Starting a business is a big step. It’s also a meaningful one. For Métis people across British Columbia, business ownership is a path toward independence, stability, and community strength. But you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone.
The Métis Financial Corporation of BC (MFC) offers more than funding. We provide trusted support and guidance for Métis entrepreneurs at every stage.
This article walks you through what it’s like working with MFC. You’ll learn what to expect from the first call to funding, and what kind of support you’ll receive long after your loan is approved.
Step 1: Reaching Out
Your journey starts with a simple conversation. You don’t need a full business plan or application. You just need an idea, a goal, or a question.
You can reach us by:
- Submitting a message at mfcbc.ca/contact
- Calling our office to speak with a staff member
- Asking your local MNBC Chartered Community representative to help connect you
If you live in BC, you’ll be speaking with people who understand your community. We’ll ask about your goals and what kind of Métis entrepreneur support you’re looking for. You’ll have the chance to ask your own questions, too.
Step 2: Submitting Your Application
Once you are ready to apply, you’ll complete a formal loan application. We’ll help guide you through the process.
You’ll need:
- A completed application form
- Supporting documentation. Examples are, incorporation documents/business registration, quotes, letters of intent and can vary depending on if you are a startup, expansion, or acquisition.
- Valid Métis Identification
We offer business loans for Métis citizens in British Columbia, and our team works with applicants across BC. If something in your application is unclear or missing, we’ll help you fix it. Our goal is to move your file forward, not send it back without support.
We’re here to make the Indigenous business funding process easier to understand and easier to complete.
Step 3: Planning Your Business
You do not need a business plan to apply, but to qualify for a loan, you’ll need a business plan. If you’re unsure how to create one, we’ve got you covered. The MFC offers business plan support for active applications. Once an application is ready for this step, the MFC will put you in contact with the business plan consultant.
This plan helps you get clear on how to start a Métis business, how much funding you’ll need, and what success looks like. For those applying for Indigenous business funding through MFC, this step is essential. It also gives you tools that continue to serve you long after your loan is approved.
If you already have a business plan that’s great! You can submit the business plan along with your application as a supporting document. However, all applicants applying through the MFC for funding are required to go through our business plan process. This is to ensure the process is fair and equal to all applicants.
Step 4: Approval and Funding
After your business plan and loan evaluation is reviewed, we’ll let you know if you’ve been approved.
MFC loans support a wide range of projects, such as:
- Equipment or vehicle purchases
- Business space upgrades or leases
- Launching new services
- Inventory and marketing costs
- Hiring help or expanding operations
Our business loans for Métis are designed to be accessible and realistic. We work with entrepreneurs to structure loans that match their goals and income levels.
Step 5: Long-Term Support
Many people think support ends when the funding arrives. At MFC, that’s just the beginning.
We continue working with our clients to help them:
- Prepare for future loan applications
- Navigate challenges or unexpected changes
This is more than a loan. It’s a relationship that grows alongside your business.
Why Métis Entrepreneurs Choose MFC
Across British Columbia, Métis entrepreneurs trust MFC because we offer:
- Personalized support
- Culturally relevant business advice
Common Questions
Every business is different. What stays the same is our approach: respectful, responsive, and committed.
What kind of businesses can apply?
We support many industries, including trades, retail, personal services, online businesses, consulting, and more.
What if I’ve never run a business before?
That’s okay. We help first-time entrepreneurs all the time. We’ll walk you through the process and help you learn along the way.
Can women apply?
Absolutely. At this time, our Métis Women Entrepreneurship Program is under a relaunch but you can apply through our regular program. If our regular program does not align with your goals, we do have resources we can refer you to.
Do you only help full-time businesses?
No. Whether you’re part-time, self-employed, or just getting started, you can apply.
Are there any grants available?
While MFC offers a loan with eligible grant program (grant is not stand alone), we stay up to date on BC Métis business grants and other Indigenous economic development programs. If something fits your goals, we’ll help you explore it.
What about housing help?
MFC also offers the First-time Home Buyer Program, on behalf of MNBC for Métis, designed to help families save for down payments and closing costs.
Get Started Today
If you’ve been wondering how to start a Métis business or how to move forward with one you’ve already started, we invite you to reach out.
Working with MFC is about more than funding. It’s about trust, respect, and taking that first step with someone beside you.
Whether you’re in Kelowna, Vancouver Island, or Prince George, we’re ready to talk. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to start the conversation.
Visit mfcbc.ca to learn more or contact us here to speak with our team.
Together, we can take your business idea from possibility to plan.