What is the Indigenous Business Development Services Program?

The Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Program is comprised of organizations who offer services to Indigenous entrepreneurs.

We offer:

• Business information and resource materials
• Assistance with business plan preparation
• Business advisory services
• Training in the form of workshops and seminars

Business Development Resources

• Business Planning Workbook (PDF)
• Guide to Starting a Business in a First Nation Community (PDF)

Dragon's Quest Business Plan Competition 2023

Each year, the Indigenous Business Development Services project sponsors an Indigenous Business Planning Competition, evoking the spirit of entrepreneurship. Winners receive up to $7,500 towards starting their business!

Applicants will submit their business plan to be judged by a panel of experts from organizations involved in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship <2023 Dragon's Quest competition to be held at the Vision Quest Conference May 2023 - RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg> 

Deadline Date for 2023 Intake is March 15, 2023 at 4:30pm: Contest entries should be submitted to Raena Baker, Indigenous Business Development Services Project Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dragon's Quest Competition Resources

• Terms and Conditions
• Dragons Quest Entry Form

Dragon's Quest Business Planning Competition - Vision Quest 2019

Call for Proposals 2023/2024 - Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Capacity Building Projects

The Indigenous Business Development Services program invites organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs to submit proposals for Capacity Building Projects.

Capacity building projects are designed to allow organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs to access up to $5,000 to implement projects that will encourage, support and/or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba. Applications will be accepted from individual organizations, but preference will be given to applications demonstrating partnerships among service providers/partners.

All projects must be completed by March 31, 2024.

Submissions must include a completed application form (link below) and a budget and cash flow summary. Additional information may be included. Please attach additional pages if you require more space.

Submissions will be accepted by fax or email. Please forward all submissions to Raena Baker, IBDS Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2023-2024_Capacity_Building_Application_Form.docx

Contact IBDS

Raena Baker, Project Coordinator

Phone: 204-944-8438
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.