The $50 Million Fund Supports Initiatives to Future Growth.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is pleased to announce the final projects receiving funding as part of the Government of Manitoba’s $50-million Pandemic Long-Term Recovery Fund.
“The financial support, provided by the Government of Manitoba, will be used to support a number of key projects that will see benefits for Indigenous business owners, women entrepreneurs and the tourism sector,” said Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Chuck Davidson. “This funding is an investment in key areas for key projects that will increase the knowledge base for better business, a better economy and a better Manitoba.”
Announced in December 2020, and administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the Fund provides businesses and industries with support needed to invest in their employees, expand and diversify their operations, and remain competitive in the global market.
“Each strategic investment from the Long-Term Recovery Fund over the last three years has been vital in supporting the sustainability of Manitoba businesses, boosting their competitiveness and preparing them for the economic opportunities ahead for our province,” said Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Jeff Wharton. “Thank you to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce for their successful stewardship of this fund and congratulations to all the final recipients awarded funding today. These investments will continue paving the way to a more resilient and prosperous future for Manitobans and their communities.”
Projects include:
The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will receive $225,000 to design and develop an Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) and create a certification criteria and validation process to determine the level of Indigenous ownership within each individual company. There is currently no recognized database with a comprehensive list of Indigenous Manitoba-owned businesses, and the absence of an IBD limits the ability to have a clear line of sight into the Indigenous business community. As a result, governments, the ICC, or other organizations are unable to quickly gauge the size, composition, location, and overall value of Manitoba’s Indigenous businesses, limiting their visibility and market visibility.
The Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba (WECM) will receive $75,000 that will contribute to the development of two reports that focus on women’s entrepreneurship in Manitoba. The first report will focus on the state of women’s entrepreneurship in Manitoba, with a delivery timeline of September 2023. The second report will be an impact assessment of WECM. To date WECM has relied on national reports and data. This project will provide reliable information exclusive to Manitoba women-identified, non-binary, and Two-Spirit owned and partnered businesses, guiding the organization and community partners in supporting this crucial sector of entrepreneurs.
The newly established Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba will receive $75,000 for the development of a conference focused on addressing labour shortages in the tourism sector in rural and northern Manitoba, promoting Indigenous tourism, and empowering women in the industry.
The Grow Brandon Steering Committee, spearheaded by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, along with various community stakeholders, will receive $20,000 that will be used to help create a comprehensive economic development plan for the region, with the goal to build a thriving business environment that benefits both existing enterprises and attracts new investments.
“The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce is honoured to work with the Government of Manitoba to bring together information related to Indigenous businesses across Manitoba. The Indigenous Chamber’s vision is “Thriving Indigenous businesses in a growing Indigenous economy” and this is an excellent opportunity to highlight and showcase the many Indigenous economic success stories through an Indigenous business listing,” said Indigenous Chamber of Commerce chair Vanessa Everett.
“The Indigenous Chamber can play an important role in acting as a central hub of Indigenous businesses information building on and enhancing the work of several Indigenous business entities already in existence. We look forward to collaborating with the many Indigenous economic stakeholders to ensure that Indigenous businesses are highlighted and identified as authentic Indigenous businesses as designated by the Indigenous business community,” added Everett.
To learn more about the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, visit mbchamber.mb.ca
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