MEAP Grant Application

This program provides equity assistance for the start-up or the expansion of small businesses. The grant is for Métis individuals and is named The Métis Entrepreneurs’ Assistance Program (MEAP). Please note that you will be filling out one application that contains information for both the Grant and the Loan.

The MEAP grant is not a stand-alone grant. It is applied to approximately 30% of the total project costs. To receive the MEAP grant you must meet the eligibility requirements and be eligible for an AMDI loan. The breakdown is 10% equity contributed by you, 30% non-repayable grant funding and 60% AMDI loan financing to make up 100% of the total project costs.

Please review the eligibility requirements below before submitting your MEAP (Métis Entrepreneurs’ Assistance Program) Application.

    • You must be an Alberta Resident and your business must be located in Alberta, (starting a business in another province? Contact the office to ask for the phone number of the IFI for your province).

    • You must have a minimum of 6 months to one year of experience in the industry you are starting your business

    • Projects must be a start-up or expansion of a business.

    • The business must generate an income for the applicant of at least $20,000 annually

    • Total project must exceed $20,000

    • The applicant must obtain financing through Apeetogosan for the costs that are not covered by the grant and the cash equity

  • MEAP & SEAP are a non-repayable grant that is available to help mitigate how much you are borrowing from a financial institution. It can provide up to 30% of your project total to a maximum of $99,999. To apply for the grant you must meet all eligibility requirements.

    BE AWARE

    Certain costs are not eligible to be covered by the grant. These costs include; purchase of land and/or buildings, anything involving tobacco, cannabis distribution, gambling products or alcohol, development of any product, paying for a patent or assisting with testing of inventions/products, and development of land (creation of roads and infrastructure).

  • As mentioned above the grant can cover up to 30% of your costs, to a maximum of $99,999. You are required to have a minimum of 10% of your project totals costs. The remaining 60%, after your contribution and the grant, would be funds from a business loan.

    So for example if your project total was $100,000 here is what the break down would look like:

    Your cash equity: $10,000

    Grant equity: $30,000

    Business Loan: $60,000

  • It is important to submit the following with your application in order for it to be submitted for review.

    • Proof of Cash Equity (bank statement)

    • Resume

    • Provide evidence that you have a business opportunity

    • If you are an Incorporated Business we need a copy of your Incorporated Documents

    • If you are an expanding business you should include your financial statements for the past three years

    • If there is more than one owner, each owner must submit a filled out application

    You can submit your grant application in any manner that suits you:

    Mail

    Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.
    #302, 12308-111 Avenue
    Edmonton, AB T5M 2N4

    Email

    office@amdi.co

    Fax

    780-454-5997

    or Drop it off in person

    #302, 12308-111 Avenue
    Edmonton, AB T5M 2N4

Apply for the Grant

To get started you will need to download the MEAP (Métis Entrepreneurs’ Assistance Program) application form.

The application form is essentially your mini business plan. You should fill out the application form as completely leaving no blank spots if possible. If you are writing by hand please be sure to print legibly. Most importantly make sure you sign the final sheet of the application form.

Do you have any questions? Would you rather speak with someone before you fill out the application form? No problem!

Please call our office and someone will be happy to answer your questions and explain how this all works.

780-452-7951 / 1-800-252-7963

Once you are ready you can begin filling out the grant application form on your own. Of course if you would be more comfortable coming in and speaking with someone you can do that as well.

Submit your Grant Application

When you are ready to submit your grant application form be sure to send it with a copy of your Métis card and any other supporting documentation that you feel would support your application. You should keep all original documents and only send us copies.


If you are applying as a Status individual, you should direct your queries and application to Alberta Indian Investment Corp.

Call AIIC toll free 1-888-308-6789 or locally 780-470-3600

  • It is important to submit the following with your application in order for it to be submitted for review.

    • Proof of Cash Equity (bank statement)

    • Resume

    • Provide evidence that you have a business opportunity

    • If you are an Incorporated Business we need a copy of your Incorporated Documents

    • If you are an expanding business you should include your financial statements for the past three years

    • If there is more than one owner, each owner must submit a filled out application

    You can submit your grant application in any manner that suits you:

    Mail

    Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.
    #302, 12308-111 Avenue
    Edmonton, AB T5M 2N4

    Email

    office@amdi.co

    Fax

    780-454-5997

    or Drop it off in person

    #302, 12308-111 Avenue
    Edmonton, AB T5M 2N4

Eligibility

The Eligibility Criteria of MEAP (Grant)

  • Have a valid Métis Identification

  • Projects must be a start-up or expansion of a business.

  • Project must lead to full time employment (can not be part time or working another position elsewhere)

  • The business must generate an income for the applicant of at least $20,000 annually

  • The business must be the applicants main source of income

  • The applicant must be the majority owner of the business (at least 51% ownership in the company)

  • The applicant must be involved in the operations of the business

  • The applicant must have experience in the industry of the business (minimum six months – 1 year) and must be able to provide the service(s) offered by the business

  • The applicant must contribute a minimum of 10% cash equity of the project costs

  • The applicant must first apply for financing through Apeetogosan for costs not covered by the grant

  • The grant cannot contribute to passive investments, property, houses or buildings, cannabis or tobacco related businesses and the sale of alcohol or gambling products

  • The applicant must show that the business is viable and sustainable

  • The applicant must have the necessary licensing, safety or certification for their particular business

  • The business must be located in Alberta

  • The applicant must be a resident of Alberta for a minimum of six (6) months

  • The total project must exceed $20,000.

  • Costs already incurred or items you have already signed to purchase are not eligible for Grant funds. (It is not retroactive and you can not purchase or sign to purchase items you wish to include in your project costs.)

  • Business or asset acquisitions must be arm’s length transactions, (can not purchase from family members)

This is not a FULL list of eligibility requirements but does cover the basics. If you have any concerns about the eligibility of your project please call the office to speak to someone directly.

Did You Know?

If you received the grant in the past and a minimum of 2 years has passed – you can apply for the grant again.

If you are a Status individual you must apply to the Status Entrepreneur Assistance Program, please direct your inquiry to Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (AIIC).

For more financing options for Status entrepreneurs, please contact: 
Indian Business Corporation: Financing for First Nations People | Indian Business Corporation (IBC) (indianbc.ca) (403)-291-5151