North Forge: Indigenous Entrepreneur Scholarships

Description

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.

Applications Close August 27, 2025. Apply: https://www.northforge.ca/indigenous-scholarship

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:

• Self-identified Indigenous entrepreneurs (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit)
• Aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs with a product idea or business concept
• Youth and young adults, though applicants of any age will be considered
• Residents of Manitoba, especially from rural, northern, or remote communities
• Applicants who demonstrate motivation and a willingness to learn new technologies
• 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:

• 1-Year Membership to the North Forge Fabrication Lab 
• Advanced Training on Prototyping Equipment 
• Shelf Space for Projects 
• $500 toward project materials
• Mentorship & Entrepreneurial Support
• 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.