Manitoba Invests Program
The Manitoba Invests Program provides non-dilutive, early-stage capital through flexible, founder-friendly fundings. This program is designed to help Manitoba-based startups grow, overcome barriers, and bring their solutions to market.
We offer capital, mentorship, and access to a peer community of founders. If you're ready to scale your business and need the right financial partner to get there, Manitoba Invests is here to help.
What You Get
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Low-interest fundings from $25,000 to $250,000
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0% interest for the first 12 months
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No collateral or personal guarantees required
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Strategic mentorship and growth planning
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Access to expert advisors, networking events, and peer-learning cohorts
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Post-funding founder support including reporting, marketing, mental health, and ecosystem introductions
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a full-time founder
- Headquarters must be in Manitoba
- Company must have invested at least $100,000 (can be in-kind)
- Must be a registered Manitoba Innovates Partner
- Must be at TRL 4 or above
Funding Terms
- 0% interest for months 0–12
- 5% interest for months 13–36
- 10% interest for months 37–60
- Term: 5 years
- Flexible use of funds; no equity taken
Beyond the Funding
Startups who receive investment join a six-month founder cohort with:
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Semi-monthly peer meetups
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Guest experts tailored to your startup’s needs
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Exclusive access to discounts, perks, advisors, and potential customers
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Continued mentorship and check-ins throughout the term of the funding
Application Process
We run semi-annual intake periods (August & February)
Applications are reviewed in stages:
Stage 1: Initial Application
- Application form, pitch deck, resumes of key personnel
- Proof of TRL 4 (e.g. screenshots, MVP, early prototype)
Stage 2: Project Plan Submission
- Business plan, project roadmap, financials, legal docs, contracts, team bios
- Manitoba Innovates will provide a gap analysis and help structure the capital tranche
Stage 3: Investment Committee Review
- Final proposal reviewed by external investors, ecosystem leaders, and MI partners
- Recommendations provided even if not approved
Would you like to apply?
FAQs
How long does the process take?Typically 6–12 weeks depending on documentation and cohort intake period. What if I don’t get approved?You’ll still receive a detailed gap analysis and ecosystem referrals. Reapply next cohort. | Who sees my documents?Manitoba Innovates staff and our investment review committee, all under NDA. Is mentorship included?Yes. We connect you with CEO mentors, advisors, and other founders in your stage. |
We're here to help!
Let us know how we can assist you.