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
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
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.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.