Frequently Asked Questions

The MEAP Grant stands for Métis Entrepreneurship Assistance Program Grant.
It provides non-repayable financial support to help Métis entrepreneurs start, expand, or purchase a business.

The MEAP Grant is offered alongside an Apeetogosan loan to reduce the amount that needs to be borrowed and to make projects more affordable.

No. The MEAP Grant is designed to work in partnership with an Apeetogosan loan.
The grant portion helps reduce the total amount a client needs to borrow, but it cannot be issued on its own.
Applicants must qualify for loan financing to access MEAP funding.

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your business and the completeness of your application.
Generally, applications can take 20-24 weeks from submission to final decision, provided all required documents are received.

This is due to the high volume of applications we receive and our commitment to giving each one the careful attention it deserves.

Each application goes through several steps, including business plan review, financial analysis, credit checks, and final funding approval.
We understand the wait can be challenging and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure fair and thorough assessments for every applicant.

When applying for funding through Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc., you’ll need to include documents that help us assess your business and financial readiness.
Typical supporting documents include:

• Completed application form

• Quotes or estimates for equipment, supplies, or project costs

• Personal identification (such as a driver’s license or Passport)

• Proof of Métis Heritage

• Proof of your 10% cash equity

• Business financial statements for the last 2 years (if applying as an existing business for expansion funding)

• Resume outlining your experience and background

• Partnership or incorporation documents (if applicable)

We do not recommend signing a lease or rental agreement before your funding has been approved.
Apeetogosan cannot guarantee funding until the full review process is complete, and entering into financial commitments too early could create unnecessary risk.

No. Expenses made before your funding is approved are not eligible for reimbursement.
Only costs incurred after written approval and the completion of all required documents can be considered part of your funded project.

If you’re planning to make a purchase that may be covered by your funding, please wait until your approval letter and financing agreement are in place.
This ensures your expenses are eligible and helps you avoid out-of-pocket costs that cannot be recovered.

Eligible startup costs can include reasonable and necessary expenses required to get your business up and running.
Examples include:

• Equipment and tools needed to operate your business

• Initial inventory or supplies

• Leasehold improvements (such as renovations to a rented space)

• Furniture or fixtures

• Business vehicle (if essential to operations)

• Licensing, permits, and insurance

• Marketing and signage

• Professional fees (legal, accounting, or startup consulting)

• Working capital for the first three months of operations (e.g. insurance, rent, utilities, or minor operating costs)

A hard credit check is a detailed review of your credit history completed by a financial institution or lender as part of the funding application process.
It allows us to assess your ability to manage credit and make responsible financial decisions.

A hard credit check appears on your credit report and may cause a small, temporary impact on your credit score.
This is a standard step for all applicants applying for funding through Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. and is done to ensure fair, responsible lending practices.

All credit information is kept strictly confidential and used only for funding assessment purposes.

Yes. In most cases (Full-Time and Part-time program), Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. requires security or collateral for the loan portion of your funding.
Collateral helps protect both you and the lender by securing the funds against business assets or personal property.

The type of security required depends on your project and may include:

• Business assets such as equipment, vehicles, or inventory

• A general security agreement (GSA) on business assets

• In some cases, personal guarantees may also be required

Once your funding has been approved, Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. releases funds based on approved invoices and receipts.

Payments are made directly to suppliers or vendors for approved expenses related to your business.
If you’ve already paid for an approved item yourself, you must submit:

• The invoice made out to your business name, and

• Proof of payment, such as a receipt or bank statement.

All invoices and receipts must be issued in the business name listed on your application — not in a personal name — to ensure proper verification and accountability.

This process ensures that funding is used exactly as approved and helps protect both the entrepreneur and the program.

Pinnacle Business Services will contact you after your application has passed the initial review stage with Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.

At this point, you’ll be invited to begin working with a Business Advisor to develop your business plan and financial projections.
Please note that passing the first review stage does not mean your funding is approved — it simply means your application is eligible to move forward for further assessment.

Once your business plan is complete, it will be included in the next stage of the funding review process.

Once funding is approved, Pinnacle Business Services offers basic bookkeeping support focused on record reconciliation.
This helps entrepreneurs maintain accurate financial records but does not include payroll, GST filing, or tax preparation.