Backgrounder: Minister Vandal announces federal investments in trade and new markets to help move Manitoba businesses forward

The Government of Canada is investing $7,501,784 to support five projects in Manitoba.

This strategic funding will contribute to building a strong, competitive economy while placing a focus on workforce development, innovation, and trade.

Regional Innovations Ecosystem Program (RIE) – Investment of $5,662,000

The RIE program 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.

• North Forge ($2,070,000)
  Enhance incubator/accelerator programming to grow the Manitoba innovation ecosystem. To date, 120 Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) or startups have raised over $8.5 million with over $7.7 million in revenue growth.

• Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) ($2,500,000)
  Develop marketing initiatives to strengthen Foreign Direct Investment. Through this investment, EDW aims to attract foreign companies to fill gaps in key Manitoba sectors.

• Manitoba Music Industry Association ($1,092,000)
  Increase export market development and business growth of Manitoba-based music companies. This investment has resulted in artists being signed and Manitoba songwriters being published.

Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) – Investment of $1,859,784

The JGF provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. PrairiesCan is investing $122.9 million to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, promoting an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs across the Prairies.

• CentrePort Canada ($260,000)
  Work to build supply chain efficiencies for CentrePort as well as other companies in Manitoba. As a direct result of this investment, more than 50 business development meetings were held thanks to a proactive outreach and two open leads are in progress with companies exploring development opportunities at the inland port.

• Economic Development Winnipeg ($1,579,784)
  Implement a jobs portal and talent services to support key sectors in Manitoba. This is resulting in Manitoba being positioned as a leader in the creative sector.

Related products

• News release: Minister Vandal announces federal investments in trade and new markets to help move Manitoba businesses forward

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Regional Innovations Ecosystem Program
• Jobs and Growth Fund