— Please note all Covid-19 programs (including Micro-Business Fund) are now closed —
Métis Micro-Business Fund
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and the Métis Voyageur Development Fund (MVDF) are committed to supporting Métis-owned small, home-based and family businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The new Métis Micro-Business Fund is intended to relieve financial pressure, support the viability of Métis-owned small and micro-businesses, and strengthen operations so they are well positioned for recovery.
This fund will provide non-repayable financial support to Métis home and family based businesses, generating less than $40,000 in a year that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or a COVID-19 loan from the MVDF.
Eligible micro-businesses may receive contributions of up to $8,000, based on revenue.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
• MNO Citizen (must provide citizenship number on application)
• 18 years of age or older
• Lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Business revenue of less than $40K/yr
• Total family income of less than $160K/yr
• Have not accessed CEBA through a mainstream financial institution or Métis Emergency Business Funding (MEBF) through MVDF
What is considered a microbusiness?
Métis micro-entrepreneurs might include:
Crafters (beadwork, painters, carvers, artisans, etc.); individuals that cook/bake/make Medicines; individuals who conduct cultural events (fiddlers, dancers, etc.); Guides for the tourist industry; Trappers; individuals that run a small business from their home (hairdressing, sewing, house cleaning, etc.)