Backgrounder: The three levels of government signal a new approach to collaboration and partnership in Manitoba

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, Terry Duguid announced a contribution of $1,954,653 in funding to four projects that will support social enterprises and social innovation in Manitoba and across the Prairies.

3 Thinkers Innovation Inc. will receive $792,650 to establish a Prairie Impact Outcomes Accelerator (PIOA) in Manitoba that will help entrepreneurs in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to scale start-ups with a focus on social innovation. The PIOA will support entrepreneurs and businesses, primarily in the digital technology sector, to create jobs, commercialize products, and support underrepresented groups.

Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) will receive $75,000 over three years to support its annual “Gathering” event, to be held in Winnipeg. CCEDNet is a network made up of non-profit, co-operative, and social enterprise organizations that work in the community economic development sector. Attracting more than 300 attendees annually, the Gathering is one of the largest community economic development conferences in Canada and is an opportunity to share information, exchange best practices and spur positive change.

Social Entrepreneurship Enclave will receive $456,000 to expand programing and implement new initiatives to strengthen an inclusive innovation ecosystem in Manitoba. The focus of activities will be on addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups and entrepreneurs. One-on-one venture coaching, business services, workshops, weekly founders’ meetups and connections to expertise will help to grow businesses. Funding will also support business model development, rapid prototyping and market testing, and preparation for startups to secure investment.

BUILD and Purpose Construction will receive $631,000 to complete a green retrofit of their headquarters, establishing a demonstration project in Winnipeg’s inner-city that creates employment and training opportunities for vulnerable people, including those who were previously incarcerated and who want to re-establish themselves as positive contributors to society. Correctional Service Canada will also provide $940,000 to the project.

According to Social Enterprise Manitoba, a social enterprise is a community-based business that sells goods or services in the marketplace to achieve a social, cultural and/or environmental purpose; they also reinvest their profits to maximize their social mission.

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• News Release: Three levels of government signal a new approach to collaboration and partnership in Manitoba

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)
• Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD)
• Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF)