The new Manitoba initiative helping businesses transition to digital platforms
The Manitoba government is taking steps to help businesses and non-profit organizations transition to digital platforms to help them succeed in a post-pandemic world.
On Thursday, Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes announced that the province is partnering with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) to create the Digital Manitoba Initiative (DMI) – a program that offers businesses and non-profits a low-risk way to adopt digital technology.
DMI will be delivered and administered by the MCC, with the province covering the $15 million cost.
“This investment today will enable local businesses and non-profit organizations to transition their operations to digital platforms, provide goods and services online and allow Manitoba’s economy to better recover from COVID-19,” Reyes said at a Thursday news conference.
The DMI fund consists of two streams, which include:
- The TechUP digital adoption investment of up to $5,000 for fundamental digital tools. This stream includes a range of applications, including supporting marketing and promotional activities, website development, e-commerce capabilities, or project management software; and
- The PowerUP digital strategy funding of up to $25,000. This stream includes evolving businesses models, increasing productivity and improving customer experience.
Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of MCC, said the initiative has been designed to be broad and open.
“Our goal is to invest in Manitoba businesses for the future, whether that’s through innovative tools, technology, or through more fulsome business process improvements,” he said.
The province notes that initial applications for the DMI will be reviewed for eligibility.
To be eligible, organizations need to be Manitoba-based businesses or non-profits with a valid Manitoba business number that is in good standing with the Companies Office.
Once the province confirms eligibility, applicants will have to submit their funding request through a digital portal. These submissions will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
“Our vision is that Manitoba businesses can harness the digital economy for the future,” Davidson said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
They were from different countries and barely spoke each other's languages. More than 20 years later, they're still happily in love
He decided to spend Christmas somewhere that wouldn't involve snowstorm disasters. She was spending the holidays with family, travelling for the first time outside of her native country of Venezuela. 23 years later, they're still in love.
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Verdun Airbnb listing taken down amid complaints, fines and frustration from neighbours
An Airbnb in Montreal's Verdun borough was the source of much frustration from neighbours who say there were constant parties at the location. It has been taken down from the app, but housing advocates remain upset about short-term rentals.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Fire in Labrador town under control, officials tells residents to stay away
RCMP say the fire that prompted a state of emergency in a Labrador town is now under control.
12 students and teacher killed in Columbine school shooting remembered at 25th anniversary vigil
Thirteen victims of the Columbine High School shooting were remembered during a vigil Friday on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the shooting that was the worst the nation had seen at the time.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Iraq investigates a blast at a base of Iran-allied militias that killed 1. U.S. denies involvement
Iraqi authorities said Saturday that they were investigating an explosion that struck a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-allied militias, killing one person and injuring eight.