Government of Canada supports 23 organizations in Manitoba by helping them get access to business services Français
5,600 employees will benefit from funding provided to Manitoba entrepreneurs to help them access the advice and tools they need to mitigate COVID-19 impacts on their businesses.
WINNIPEG, MB, Nov. 12, 2020 /CNW/ - From the outset, the Government of Canada has taken action to support businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to protect their contributions to the Canadian economy. One measure of support is the $1.5 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies and intended for small and medium-sized enterprises that have been unable to access other federal relief measures, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.
The pandemic has created new barriers and challenges for Manitoba businesses. The recent rise in COVID-19 cases has added to these challenges. Traditional supports, such as industry associations and Chambers of Commerce, have been working hard to address these challenges. This front-line network of local non-profit organizations offers solutions for local businesses and is important to the health of our economy.
Support for local businesses
Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced over $2.8 million for a robust series of initiatives led by Manitoba's non-profit business support network. This RRRF funding for 23 organizations will ultimately support enterprises in all stages of the business lifecycle, from nurturing start-ups to the ongoing development of mature firms. Many of the programs being funded are already under way, bringing immediate support for local companies, and making a difference for families and communities across the West.
As a result of this funding, over 5,600 employees in Manitoba businesses will benefit from the initiatives being delivered. RRRF will help industry sectors retain the knowledge and skills of valuable employees, and maintain the capital flows and supply chains needed to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic. This contributes to the Government's campaign to create one million jobs, restoring employment to previous levels.
For example, the Winnipeg and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce will provide critical business survival information to Manitoba businesses to assist them in mitigating the effects of COVID-19. The organizations will provide information and services that include business continuity planning, workplace preparedness, and information on safety requirements, leading to improved resiliency, productivity, and competitiveness of SMEs in a COVID-19 environment.
This RRRF funding complements the multi-faceted approach offered by WD to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. This approach includes the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund and the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program, among others.
Quotes
"Businesses all across Canada have been hard hit hard by COVID-19. That's why, through Regional Development Agencies like Western Economic Diversification Canada, the federal government is providing businesses vital support, and saving thousands of jobs. Our government committed to create one million jobs, and I want to assure Manitoba business owners and workers that while we manage this health crisis, we will be there to support you for as long as it takes, with whatever it takes, and we will get through this together."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
"One of the things I love best about serving Manitobans as an MP is working closely with so many great community organizations, including those that support our local businesses. Through this pandemic, I have seen them struggle to help local entrepreneurs stay afloat. Today's announcement is critical funding – a lifeline for local businesses and employees who rely on these community-based non-profit organizations."
- Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency)
Quick facts
- The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) was established to mitigate financial pressure experienced by businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and assist them to continue their operations and keep paying their employees.
- In the West, over $567 million in RRRF support is flowing through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).
- Through RRRF, WD is providing repayable interest-free contributions to eligible western firms seeking up to $40,000.
- Through RRRF, WD is also providing up to $1,000,000 in interest-free funding to cope with financial hardship resulting from COVID-19.
- Many business support organizations have been vital resources for local businesses to first, adapt to lockdown regulations, and then, to be ready as the economy began to open up. Through RRRF, WD is funding programs to help companies adapt to COVID-related requirements and new ways of doing business.
Associated links
- Western Economic Diversification Canada
- Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
- Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Stay Connected
Follow the department on Twitter: @WD_Canada
WD Homepage
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388
Backgrounder: Funding for Manitoba business support services
November 12, 2020 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced over $2.82 million for business support services across Manitoba. This WD funding comes from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) and supports the Government of Canada's efforts to create one million jobs.
The Government of Canada continues to provide funding directly to businesses and individuals to protect jobs and help them weather the economic impacts of COVID-19. But government can't do it alone. The funding in this announcement goes to not-for-profit organizations on the ground that help local businesses survive and thrive. Among the services they provide:
- Mentoring
- Networking
- Skills training
- Market intelligence
- Transitioning to a digital marketplace
These services are often as important as revenue and liquidity for the success of a small business.
$2.82 million to help support Manitoba's businesses
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund was established to reduce the financial pressure on businesses and allow them to keep operating. The projects announced today include funding for 23 projects to support local businesses across the province.
Complete list of 23 projects in this announcement
- Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce – Grand Rapids
- Alliance of Manufacturers & Exporters Canada
- BioScience Association of Manitoba Inc.
- Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development Inc. (CAHRD)
- CentrePort Canada Inc.
- Creative Manitoba Inc.
- Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
- Information and Communications Association of Manitoba
- Keystone Agricultural Producers Inc.
- Manitoba Food Processors Association Inc.
- Manitoba Music Industry Association Inc.
- Manitoba Restaurant Association Inc.
- Manitoba Trucking Association
- New Media Manitoba Inc.
- North Forge Technology Exchange
- On Screen Manitoba Incorporated
- Supply Chain Management Association of Manitoba Inc.
- The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
- The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
- University College of the North
- Vehicle Technology Centre Inc.
- Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association Inc.
- World Trade Centre Winnipeg
SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, [email protected]; Western Economic Diversification Canada: Nathalie Leroux, Director of Policy, Planning and External Relations, Western Economic Diversification, [email protected]
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