Starting a business is a big move. For many Métis people in British Columbia, it’s more than a personal goal, it’s a way to support family, serve your community, and create something lasting. Whether you’re planning to open a small shop, offer a service from your home, or take a product to market, you need more than just a good idea.
You need the right tools, trusted advice, and funding that reflects your reality.
The Métis Financial Corporation of BC (MFC) helps Métis entrepreneurs take those first steps with confidence. Below are seven important things to keep in mind as you start your business journey, and how MFC can walk with you.
1. A Business Plan Gives You Direction—and Confidence
A business plan isn’t just paperwork, it’s the backbone of your business. It helps you get clear on:
- What your business does
- Who your customers are
- How much money you’ll need
- How you plan to operate
- What success looks like for you
It can also help you spot problems before they happen. For example, if you’re launching a catering service in Kelowna, your business plan might show that you’ll need a commercial kitchen, which adds upfront costs you hadn’t considered. Or it might help you figure out how many clients you need per week to cover expenses.
MFC can help you get this plan written. This kind of Métis entrepreneur support can make all the difference.
2. Métis Business Loans in BC Are Designed to Work for You
Financing is one of the most common hurdles for new businesses. Traditional banks often rely on credit scores and collateral, which don’t always reflect someone’s drive, skill, or vision.
At MFC, we offer business loans for Métis that consider your whole story. Our loans are competitive and made specifically for Métis citizens living in BC.
Whether you’re looking for Métis startup funding or planning to grow something you’ve already started, our loan programs are built to meet you where you are.
3. Legal Setup Affects How You Run Your Business
Before making your first sale, it’s important to decide how you want your business to be legally set up. The most common choices are:
- Sole Proprietorship – simplest structure; one person owns and operates
- Partnership – shared ownership between two or more people
- Corporation – the business is a separate legal entity
Each option comes with its own responsibilities around taxes, liability, and paperwork. For example, incorporating might offer more protection but comes with additional costs and reporting duties.
4. Market Research Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Do you know your customers? If you’re opening a salon, who will book your first appointments? If you’re building garden boxes, how many people in your area need that service?
Market research is the process of answering questions like:
- What are my customers looking for?
- What can they afford?
- Who else is offering similar products or services?
- What makes my idea different?
You can gather this information by talking to people, reviewing local business listings, checking social media, or asking community leaders.
If you’re launching a business in your area, take time to ask around. Find out what’s missing. That simple step can help you avoid wasted effort and improve your chances of success.
5. Relationships Are Just as Important as Revenue
One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of running a business is building a support network.
This could include:
- Other Métis entrepreneurs in your area
- Local mentors who’ve run their own businesses
- MNBC Chartered Communities
- Cultural organizations or women’s business groups
- Your own family or friends who cheer you on
At MFC, we don’t just hand out loans, we stay involved. We’re part of your network from the first meeting. Many of our clients check in months or years after funding, asking for advice, updates, or a second round of support.
We’re proud to build relationships, not just accounts.
6. We Look at More Than Credit Scores
If you’ve struggled with credit or don’t have much of a history, you might worry that no one will fund your idea. That’s why Indigenous business funding through MFC is so different.
We don’t expect perfection. We care about:
- Your business idea
- Your plan
- Your involvement in day-to-day operations
- Your ability to learn and adapt
Whether you’re earning a living through self-employment, seasonal work, or multiple part-time jobs, we’ll take the time to understand your situation.
We also help our clients build long-term habits. This includes budgeting, tracking expenses, understanding invoicing, and preparing for taxes. We want your business to last, not just launch. – For a future blog when we release our support services!
7. There Are More Programs Than You Think
When people hear “Métis business loans,” they often assume it’s just one-time funding. But MFC offers more than that.
Depending on your needs and your goals, you may be able to access:
- Business planning support (for active applications)
- Loan funding to launch or expand
- Ongoing check-ins after your loan is approved
If you’re unsure where to begin, just call or email us. Even if you’re not ready to apply, we can help you get prepared.
What’s the First Step?
If you’re thinking about starting a business, MFC is here to help.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be “bank ready.” You just need a real idea, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take that first step.
Here’s what to do:
- Visit MFCBC.ca and read about our programs
- Use the contact form to reach out to us
- Tell us what you’re working on, we’ll help you figure out what’s next
- Ask questions, there are no bad ones
Whether you’re starting from scratch or picking up where you left off, we’re ready to walk with you.
Contact us today. We’ll listen, offer guidance, and help you find the right tools to get your Métis business started in British Columbia.
