November 17, 2014
Investment in Startup Winnipeg Strengthens Innovation Alley in Supporting Entrepreneurs to Start, Grow their Businesses
– – –New TechFutures Grant Turns Technology Ideas into New Business Opportunities: Minister Chief
To help entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors get their new ideas off the ground, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced new funding support for Startup Winnipeg today. The new three-year $300,000 investment comes in advance of the semi-annual Ramp Up weekend, running Nov. 21 to 23 at the Asper Executive Centre, 177 Lombard Ave.
“There has been incredible momentum surrounding Startup Winnipeg and today we’re building on that momentum and the hard work of many young entrepreneurs by providing this additional support,” said Minister Chief. “This funding will propel inventors to take the next step in their careers and help them succeed while continuing to engage the community in all that Innovation Alley has to offer.”
“I want to thank Minister Chief and the Province of Manitoba for this three-year commitment to help local business in Winnipeg’s tech sector get off the ground and access resources that will help them grow and thrive on a national and international level,” said Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg. “Thanks to Startup Winnipeg, we will see stability for businesses in our creative sector downtown and help build the call to international investors to use leading innovators from right here in Winnipeg.”
Startup Winnipeg is a non-profit, volunteer-operated organization dedicated to providing a community of support for entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators, artists and existing businesses. This includes providing 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment and educational services that support rapid prototyping, 3D printing, electronics, woodworking, metalworking and many other creative disciplines.
“The support from the Manitoba government could not come at a better time,” said Michael Legary, chair, Startup Winnipeg. “The number of new, entrepreneurial businesses starting in Winnipeg is trending to an all-time high and this funding will allow us to further the services and support network being provided by the private industry sponsors of Startup Winnipeg and Innovation Alley.”
The Manitoba government is also launching TechFutures, a new program that will provide financial assistance, training and business counselling for up to 20 young, aspiring entrepreneurs each year to help them launch or grow early stage technology businesses, the minister noted.
Ten awards will be handed out in two semi-annual application intakes. Full program guidelines and applications will be available online beginning Nov. 28 at www.gov.mb.ca/techfutures. The first intake of applications will open Dec. 1 and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Dec. 31.
The minister noted two of the first 10 awards will be presented to the top two eligible business ideas at this weekend’s Ramp Up event.
The new program will be administered and co-ordinated with community partners that are currently working with local entrepreneurs including Startup Winnipeg, Innovate Manitoba and Futurpreneur Canada (Manitoba Division).
Applicants must be residents of Manitoba, between 18 and 34 years of age. Each award will consist of the following:
- $3,000 in financial assistance,
- lean startup training from Innovate Manitoba in either Winnipeg or Brandon, and
- business counselling and services from Entrepreneurship Manitoba.
Visit www.gov.mb.ca/techfutures for full program details.
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