News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

February 15, 2022

Province Announces Additional $200,000 in Funding Through Innovation Growth Program to Two Manitoba Businesses

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Funding to Support Commercialization of Projects, Support Creation of Jobs in Manitoba: Cullen

The Manitoba government is investing an additional $200,000 in two local businesses through the Innovation Growth Program (IGP) to support the development and commercialization of new, innovative products and services, which will create additional jobs in Manitoba, Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“Our Innovation Growth Program is designed to help Manitoba entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize new innovative products,” said Cullen. “Our government is committed to supporting these businesses and others like them to accelerate their growth and strengthen their financial position so they can create jobs and secure future investments.”

The IGP was launched in June 2019 to augment the Manitoba government’s existing suite of business supports under Manitoba’s Economic Growth Action Plan. The latest recipients of funding from the IGP include: 

  • Canadian Propeller (Winnipeg) – $100,000 to implement and obtain certifications for an innovative aircraft composite propeller and blade overhaul, repair and maintenance process; and
  • Evolution Wheel (Winnipeg) – $100,000 to commercialize an airless tire used in agricultural pivot-irrigation systems.

The two companies combined are forecasting the addition of 24 new full-time jobs and $9.2 million in export sales within five years, Cullen noted.

“At Evolution Wheel, we have found the IGP Program through the province of Manitoba acts as a growth accelerator for our company,” said Derek Hird, owner, Evolution Wheel. “Developing new products and bringing them to market is a long, difficult process that takes a significant amount of time, money and effort before it is self-sustaining. As a result of programs like this, Evolution Wheel has grown to 18 employees from two in two short years as we ramp up manufacturing here in Manitoba.”

The IGP provides up to $100,000 in cost-shared non-repayable financial assistance to eligible Manitoba small and medium-sized enterprises to assist them with development and commercialization of innovative products or processes.

The program is a key element of Manitoba’s Economic Growth Action Plan. To date, the province’s total investment of nearly $2.3 million for 30 small and medium-size businesses is projected to create more than 900 jobs within five years.

The minister also noted small businesses are encouraged to apply for the current intake by March 15. To apply, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/igp/index.html.

More information about the IGP is available at www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/igp/index.html.

 

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