Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarships
Empowering Indigenous Innovators to Build, Create, and Lead. A Collaboration Between North Forge & Community Futures Manitoba In alignment with the Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) program
Empowering Indigenous Innovators to Build.
The North Forge Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarships provide emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs with direct access to state-of-the-art prototyping tools, mentorship, and a creative entrepreneurial community through North Forge.
With support from Community Futures Manitoba, this initiative aims to break down financial and systemic barriers, empowering Indigenous innovators to turn bold ideas into impactful businesses.
The North Forge Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarship is open to:
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Self-identified Indigenous entrepreneurs (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit)
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Aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs with a product idea or business concept
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Youth and young adults, though applicants of any age will be considered
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Residents of Manitoba, especially from rural, northern, or remote communities
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Applicants who demonstrate motivation and a willingness to learn new technologies
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Women and LGBTQ2+ entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to apply
No previous experience with prototyping, business ownership, or the FabLab is required, just a bold idea, a growth mindset, and a commitment to exploring innovation.
The North Forge Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarships are designed to fuel innovation and remove barriers for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Manitoba. With support from Community Futures Manitoba, through Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS), and delivered in partnership with North Forge, this initiative provides Indigenous youth with direct access to one of North America's largest publicly accessible fabrication labs, the North Forge FabLab.
Scholarship recipients gain access to:
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1-Year Membership to the North Forge Fabrication Lab
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Advanced Training on Prototyping Equipment
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Shelf Space for Projects
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$500 toward project materials
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Mentorship & Entrepreneurial Support
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A supportive network within Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem
These scholarships, valued at $7,700 each, represent a commitment to Indigenous-led innovation, ensuring that creative ideas are never limited by access to tools or resources.
“This scholarship offers me a meaningful opportunity to connect with my community while growing my business. It supports not only my entrepreneurial goals but also my journey of identity, belonging, and creative purpose”
Chantel Arcand – Founder of Inara Hat Co.
2025/2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarship Recipient
With a background in design and craftsmanship, Chantel Arcand is blending creativity and culture through Inara Hat Co. Her work pairs traditional artistry with modern tools to create handcrafted hats that tell a story of identity and belonging. By combining intentional design with innovative production techniques, Chantel is building a brand that celebrates Indigenous creativity while bringing timeless craftsmanship into contemporary fashion.
The scholarship program first launched in 2018 with a vision: to empower Indigenous youth entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life with the right tools, training, and mentorship. Community Futures Manitoba, through its delivery of the IBDS project, has been a champion of this initiative since the beginning.
“This program represents exactly what the Indigenous Business Development Services initiative was built to do—break barriers and create opportunities.” — Jason Denbow, Executive Director, Community Futures Manitoba
This scholarship is more than funding, it’s an invitation to dream, build, and thrive. Indigenous entrepreneurs are supported not just with tools and space, but with mentorship and community. From concept to prototype to product launch, North Forge is investing in Indigenous-led innovation for the long term
“This scholarship gave me a safe creative space, a supportive community, and the tools to scale. I’m pushing beyond my comfort zone—and I love it.”
Chantel Wilson – Founder, Our Native Exquisite
2023/2024 Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarship Recipient
With over ten years of experience crafting traditional moccasins and mukluks, Chantel is now blending heritage with innovation. Through the use of laser cutting and industrial sewing equipment, she’s streamlining her production process while preserving the intricate artistry and cultural authenticity at the heart of her Indigenous designs.
Past recipients
Apply for the
North Forge Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarship
Are you a self-identified Indigenous entrepreneur in Manitoba with a bold idea and a desire to build something new? This opportunity is open to aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs of all ages, with priority for those in rural, northern, or remote communities. No prior business or prototyping experience is needed—just motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Women and LGBTQ2+ applicants are especially encouraged to apply.
