Who Can Apply
MFC Eligibility Criteria
- Last updated in December, 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% equity towards the total project costs. This equity contribution can be cash or an asset at current market value (TBD by MFC).
- 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 Métis owner with at least 51% ownership must have experience in the business industry and/or have the necessary education/qualifications to run the business.
- The Métis owner with at least 51% ownership must have substantial involvement in the operation of the business.
- The Métis owner with at least 51% ownership 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. Must have over 50% Métis control over the property or asset.
- 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.
- Corporate and personal taxes must be filed and up to date.
- The applicant must be approved for the loan request to be eligible for grant (grants are not stand alone).
- Ineligible costs for the program are courses, certifications, licensing, residential building purchases, Air BNB’s/Bed and Breakfasts, and personal wages.
- Eligible costs for the program include equipment, machinery, inventory, marketing, advertising, and business support costs such as legal, accounting and I.T. Payroll funding is an eligible cost, limited to maximum of 3 months per employee, and must be requested alongside another eligible cost rather than on its own.
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Ineligible for AEP Grant
-Refinancing
-Non-Arm’s Length Transactions