Non-Financial Assistance Business Guide

What is a Business Guide?

The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre created Business Guides to help you navigate through the wide range of programs and services in a specific area as well as related regulations that may affect your business venture. Business Guides featuring other topics of interest are also available by contacting the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre at 204-984-2272 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2019 (toll free in Canada) or by e-mail at manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca.

Note: In addition to providing an immediate clickable link when viewing these documents online, we have suggested search words/terms to assist you in future for additional program and/or service information searches on our or other sites.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Marketing
• Business Information Sources 
• Counselling Services 
• Entrepreneurial Training Programs
• Management
• Business Organizations

Marketing

Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program
Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME)
Telephone: 1-800-811-1148
Fax: 780-497-3506
Email: innovation@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca
Website: buyandsell.gc.ca/initiatives-and-programs/canadian-innovation-commercialization-program-cicp/overview-of-cicp
Search words: Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program

This Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program connects businesses with one of the largest buyers of goods and services in Canada: the federal government.  You may be eligible if your innovative technology has not yet been sold commercially and is in one of the following sectors:

• Environment
• Health
• Safety and security
• Enabling technologies

The program could help you:

• Connect with federal departments who want to test innovations
• Showcase your innovative technology at events across Canada
• Get feedback on the use of your product or service in an operational setting before taking it to market
• Secure contracts before your product or service enters the market.

False or Misleading Representations and Deceptive Marketing Practices under the Competition Act
Competition Bureau
Phone: Toll free 1-800-348-5358
TTY: 1-800-642-3844
Fax: 819-997-0324
E-mail: http://competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/frm-eng/GH%C3%89T-7SEN3J
Internet: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03133.html
Search words: False or Misleading Representations and Deceptive Marketing Practices Under the Competition Act

Manitoba Companies Directory
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
Phone: 204-945-1354 or Toll free 1-866-626-4862
Fax: 204-945-1354
Internet: http://db.itm.gov.mb.ca/MBIS/MCD.nsf/if?readform&ID=CompaniesHome
Search words: companies directory, manitoba

The Manitoba Companies Database allows you to connect your organization to potential buyers, sellers and partners - across Canada and around the world - by showcasing your Manitoba organization in both domestic and international markets.

Manitoba Marketing Network Business Mentoring Program (MMN-BMP)
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
c/o Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-945-1230 or Toll free 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852
E-mail: info@manitobamarketingnetwork.ca   
Internet: www.manitobamarketingnetwork.ca/mentoring.html  
Search words: Manitoba Marketing Network, Mentoring

Provides access to practical marketing advice and assistance by connecting small business owners with experienced business people currently managing or operating a successful business. There is no fee for this service. The Network also provides workshops at least six times a year.

Marketing - Conducting Market Research and Developing a Strategy
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free 1-800-665-2019
Order your copy of this document by contacting our office.
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/business___start_it/marketing__conducting_market_research_and_developing_a_strategy/
Search words: CMBSC marketing conducting

This document provides an overview of marketing and covers market research, customers, competition, environment, marketing strategy, market penetration, marketing mix and the right price for your product or service.

Business Information Sources

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre Library and Research Services
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/research__our_library/
Search words: C/MBSC Library and Research Services

Our reference library has one of the country's most extensive collections of business, trade and industrial publications as well as video and audiotapes, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, CD-ROMs, databases and directories. You can come in and use the publications for reference, or borrow our audio and videotapes to use in the comfort of your office or home. The use of our materials is free.

E-Business Services
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free in Manitoba 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/ebusiness/ 
Search words: E-Business, Canada Manitoba

The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre offers products and services and key contacts to companies who wish to use technology to drive their business growth.  Programs and services include:

• E-Business information on our Website
• Business Consulting Services
• Research/Reference Library with leading edge information and resources
• Seminars Series including topics such as Search Engine Optimization
• Sourcing of suppliers - internet security specialists, e-business developers or internet service providers in Manitoba
• Regional Centres - Information is available through our regional offices located throughout the province.

Employment Assistance Services
Employment Manitoba
Contact Local Employment Manitoba Centres http://www.gov.mb.ca/employment/emp_centre_locations.html
Phone: 204-945-0575 or Toll Free 1-866-332-5077
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/employment/employers.html  
Search words: Employers, Employment Manitoba

Employment Assistance Services contracts with a variety of organizations to deliver a combination of the following services: employment plan development; case management; assessment and employment counselling; self-service labour market information; job search assistance; job referral and placement; and diagnostic and testing services.

Industrial Technology Centre (ITC)
Manitoba Innovation, Energy & Mines
Phone: 204-480-3333 or 1-800-728-7933
Fax: 204-480-0345
E-mail: tech@itc.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.itc.mb.ca/
Search words: ITC, manitoba

The Industrial Technology Centre provides engineering, technical, advisory, and information services in many sectors, including: Aerospace, Transportation, Health, Energy, Environment, General Manufacturing, Building, Architecture, and Construction.

ITC’s facilities include specialized equipment and resources, such as:

• 3D visualization tools
• load and fatigue testing machines
• data acquisition transducers and signal conditioners
• environmental exposure and corrosion testing chambers
• high performance computing cluster - scalable visualization array
• dimensional reference standards and calibration equipment
• modeling and simulation tools
• sound and vibration measurement and analysis tools
• virtual mock-up and prototyping tools

Intellectual Properties
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free 1-800-665-2019
TTY: 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: cipo.contact@ic.gc.ca
Internet: http://cipo.gc.ca/
Search words: CIPO

Includes patents, trade-marks, industrial design and copyrights. See descriptions below.

Copyrights (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/cp/cp_main-e.html)
- All Canadians automatically hold the copyright on original work they have created unless they were hired or employed by some other person to create it, in which case the employer is the owner. Any Canadian can also choose to register a copyright. No one is obliged to do so, but it can be a useful proof of ownership.

You can search Copyrights through the: Canadian Copyrights Database (http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/cipo/copyrights/displaySearch.do?language=eng)

Industrial Designs (strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/id/id_main-e.html)
- "Design" or "industrial design" means features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament and any combination of those features that, in a finished article, appeal to and are judged solely by the eye. Only the proprietor of a design may apply for and obtain registration.

You can search for Industrial Designs through the: Canadian Industrial Designs Database (strategis.ic.gc.ca/app/cipo/id/displaySearch.do)

Patents (http://www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/en/h_wr00001e.html?OpenDocument)
- Patents are legal documents protecting the rights of inventors. Through a patent, the government gives the inventor the right to exclude others from making, using or selling his or her invention from the day the patent is granted to a maximum of 20 years after the day the patent application is filed.

The Canadian Patents Database (http://patents.ic.gc.ca/cipo/cpd/en/introduction.html) lets you access patent descriptions and images from 1920 to the present time. You can search, retrieve and study more than 1 900 000 patent documents.

Trade-marks (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/tm/tm_main-e.html)
- A trade-mark is a word, a symbol, a design--or a combination of these (such as a graphic logo with a slogan)--used to distinguish the wares or services of one person or organization from those of others in the marketplace. Trade-marks come to represent not only actual wares and services, but also the reputation of the producer.

To view all active and many inactive marks that were either applied-for or registered pursuant to the current Trade-marks Act or former trade-mark legislation, you can view them online - Canadian Trade-mark Database (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/app/cipo/trademarks/search/tmSearch.do?language=eng)

Manitoba Business Information Service
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
Internet: db.itm.gov.mb.ca/MBIS/MCD.nsf/i2
Search words: Business Information Services, manitoba

A portal Internet site linking you to several searchable business databases. You can search the site manually or leverage the power of the information service by signing up for the automatic e-mail notification service. The databases include:

Manitoba Business Events Calendar - Review a listing of trade and buyers missions, trade shows and opportunities for Manitoba businesses.

Manitoba Companies Directory - Connect, submit and search for Manitoba companies by sector, name or market.

Manitoba Economic News - Review a library of news article summaries that reflect the growth of economic activity in Manitoba.

MERX - The Electronic Tendering Service
Public Works and Government Services Canada - PWGSC
Phone: 1-888-964-6379
E-mail: merx@merx.com
Internet: http://www.merx.com/
Search words: MERX, tendering

MERX is an internet-based electronic tendering system that advertises government contracting opportunities to potential bidders across Canada. There is no charge to view the "Opportunities", however, subscription fees apply for additional services.

Registering as a Supplier
Contracts Canada & Public Works and Government Services Canada - PWGSC
Phone: 1-800-811-1148
E-mail: rcncontratscanada.ncrcontractscanada@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca 
Internet: http://www.contractscanada.gc.ca/if-rs-eng.html    
Search words: Registering as a Supplier, Contracts Canada

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) maintains lists of private sector vendors of goods and services used to select suppliers. These lists are still used by PWGSC regional offices for purchases under $25 000 under the area-buy policy.

The Supplier Registration Information (SRI) service ( https://srisupplier.contractscanada.gc.ca/index-eng.cfm?af=ZnVzZWFjdGlvbj1yZWdpc3Rlci5pbnRybyZpZD0x) is a database of vendors who want to do business with the federal government. When you register in SRI, the information becomes available to the various databases that are used by the department depending on the type of products and services you sell.

Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship - U of M
University of Manitoba
Phone: 204-474-8443
Fax: 204-474-7698
E-mail: stuclark_centre@umanitoba.ca
Internet: http://www.umanitoba.ca/entrepreneur/
Search words: Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship - U of M

Major activities include the development and/or promotion of small business education and research, including: opportunity identification, threshold company development, entrepreneurial support for medium and large organizations, networking programs linking national and international research centres, award programs, and international programs to encourage global enterprise.

Counselling Services

Aboriginal Business Development
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
c/o Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
Business Consultant, Aboriginal Initiatives
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852

Promotes entrepreneurship training, business information, seminars and counselling to aboriginal individuals and community organizations interested in developing small business and entrepreneurship.

Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)
Community Futures Manitoba
559 - 167 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0V3
Phone: 204-944-8438 or Cell: 204-782-5346
Fax: 204-956-9363
Internet: http://www.cfmanitoba.ca/absn/home.htm
Search words: ABSN manitoba

The Aboriginal Business Service Network is committed to providing the Aboriginal business community with a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations that are relevant, up-to-date and accurate.

BDC Consulting
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/en/solutions/consulting/Pages/default.aspx
Search words: BDC Consulting

BDC's Consulting Group can help you assess, plan, and implement results-driven, cost-effective management solutions, whatever your company's stage of development --- starting a business, acquisition, growth, refinancing, exporting, e-business, or quality (ISO).

Guest Advisor Program
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/guest_advisor_program/
Search words: guest advisor program, manitoba

This service provides Manitoba entrepreneurs with the opportunity to speak with Legal Guest Advisors, Accounting Guest Advisors, Banking Guest Advisors, Human Resources Guest Advisors, E-Business Guest Advisors and Marketing Specialist Guest Advisor who volunteer their time to discuss their business concerns. Contact our centre to schedule your free 30-minute appointment.

ICT Solutions (*NGO)
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/EN/solutions/smart_tech/ict_solutions/Pages/default.aspx
Search words: BDC financing for ICT projects

Study after study has shown that investing in information and communications technology (ICT) boosts productivity, innovative capacity and competitiveness. Independent and experienced professional advice, together with flexible financing from BDC, can help your technology investment build real value in your business.

• ICT Essentials
  This development and coaching program gives you and your team a thorough understanding of the current state of ICT, and how it can build real value in your business.
• ICT Diagnostic
  Our ICT specialists use a proven methodology to assess your current ICT environment, identify and quantify opportunities, and deliver results-oriented recommendations.
• Internet Consulting Services
  BDC’s experienced Internet specialists provide Website Diagnostic and Internet Strategy services to help you profit from the broad reach and easy access of the Internet.
• System Selection Support
  BDC Consulting contributes independence, objectivity, experience, and a proven methodology to this major project, guiding the decision-making process toward the best business system software solution for your business.

Industry Consulting Branch
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
Phone: 204-945-7938
Fax: 204-945-3977
E-mail: david.sprange@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/busdev/industry/consult.html
Search words: Industry Consulting Services, Business Development

Offers consulting support for the establishment, expansion and/or retention of existing manufacturing facilities. They also offer consulting assistance to companies in the processing, service and resource industries. Services include referrals to financial assistance programs; economic development and feasibility study support, crisis counselling to companies experiencing difficulty, and information on export market development opportunities.

L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic
Phone: 204-474-9949
Internet: law.robsonhall.ca/clinical-learning/business-law-clinic
Search words: L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic

Offers legal information to potential new entrepreneurs on business structure. Clients are seen by appointment only.

One-on-One Business Consulting
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
c/o Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852

Offers telephone and in-person counselling to entrepreneurs in the areas of business development, expansion and planning.

SEED Winnipeg Inc. - Supporting Employment and Economic Development
Phone: 204-927-9935
Fax: 204-927-9930
E-mail: info@seedwinnipeg.ca
Internet: http://www.seedwinnipeg.ca/
Search words: SEED Winnipeg

SEED delivers programs and services that help low-income individuals, groups and organizations start or expand businesses and save money for future goals. Business consulting and training, access to financing, and resource referrals are some of the services offered to business clients. All services are offered free of charge.

Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
Western Economic Diversification Canada - WD
100 - 207 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M5
Phone: 204-988-1860 or Toll free 1-800-203-2343
Fax: 204-988-1871
E-mail: wecinfo@wecm.ca
Internet: http://www.wecm.ca/
Search words: Women's enterprise centre, manitoba

The Women's Enterprise Centre offers comprehensive, confidential advice from experienced professionals by appointment and continuous business knowledge development through seminars and mentoring programs.

Entrepreneurial Training Programs

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre Seminars for Business
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free: 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Internet: http://events.ebsc.ca/Default.aspx
Search words: Canada business seminars events, Manitoba

A series of seminars covering topics of interest to small business in the areas of Business Start-Up, Business Planning/Development, Business Finance, Business Management, Intellectual Property, Marketing, Export and e-Business. Seminars are free of charge and seating is limited so please pre-register. For a complete listing of our seminars, you can visit our website or call and we will send you a listing in the mail.

Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba - Seminars
Western Economic Diversification Canada - WD
100 - 207 Donald, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M5 
Phone: 204-988-1860 or Toll free 1-800-203-2343
Fax: 204-988-1871
E-mail: wecinfo@wecm.ca
Internet: http://www.wecm.ca/seminars.cfm
Search words: women's enterprise centre, manitoba & seminars

The Women's Enterprise Centre offers Seminars geared for women in business or considering starting or expanding a business. There is a fee charged for these seminars.

Management

Conciliation, Mediation and Pay Equity Services
Manitoba Labour and Immigration
Phone: 204-945-3367
Fax: 204-945-3286
E-mail: lmsd@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/labmgt/concilia/index.html
Search words: Conciliation and Mediation Services, manitoba

Provides services of Conciliation, Grievance Mediation and consultation of labour relation matters to all organized labour and management and to those seeking advice and information regarding collective bargaining and grievance mediation. Also provides information on pay equity.

Employment Standards
Manitoba Labour and Immigration
Phone: 204-945-3352 or 1-800-821-4307
Fax: 204-948-3046
E-mail: employmentstandards@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/
Search words: Employment Standards, manitoba

The Employment Standards Branch is a neutral party that administers laws on minimum wages, hours of work, holidays and other workplace benefits. It is also responsible for investigating complaints of violations of these laws. Its aim is not only to enforce the legislation, but also to ensure employees and employers are aware of their rights and responsibilities under these laws.

Job Bank for Employers
Service Canada
Internet: http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/intro-eng.aspx?OfferpPage=50&Student=Noc
Search Words: Job Bank for Employers

Allows employers to post job openings free of charge via the Internet. Once an advertisement has been successfully posted on the Job Bank, employers can search by Job Number and are also given the option to 'Perform a Match'. Selecting this option will provide employers with a list of qualified candidates for their job vacancy.

Workplace Safety and Health Branch Services
Manitoba Labour and Immigration
Phone: 204-945-3446 or Toll free 1-866-888-8186
E-mail: wshcompl@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/
Search words: Workplace Safety and Health

Enforces legislation, codes and guidelines developed to ensure the maintenance of reasonable standards for safety and health of workers, self-employed persons and all persons in provincial workplaces.

Business Organizations

Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Phone: 204-954-1997 or Toll Free 1-800-665-0204
Fax: 204-942-4043
E-mail: wpginfo@economicdevelopmentwinnipeg.com 
Internet: http://www.destinationwinnipeg.ca/economic-development/business   
Search words: Economic Development Winnipeg

Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. is the city's economic development and tourism agency. Focus is on business creation, retention, expansion and attraction.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Phone: 204-948-0100 or 1-877-444-5222
Fax: 204-948-0110
E-mail: mbchamber@mbchamber.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.mbchamber.mb.ca/
Search words: Manitoba Chamber of Commerce

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce's mandate is to ensure that the voice of those businesses, corporate members and local Chambers of Commerce across the Province, is heard in the formation of provincial and federal government policy. It is dedicated to strengthening and promoting the competitive enterprise system in Manitoba and is committed to the needs and priorities of the majority of local Chambers in Manitoba.

Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 204-944-8484
Fax: 204-944-8492
E-mail: http://www.winnipeg-chamber.com/Contactus.aspx
Internet: http://www.winnipeg-chamber.com/
Search words: Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is the community's largest business association. The Chamber develops programs, such as luncheons, seminars and breakfast meetings, to provide educational and informative events on issues of concerns to the business community. The primary goal is to help its members be better at business.

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C OJ7
Telephone: 204-984-2272
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Web site: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

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Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.