Over $3.9 million of
PrairiesCan funding to support entrepreneurs in six Manitoba communities
WINNIPEG, MB, June 25,
2024 /CNW/ - Diversity is one of Canada's greatest strengths, and that couldn't
be more true in Manitoba. Our
economy gains when entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds have a
strong foundation to grow their businesses. By promoting growth and
innovation in communities across the province, the Government of
Canada is taking significant steps
to help ensure Manitoba's
entrepreneurs have access to key supports, and Indigenous
businesses flourish.
Today, at Manitou a bi Bii
daziigae at the RRC Polytech Exchange District campus, the
Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced over
$3.9 million for six projects across
the province to help support economic development and inclusion in
Manitoba.
These investments will attract tourists to Manitoba, create jobs, train people, assist
Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises, and increase export sales. The
organizations delivering these projects are located across
Manitoba: Westman Immigrant
Services in Brandon, Swampy Cree
Tribal Council Inc. communities, Atoskiwin Training and Employment
Centre on Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, National Indigenous
Residential School Museum in Portage la Prairie and RRC Polytech
and Indigenous Tourism Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Investments in the projects are supported through the Community
Economic Development and Diversification Program (CEDD), Regional
Innovations Ecosystem Program (RIE), Tourism Growth Program (TGP),
and Tourism Relief Fund (TRF). PrairiesCan administers all four
federal programs in Manitoba.
Quotes
"Our government is committed to creating economic opportunities
and ensuring everyone gets a fair shake. By making strategic
investments that support Indigenous entrepreneurship and
communities, we open up new opportunities. Today's investments will
provide training and mentorship, assist entrepreneurs to take
risks, and help businesses grow."
–The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan
"Creating opportunities to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship
is a role that RRC Polytech must play as we continue to support
student success in Manitoba.
Lifelong learning is second nature and something we pass down from
generation to generation. Mittohnee Pogo'otah (Mittohnee) is such a
lesson, one my father learned in his youth from an older member of
our community on a hunting trip. It means 'If you are going to do
it, do it right. If you don't know how to do it right, learn how.'
This is where we can bring together the discipline and innovation
to learn how. Through Mittohnee, we will create the space and
provide the right resources and mentorship to help transform the
business ideas Indigenous students develop in the classroom, into
successful ventures that can positively impact their community.
This is a uniquely Manitoba
example of economic reconciliation in action, and with support from
Prairies Economic Development Canada, the Province of Manitoba, TD Canada Trust, and Canada Life,
RRC Polytech will be the first post-secondary institution to offer
this unique initiative here in the province."
–Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and
Business Development, RRC Polytech
"Thanks to the partnership with PrairiesCan and the Tourism
Relief Fund, the Indigenous-owned and operated National Indigenous
Residential School Museum supports tourism for Long Plain First Nation and Portage la Prairie,
while playing an important educational role in visitors'
reconciliation journeys. This essential support was an important
step in PrairiesCan's ongoing commitment to truth and
reconciliation, as we continue to advance our vision for the museum
and offer a powerful and authentic visitor experience."
–Chief David Meeches,
Long Plain First Nation
"The Westman Region has seen unprecedented levels of immigrant
and international student growth. With prior professional
expertise, unique industry experience, and broad international
exposure, many of these individuals have aspirations of starting
their own business. While these newcomers have significant
potential, additional support is needed to increase their
understanding of local regulations or available resources to start
or grow their business. With the investment from PrairiesCan, the
new Entrepreneurship Hub located in downtown Brandon can bridge this gap by connecting
these individuals to training, mentorship, networking
opportunities, and additional community resources. This initiative
will also support an ecosystem to connect new immigrant
entrepreneurs and established local business, which will strengthen
the economic fabric of our region."
–Enver Naidoo, Chief
Executive Officer, Westman Immigrant Services
"Indigenous Tourism Manitoba expresses its gratitude for the
support extended by PrairiesCan. This financial assistance will
help develop a comprehensive Manitoba Indigenous tourism strategy
for the next five years, create an Indigenous tour guide training
curriculum, and establish collaborative partnerships with
Indigenous communities to enhance visitors' participation at their
annual events."
–Holly Courchene, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Tourism
Manitoba
Quick facts
- The Community Economic Development and Diversification Program
(CEDD), aims to generate sustainable, inclusive economic growth and
help communities in Alberta,
Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to fully participate in and benefit
from economic opportunities.
- Through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program, the
Government of Canada makes
targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations that support
businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete
globally. RIE is open to not-for-profit organizations that support
businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs, for start-up, growth,
productivity, technology commercialization, technology adoption,
export, and investment attraction.
- The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) aims to help Indigenous and
non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and
non-profit organizations to develop local tourism products and
experiences that position Canada
as an all-seasons destination of choice for domestic and
international travellers.
- The Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) supported tourism businesses and
organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health
requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate
their future growth. Applications for this fund are no longer being
accepted.
Backgrounder
The Government of Canada is
investing $3,923,289 to support six
(6) projects in Manitoba. The
combined investments will support economic development,
entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth in Manitoba.
Community Economic Development and Diversification Program
(CEDD) – Investment of $1,749,289
Through the CEDD Program, PrairiesCan makes targeted investments
that aim to generate sustainable, inclusive economic growth and
help communities in Alberta,
Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to fully participate in and benefit
from economic opportunities. Three Manitoba recipients of this funding were
announced today:
- Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre ($500,000) – Nisichawayasihk Cree
Nation
Increase trades training and green housing supply
for Northern Manitoba First Nations.
- Swampy Cree Tribal Council Inc. ($81,119) – Opaskwayak Cree
Nation
Increase Economic Prosperity for Northern Manitoba
Indigenous Communities
- Westman Immigrant Services ($1,168,170) – Brandon
Develop an entrepreneurial
capacity building hub to support newcomers in western Manitoba.
Regional Innovations Ecosystem Program (RIE) – Investment of
$1,500,000
Through the RIE program, the Government of Canada makes targeted investments in
not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in priority
sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally. RIE is open to
not-for-profit organizations that support businesses, innovators,
and entrepreneurs, for start-up, growth, productivity, technology
commercialization, technology adoption, and export and investment
attraction. Project funding announced today:
- RRC Polytech ($1,500,000) – Winnipeg
Establish Indigenous-led
entrepreneurship incubator and accelerator.
Tourism Growth Program (TGP) – Investment of
$277,500
The TGP aims to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities,
small and medium-sized businesses, and non-profit organizations to
develop local tourism products and experiences that position
Canada as an all-seasons
destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.
Project funding announced today:
- Indigenous Tourism Manitoba ($277,500) – Winnipeg
Support the growth of the
Indigenous Tourism industry in Manitoba.
Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) – Investment of ($396,500)
The TRF supported tourism businesses and organizations to adapt
their operations to meet public health requirements while investing
in products and services to facilitate their future
growth. Applications for this fund are no longer being
accepted. Project funding announced today:
- National Indigenous Residential School
Museum ($396,500)
– Portage La
Prairie
Create an Indigenous Residential School
Tourism Experience in Manitoba.
Associated links
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
- Community Economic Development and Diversification Program
- Regional Innovations Ecosystem Program
- Tourism Growth Program
- Tourism Relief Fund
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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada