May 3, 2013
Budget 2013: Investing in Economic Opportunities, Jobs, Innovation in Rural Manitoba Through Partner 4 Growth Program
– – –Province Looking for Projects that will Help Rural Regions Grow Their Economies: Kostyshyn
The province is investing in greater economic opportunities and jobs for rural Manitoba families and their communities through the Partner 4 Growth program, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Partner 4 Growth is a program focused on partnerships between the province and rural Manitoba communities to provide families with more opportunities and jobs. We’re looking for projects that are innovative, that will build our rural communities and help them find new ways to grow their regional economies,” Kostyshyn said.
Projects that qualify for Partner 4 Growth funding will be cost-shared between the province and applicants. Those eligible to apply include rural municipalities, First Nations communities, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce and other Manitoba communities and not-for-profit organizations.
Project applications will be accepted from rural municipalities, villages, or towns and will need to include more than one geographical area.
“Municipal governments and the province share an interest in creating a solid and diverse economic base from which Manitoba can thrive,” said Doug Dobrowolski, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “The need for targeted, strategic investments that will support community economic growth has never been greater. The AMM is pleased the province recognizes this need.”
The province will provide grants of up to $8,000 to communities to identifyeconomic opportunities and up to $15,000for projects that help them capitalize on those opportunities. To qualify, communities can work with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) staff to help identify projects and develop them to meet eligibility requirements.
Eligible projects could focus on innovative ways to increase community business services, attracting new industry sectors to a region, developing tourism experiencesand finding sustainable and green economic opportunities, the minister said.
To find out more about the Partner 4 Growth program and application, contact the local MAFRI GO office.
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