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
Low-interest fundings from $25,000 to $250,000
0% interest for the first 12 months
No collateral or personal guarantees required
Strategic mentorship and growth planning
Access to expert advisors, networking events, and peer-learning cohorts
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:
Semi-monthly peer meetups
Guest experts tailored to your startup’s needs
Exclusive access to discounts, perks, advisors, and potential customers
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
Stage 2: Project Plan Submission
Stage 3: Investment Committee Review
- Application form, pitch deck, resumes of key personnel
- Proof of TRL 4 (e.g. screenshots, MVP, early prototype)
- Business plan, project roadmap, financials, legal docs, contracts, team bios
- Manitoba Innovates will provide a gap analysis and help structure the capital tranche
- Final proposal reviewed by external investors, ecosystem leaders, and MI partners
- Recommendations provided even if not approved
Would you like to apply?
Applying is easy. Just fill out the online form to start your application.
FAQs
How long does the process take?
Typically 6–12 weeks depending on documentation and cohort intake period.
Who sees my documents?
Manitoba Innovates staff and our investment review committee, all under NDA.
What if I don’t get approved?
You’ll still receive a detailed gap analysis and ecosystem referrals. Reapply next cohort.
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.