Manitoba Metis Federation

Chair: Muriel Parker
Vice-Chair: Harold Johnson
Secretary: Bernie Vermette
Board Members: Greg Gaudry, Lorna Paul
MMF Ex-Officio Members: Leah LaPlante, Elbert Chartrand

OVERVIEW

The Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC) is a non-profit Manitoba Metis owned and controlled Aboriginal Capital Corporation (ACC) established in the fall of 1992. The LRCC has grown to become one of the most successful ACCs in the country. The Board of Directors is comprised of seven members, four of whom are appointed by the Manitoba Metis Community Investment Incorporation (MMCII), who, in turn, appoint the other three board members.

LRCC’s mission statement is: “To assist and further the development of Manitoba Metis business enterprise through the provision of financial and related advisory services.” The LRCC’s primary activity is providing developmental loan capital to Metis entrepreneurs for the acquisition, start-up and/or expansion of Metis owned or controlled businesses. The capital we provide is a fixed rate term loan, with a range of rates starting at 8.50 per cent to a maximum of 14.25 per cent. The interest rate is assessed based on risk and the security available. Our interest rate structure is very competitive with bank and credit union fixed rate financing. The fixed rate term loans we offer can be amortized to a maximum of ten (10) years, based on the life expectancy of the assets we are financing and/or the type of security available. We will also entertain loan requests for working capital and bridge loans. LRCC continues to offer business advisory services, which include assistance with business plans, bookkeeping, accounting, software support, marketing and promoting your business.

In September 2009, the LRCC delivered its second Metis-specific Build-a-Business Program in Winnipeg.The Metis Build-A-Business Program is structured to help Metis people in developing and finalizing a business plan that would assist them in obtaining financing in order to launch a new business, purchase an existing business or expand their business. We are currently looking at ways to deliver this program in the future to the other MMF Regions. Please contact our office at (1-800-387-6004) or visit our website (www.lrcc.mb.ca) for more information on this and other programs.

In April 2009, the LRCC launched its newly designed and expanded website, www.lrcc.mb.ca, along with a new selfregistering Metis Business Directory. The new interactive Metis Business Directory was a collaborative effort between the LRCC and the MMF. At this time, there are approximately 250 businesses registered with us, and their contact information is being added to the directory as their applications are deemed completed, which includes verification of Metis ownership. The new directory will aid the MMF and the LRCC in their procurement strategy to better utilize Metis businesses in the acquisition of services and products. The Metis Business Directory will also assist the public, other corporations and government in sourcing Metis businesses and services. One of the new features of the Business Directory is that you can search for businesses by name, industry or region.

We encourage all aspiring Metis entrepreneurs, as well as existing Metis business owners, to contact us directly to learn how the LRCC can add value and support to your business, including registering your business in our Business Directory.

340 – 150 Henry Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0J7
Phone: 204-589-0772
Fax: 204-589-0791
MB Toll Free: 1-800-387-6004
LRCC website: www.lrcc.mb.ca
Email: info@lrcc.mb.ca