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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.