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Province Announces Partner 4 Growth Program Accepting Grant Applications

The Manitoba government encourages community-led economic development organizations to apply for funding under the Partner 4 Growth program, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.

“Amazing things can happen when local leaders work together with a common goal in mind,” said Minister Kostyshyn.  “The Partner 4 Growth program helps communities identify their own unique resources and needs, then build on this information to create new opportunities and jobs.  As a result, all partners in the region benefit from economic growth and diversification.”

The minister noted a total of $260,000 is available this year to support community projects focused on diversifying and strengthening local economies and creating jobs.  A grant of up to $8,000 is available to identify economic opportunities or investigate their feasibility.  A grant of up to $15,000 is available for activities that build on the earlier process, to help communities take advantage of these economic opportunities.  Projects must be regionally focused and involve more than one local government to support regional partnerships and broader economic planning.

“Municipal governments have a strong interest in creating a diverse economic base for Manitoba residents,” said Chris Goertzen, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities.  “We are pleased that the Partner 4 Growth Program will again provide resources to a number of community and regional economic development organizations this year.”

Manitoba communities and not-for-profit organizations outside of Winnipeg are eligible to apply including rural municipalities, towns, local government districts, First Nations communities, chambers of commerce and industry or tourism associations.  All grants are cost-shared with the community and provincial funding can represent no more than 50 per cent of total project costs. 

Last year, the Manitoba government doubled the grant funding to its current level and supported 32 projects including:

• Beausejour Brokenhead Development Corporation participated in the Regional Economic Analysis Process, which led to a new business investment forum to promote industrial and commercial development opportunities in Tyndall, Garson and Beausejour;
•  Arborg Bifrost Community Development Corporation partnered with the Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation, University of Winnipeg, South Winnipeg Technical Centre and three regional manufacturers to offer a training program for 16 First Nation people, including classroom and hands-on training, to help prepare for future employment in a manufacturing facility; and
• Minnedosa and Area Community Development Corporation participated in the provincial First Impressions Community Exchange program, which provides communities with an outside perspective on signage, entrances, business, housing and available amenities, and identifies improvements that can be made in future community planning.