First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Skills Development Program

Building strong management and marketing skills can be one of the biggest hurdles for new and growing Indigenous-owned businesses. For First Nations entrepreneurs in Manitoba who want to strengthen their business readiness, the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund — Skills Development Program offers targeted support to make professional training more accessible and affordable. The program focuses on practical learning that helps business owners and managers make better strategic decisions, improve market reach, and position their ventures for sustainable growth.

Delivered by the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc., this initiative helps cover a significant portion of approved training costs, often up to three-quarters of expenses such as tuition, workshop fees, and required course materials. Rather than funding formal degrees, the program is geared toward short-term, skills-based learning, including workshops, specialized courses, or even customized on-the-job training that directly supports business management and marketing development. This makes it particularly relevant for startups and small to medium-sized businesses looking for hands-on knowledge they can apply immediately.

By reducing the financial barrier to high-quality training, the Skills Development Program allows First Nations business owners to invest in their own capabilities and the long-term success of their enterprises. For entrepreneurs in Manitoba considering management or marketing training and wanting to understand whether their plans align with the program’s requirements, exploring the full details can help clarify the next steps.