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COVID-19 Relief

Page last updated 12/21/20 11:33 AM

New! Supports for Métis Micro Businesses

Indigenous Community Business Fund (ICBF)

This fund will provide non-repayable financial support to Métis owned micro-business and businesses collectively owned by MNA Regions, Locals, and Métis Settlements that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or other federal support programs.

Eligible micro-businesses can receive contributions of up to $5,000 with collectives eligible for a maximum of $50,000. The non-repayable contributions can be used for operating costs like:

  • Salaries and benefits
  • Bank fees and interest payments
  • Rent and loan payments
  • Utilities
  • Other applicable operating costs

Apply today!

Micro Business Application

Community-owned Business Application

Watch the video with Mike Ivy to learn more about this fund and how to apply!

You can also read the FAQ

Now Accepting Applications for the Métis Business Emergency Loan.

TERM SHEET

APPLICATION

❗ Due to demand. Our Metis Business Emergency Loan is now only for those Metis owned businesses who have not received CEBA funding from their deposit bank.  If you are a CEBA recipient you are encouraged to go to your Bank for CEBA+ funding now available.

We are pleased to announce that we are now in a position to accept applications for the Métis Business Emergency Loan and Subsidy Program. Please carefully read the term sheet (these terms will change as the situation evolves) outlining how the subsidy program works before applying. Once ready, complete the Métis Business Emergency Loan Application. You can email your application to office@amdi.co (not a .com email).

❗ Due to the number of inquiries we have for this program, we anticipate a minimum of 5 days assessment, from receipt of the application – however this is dependent upon receiving all necessary information required at the time the application is received.

We appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any questions regarding the MBEL program please feel free to contact us directly;
Phone: 780-452-7951
Toll free: 1-800-252-7963

Additional information regarding support that AFI’s across Canada will be providing for their respective provinces can be found on the NACCA Covid-19 webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am also eligible to apply at my deposit bank for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Loan. Can I also apply for the Metis Business Emergency Loan?

A: No you must apply to your deposit bank for CEBA.  Our MBEL funding is now only for those Metis businesses who have not accessed CEBA.

Q: What if I don’t apply for the CEBA loan and elect to apply solely for the MBEL Program with Apeetogosan…can I receive 50% loan forgiveness?

A: No, if you do not apply for the CEBA loan and otherwise would be eligible, you will only receive 25% as a subsidy from MBEL.

Q: Are these loans Government of Canada Guaranteed:

A: No these loans do not have a government guarantee attached.

Q: Will these loans require security?

A: Yes the amount borrowed will require Apeetogosan to bind the repayment obligation to the business and the owner. The general security documents will require a Promissory Note, a General Security Agreement and a personal guarantee or co-signor of the individual (at the discretion of management).

Q: What am I allowed to use the funds for?

A: We will allow the funds to be used for legitimate business expenses, these include the following:

  • Rent or lease payments
  • Insurance
  • Loan payments on any business debt
  • Interest on business loans
  • Wages to arms-length employees
  • Supplies
  • Inventory
  • Small tools
  • Wages for draw to the owner or spouse (limit to $3,000 per month)
  • Advertising & promotion
  • Fuel & oil
  • Source deductions to CRA
    New capital purchases (i.e. equipment, vehicles)

Q: I currently have a loan with Apeetogosan; will I be required to make payments on this loan?

A: If you are a current Apeetogosan borrower and you receive funding for the MBEL Program you will be required to at least pay interest on the loan during your business interruption on a monthly basis. Principal payments on your loan will be deferred up to June 30, 2020. You will be allowed to claim the interest portion as an eligible business expense for purposes of receiving the MBEL subsidy.

Q: I am currently the owner and pay myself as a draw, dividend or a salary. Can I use the funds for this purpose?

A: Yes, however we will limit the amount you can pay yourself or your spouse (non-arms length) to $3,000 per month, combined per household. As well if you are also claiming the $2,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) you will be excluded from taking a salary or draw from your business during the months you are receiving the CERB.

Q: In addition to the completed application, what other paperwork or information should I be prepared to provide?

A: If Apeetogosan does not currently have it on file, you should provide the following:
– Certificate of Incorporation with confirmation of share structure (if corporation);
– Copy of last Annual Alberta Corporate Registry filing;
– Certificate of trade name registration (if a sole proprietor);
– Business Number with CRA;
– Most recent Annual Financial Statement prepared in 2019. If a sole proprietor your 2019 (if available) or 2018 T1 Tax return;
– Copy of your current MNA Membership card;
– Copy of a cheque or banking information of your business bank account.

Q: In order to ensure I receive the MBEL subsidy, what documents must I submit?

A: You must be prepared to submit copies of bank statements, credit card statements and/or invoices and receipts confirming that the funds were used for allowable business purposes. You will be assigned a Pinnacle consultant or Apeetogosan representative to work with you to vet the information and submit the claim to ensure the subsidy is applied to your loan account.

Q: What are the tax implications for my business if I receive a forgivable portion of my loan (subsidy)?

A: Any funds provided as a subsidy must be treated as revenue to the business in the period when it was received. Apeetogosan will not be issuing any tax slip for these funds.

REGARDING LOAN & MEAP APPLICATIONS:

The Métis Entrepreneurs’ Assistance Program (MEAP) is designed to assist Métis entrepreneurs to start and/or expand their for-profit business in Alberta. Given the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatic effects on our local, national and world economies we are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach for any new applicants to MEAP. While we are accepting new applications please be advised that it may be in the best interests of for everyone involved to assess, and re-assess their true market opportunity in today’s environment. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and we would request everyone to have patience while we obtain more clarity as to what future demand looks like.

MESSAGE TO OUR CURRENT CLIENTS:

Updated 05/01/20 8:49 AM

These are unprecedented times and we want to let you know that health and well-being of you and your family, along with everyone in the Apeetogosan community, is our first priority. Together, we can work through these difficult times and look forward to a prosperous future.

– Board and staff of Apeetogosan & Pinnacle Business Services Ltd.

If you need to contact any of our staff individually their phones numbers are below:

Sally Bidin-  780-447-6224
Cindy Castelletti –  780-447-6205
Joanne Gunville –  780-447-6201
Rachel Castelletti –  780-447-6208
Michael Abrantes –  780-447-6213
Ken Balcom –  780-447-6202

Insurance Coverage Issues – Many businesses have business interruption insurance; Now is the time to contact your insurance agent to review your policy to understand precisely what you are and are not covered for in the event of an extended incident.

For information regarding Covid-19 please visit trusted sources such as Alberta Health Services, Canada Health Services or the World Health Organization.