the business is viable and sustainable
- Project financing cannot contribute to passive investments or gambling products.
- Can contribute to land and buildings zoned for commercial use.
- Total project costs must exceed $20,000 and may not exceed $500,000. Projects above $500,000 are exception base and examined case by case.
- Costs already incurred or items you have already signed to purchase are not eligible. (It is not retroactive and you cannot purchase or sign to purchase items you wish to include in your project costs)
- The applicant must be approved for the loan request to be eligible for grant (grants are not stand alone)
- Ineligible costs for funding are courses, certifications, licensing, residential home or building purchases, and Air BNB’s/Bed and Breakfasts.
- Eligible costs for funding include equipment, machinery, inventory, marketing, advertising, and business support costs such as legal, accounting and I.T. The MFC can fund payroll for up to 3 months, for employees however, the applicant can’t just apply for payroll funding. It would have to be in combination with another eligible cost.
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Ineligible for Grant
-Refinancing
-Arm’s Length Transactions
