Administered by Government of Alberta · Last verified: July 2026
An Alberta Métis-owned lending institution that finances the start-up, acquisition, or expansion of Métis-owned businesses in the province. Its Métis Economic Assistance Program blends a loan with a non-repayable grant and a 10 percent owner equity contribution, with project sizes from roughly $20,000 to $330,000 for full-time businesses. A separate Métis Women Micro-Business stream offers a 40 percent non-repayable subsidy on projects from $5,000 to $25,000. The lender can finance up to 90 percent of project costs.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityApeetogosan (Métis) Development: Business Financing (MEAP) is generally open to incorporated, self-employed, partnership businesses, in Alberta. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Financing from $5,000 to $325,000; up to 90% of project costs. The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
1. Confirm Alberta residency and at least 51% Métis ownership 2. Book a meeting with an Apeetogosan business advisor 3. Prepare your business plan and project budget 4. Submit the MEAP online application
Typically $1 million to $10 million per project, depending on scope
INCENTIVEUp to $75 per square foot of converted office space
INCENTIVELoans up to approximately $1,000,000 (average around $70,000)