Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
Small Business Development Branch

Mandate of the Small Business Development Branch

The mandate of the Branch is to develop, co-ordinate and deliver services and programs for the enhancement and growth of Manitoba entrepreneurial and small business community.

The Branch delivers extensive business information, business and trade library services through the co-located Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre and provides the following programs and services:
 

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Summary of Programs and Services

Business Start Program

A matching loan guarantee program, promotes the success of new business start-ups by including a comprehensive business plan, providing three day Business Planning Workshops and providing access to funding up to $30,000 via a loan guarantee with existing financial institutions.

Contact: Margaret Kelly, 945-7721
             Christianna Klassen, 984-0037

Entrepreneurial Development Training Programs

Develops and delivers a wide range of business courses, seminars and workshops for entrepreneurs and owner/managers to improve entrepreneurial and management skills. Also facilitates a range of courses and seminars for entrepreneurs and owner/managers to improve business skills.

Contact: Ivy Lopez-Sarmiento, 945-2103

Manitoba Marketing Network Inc.

A private/public partnership between the Department of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade and members of Manitoba’s business community which provides consultative assistance in marketing and product promotion to business clients, via its private sector advisory group.

Contact: Jason Lacasse, 945-4025
             

One-on-One Business Counselling

Telephone and in-person counselling to entrepreneurs including business start-ups, business development, expansion and planning. Referrals are made to specialists in specific sectors as required.

Contact: 984-2272 or 1-800-665-2019

Aboriginal Business Development

Promotes entrepreneurship training, business information, seminars and counselling to individuals and community organizations in the interests of developing small business and entrepreneurship. Access to business information, services and programs is provided through the Branch and the Aboriginal Business Service Network. This initiative includes the updating and distribution of the 350 page OTA-MISKA resource directory which describes provincial, federal and private programs of benefit to Manitoba’s Aboriginal people.

Contact: Lindsay Dandeneau, 945-6942

Women's Entrepreneurial Initiative

Promotes entrepreneurship as an economic alternative for women. Liaison between women business owners and provincial and federal programs and services. Business information, seminars and counselling are also provided to individuals and community organizations.

Contact: Margaret Kelly, 945-7721

Cultural Industries Development

Provides assistance in the Cultural Industries sector in the creation of a strategic framework for the development of effective programs and services to support growth in this sector. This initiative includes the Uniquely Manitoba Gift Show.

Contact: Lindsay Dandeneau, 945-6942

Business Development for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

Promotes entrepreneurship to Manitobans with disabilities. Provides an advisory role in the development of training programs for business consultants in dealing with entrepreneurs with disabilities, designing appropriate delivery mechanisms for urban and rural programs and developing resource materials which are accessible by entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Contact: Lindsay Dandeneau, 945-6942
             Tony Romeo, 945-2019

Youth Entrepreneurship

Develops and delivers seminars and business planning workshops to students and young entrepreneurs. Provides assistance in reviewing business plans in respect to the Young Entrepreneurship Program.

Contact: Ivy Lopez-Sarmiento, 945-2103

Manitoba Film Loan Guarantee Program

A film loan guarantee program whereby the Department guarantees to a maximum of 20% of a loan in respect to Manitoba fully developed feature films, television programs and series.

Contact: Margaret Kelly, 945-7721
             Tony Romeo, 945-2019

Bilingual Government Service Centres

The Department has a presence in the Bilingual Government Service Centre which is located in St. Boniface. Centres are also located in St. Vital, St. Pierre and in Notre Dame de Lourdes. These centres will allow the public to deal directly with various municipal, provincial and federal departments in the identified communities.

Contact: Jason Lacasse, 945-4025

Western Regional Office (Brandon)

Provides general business counselling services, management development training programs and various resource materials, as well as full range of general business information. Business development services are provided to Brandon and the surrounding communities. Also co-ordinates the Southwest Chapter of the Manitoba Marketing Network.
In addition, the Brandon office houses the Community Connections site, the C/MBSC Regional office, and is an integral part of the Manitoba Business Gateway in Brandon.

Contact: Bonnie Nay-Draper, 1-204-726-6253
             Charlotte Kalmakoff,1-204-726-6257
             Shannon Pratt,       1-204-726-6250

BizCoach Manitoba Inc. Business Mentoring Program

Creates an opportunity for new entrepreneurs to seek guidance from experienced business owners. The business mentoring program provides ongoing assistance to entrepreneurs on many facets of business, including finance, business start-up, business growth, sales and financial management etc.

Contact: Jason Lacasse, 945-4025

 

 

Contact:
Small Business Development Branch
Director: Tony Romeo, 945-2019
Address: 250 – 240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0J7