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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.