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Financial Assistance Business Guide

Last Verified: August 15, 2012

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

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Employment Partnerships
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 Partnerships provides funding that assists communities, sector associations and employers to address labour force development needs while assisting eligible unemployed, employed, low-skilled, low income and
“job-loss threatened” individuals to gain sustainable employment. Program activities may include pre-employment preparation, job-specific skills training, and on-site (hands-on) training.

Financing for Information and communications technology (ICT) (*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/ict_financing_solutions/Pages/default.aspx
Search words: BDC financing for ICT needs

Our ICT financing offer provides you vital capital to invest in:

  • Hardware (servers, network, telephony, computers and accessories)
  • Software (ERP, CRM, human resources, supply chain, finance and accounting)
  • Consulting services (IT planning, strategy, security, online sales, Internet marketing, social media)

Invest Canada-Community Initiatives
International Business Development, Innovation and Asia Branch
Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada
Phone: 613-944-3142
Fax: 613-944-3312
E-mail: re-OTTWA.ICCI-ICIC-BIS@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/funding/icci/home.jsp
Search words: Invest Canada-Community

This program is designed to help Canadian communities attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment. ICCI supports non-profit and public-private partnerships at the local community level.  Non-repayable contributions range from $3,000 to $300,000, and agreements are made for a one-year period, from January 1 to December 31. ICCI provides matching funds of up to 50 percent of eligible expenses. If a community accesses other federal government support, the total federal support cannot exceed 50 percent.

Jubilee Fund (*NGO)
Phone: 204-975-2650
Fax: 204-977-0123
E-mail: jubileefund@shaw.ca
Internet: http://www.jubileefund.ca/financialsupport/
Search words: Jubilee Fund

The Jubilee Fund provides loan guarantees that enable small business owners, other community based enterprises and worker co-ops in Winnipeg and the surrounding area to access funding.

Labour Market Partnerships
Employment Manitoba
Contact Local Employment Manitoba Centres 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/pdf/labour_market_partnerships.pdf
Search words: Employers, Employment Manitoba

Labour Market Partnerships provides private, public and community sector organizations with financial support to undertake activities that address labour market development, labour force development and workforce adjustment issues.

Research and Innovation
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

Research and Innovation provides financial support to organizations who research and/or design practical projects that identify innovative ways of helping individuals prepare for, find, return to, or maintain sustainable employment and/or strengthen and promote province-wide or regional labour force development.

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

This service assists low-income individuals or groups to establish small businesses by providing business planning, assistance, training, and after-care services. Business Management Training is 24 sessions in length, based on 48 modules over an 8 week period. Each module teaches the participant a component of the business plan. SEED clients are also able to access other loan funds through its program.

The Worker Co-op Fund (*NGO)
Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation
Phone: 403-276-8250
Internet: http://www.canadianworker.coop/funding/cdi
Search words: Workers Co-op Fund

The program provides important new support for co-operative development across Canada. Both start-ups and existing co-ops are eligible to apply for support.  Examples of activities that could be funded under this program, include, but are not limited to:

  • Business development plans
  • Feasibility plans
  • Management development (education, advice, support)
  • Membership structure
  • Member education
  • Governance & board training
  • Development of by-laws
  • Development of policies
  • Legal structure (e.g. exploration of suitable co-operative models)

START UP/EXPANSION LOANS/GUARANTEES

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

Provides term loans to small and medium sized businesses for a variety of commercially viable projects, including business expansion and improvements; facility overhauls; purchase of existing businesses; refinancing of loans; acquisition of fixed assets; reconstitution of depleted working capital and financing for the expansion of sales. Repayment terms are flexible and structured in accordance with the client's ability to repay.

BDC Subordinate Financing
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC (*NGO)
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/EN/solutions/subordinate_financing/Pages/default.aspx
Search words: BDC Subordinate Financing

Subordinate financing provides the capital necessary for a business to fuel its growth or secure its continuity. Subordinate financing is basically a hybrid of debt and equity financing. Eligible activities: Management buy-outs/buy-ins; Mergers and Acquisitions and Working capital for growth. Loans can range from $250,000 to $10 million.

BDC Term Loans
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC (*NGO)
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/summary/1049/
Search words: Term Loans, BDC

BDC offers business term loans that can help you with important projects, such as: starting or buying a business, building construction, purchasing real estate, purchasing equipment, business planning, increasing your working capital, recruiting and hiring talented employees, increasing sales through domestic or foreign markets, increasing efficiency and implementing quality standards, implementing e-business solutions and selling your business and making a smooth transition. The loan comes with flexible terms. You may be required to provide limited personal and/or corporate guarantees or fixed assets as security.

Business Start Program
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
Small Business Development Branch
c/o Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-945-7721; 204-945-0037 or Toll free: 1-800-665-2019
Fax: 204-983-3852
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/guides/guides__by_department/
entrepreneurship_training_and_trade/business_start_program_bsp/
Search words: Business Start Program

Business Start loans, up to a maximum of $30,000, are available to new owner-managed business across Manitoba. Loans are provided through participating banks and credit unions and guaranteed by the Manitoba Government. A Business Start loan can provide funding for business registration or incorporation costs, equipment and inventory purchases, promotional costs and working capital needs. Loan terms include an attractive prime-plus-one per cent interest rate and a one-year deferral of principal repayment. The program also provides entrepreneurial training through a free three-day Business Planning Workshop, which is mandatory for all Business Start loan applicants. A comprehensive business plan must be submitted with the loan application.

Canada Council for the Arts - Grants
Canada Council for the Arts
Ottawa, ON
Phone: Toll-free 1-800-263-5588 ext. 5060
E-mail: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/contactus/emfrm.htm?contactID=317
Internet: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/grants
Search words: Canada Council - Grants

The Canada Council for the Arts offers a broad range of grants and services to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations in dance, inter-arts, media arts, music, theatre, writing and publishing and the visual arts.

Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program
Industry Canada - IC
Phone: Toll free 1-866-959-1699
E-mail: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/frm-eng/LLAL-7W7KBC
Internet: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/eng/h_la02855.html
Search words: Canada Small Business Financing Program

Assists new and existing businesses obtain term loans of up to $500,000 (up to $350,000 without real estate) from chartered banks or other lenders to purchase or upgrade fixed assets. To be eligible, a company's gross revenues must not exceed $5 million annually. Successful applicants are required to pay a one-time administration fee equal to 2% of the loan. Please note that application is made at the financial institution of your choice and final approval rests solely with the bank or other lender.

Cooperative Promotion Board
Manitoba Housing and Community Development
Phone: 204-239-3883 or Toll Free: 1-866-479-6155
Fax: 204-239-3690
E-mail: co-ops@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/housing/coop/coop_promoboard.html
Search words: Cooperative Promotion Board

Provides small grants for start-up expenses leading to the formation of a cooperative, cooperative education, promotion, research and market development.

Equipment Line
Business Development Bank of Canada – BDC (*NGO)
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/en/my_project/Projects/acquisition/Acquisition_Equipment.htm?WT%2Emc%5Fid=CS%5FFR%5FCB
Search words: Equipment Line, BDC

BDC Equipment Line allows you to make equipment purchases over a 12-month period. You can receive a high percentage of financing for the cost of new or used equipment - plus the possibility of additional financing for related expenses such as shipping, installation and training. Use BDC’s Equipment Line for: Production line machinery and equipment; Specialized technology, such as lab equipment or Commercial vehicles and much more.
 

Manitoba Film Loan Guarantee Program
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade
Phone: 204-945-7721 or Toll Free: 1-800-665-2019
Internet: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/home_page/guides/guides__by_department/
entrepreneurship_training_and_trade/manitoba_film_loan_guarantee_program/
Search words: Manitoba Film Loan Guarantee Program

The Manitoba Film Loan Guarantee Program is designed to encourage continued growth of the film industry, which will result in job creation and indirect economic benefits within the Province. Loan guarantee to a maximum of 20% is provided for the financing of film projects including feature films, television programs and series.

Self-Employment Program - SE
Employment Manitoba
Winnipeg - 204-945-0575
Rural Manitoba - 1-866-332-5077
Internet: www.gov.mb.ca/employment/pdf/self_employ.pdf
Search words: Self-Employment Program, Manitoba

This program assists eligible individuals with a viable business idea to create their own employment by providing the training and support necessary to start a business.

To be eligible, applicants must fit into one of the following categories:
• Have a current or previous Employment Insurance (EI) claim;
• Employed individuals who are low skilled or a lower income individual or family
with dependent child(ren)
• In receipt of Provincial Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) benefits;
• An individual who is unemployed or about to lose your job.

Sell your Business
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC (*NGO)
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx 
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/en/advice_centre/sell_your_business/Pages/default.aspx
Search words: Sell your Business, BDC

This Program makes consulting and financing solutions available to Canadian entrepreneurs who must plan the succession of their business. Under the program, financing is available for both tangible and intangible assets.

The Co-operative Loans and Loans Guarantee Board
Cooperative Development Services
Manitoba Housing & Community Development
Phone: 204-945-3379 or Toll Free: 1-866-479-6155
Fax: 204-945-1065
E-mail: co-ops@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/housing/coop/coop_loanboard.html
Search words: co-operative & guarantee board

Offers loan guarantees to co-operatives establishing or expanding their activities. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are unable to obtain financing from other sources such as chartered banks, credit unions or other financial institutions on reasonable terms. Funds must be used to productive purposes, including the purchase of building or equipment, renovation, expansion or operational expenses.

Women’s Enterprise Initiative Loan Program (*NGO)
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, loan, Manitoba

Offers a range of services intended to help new and existing women entrepreneurs. These include practical loan options to start or expand businesses which are 50% women-owned and controlled. There is no minimum loan amount and the maximum loan amount is $150,000.

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

INNOVATION/COMMERCIALIZATION

Commercialization Support for Business Program
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade
Phone: List of Industry Consultants http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/busdev/industry/consult.html
Fax: 204-945-1193
E-mail: csb@gov.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/busdev/financial/csb/index.html
Search words: commercialization support, Manitoba

This program helps Manitoba continue to move forward by supporting product and process commercialization and business development in all sectors and all regions of the province. The program includes:

Concept Development (Max up to $25,000) – from concept to prototype development;
Product Development (Max up to $40,000) – pre-commercialization activities like feasibility or engineering analyses, trial production and test marketing;
Product Commercialization (Max up to $200,000) – moving from prototype to market-ready product;
Market Development (Max $30,000) – materials and activities needed to enter new markets successfully;
Certification Assistance (Max $15,000) – obtaining plant or product certification;
Intellectual Property (Max $25,000) – securing intellectual property rights for the product or process.

Financing for Innovation
Business Development Bank of Canada – BDC (*NGO)
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/en/solutions/financing/Pages/fs_innovation.aspx
Search words: Innovation Financing

Provides loans of up to $250,000 to innovative businesses positioning themselves to take advantage of global markets by developing or implementing an innovation strategy or industry adaptation, researching and developing new products and services or e-business, buying or developing new technologies for product or process improvement, introducing quality management standards, planning and implementing a marketing plan or growth strategy, training and developing management and staff, or developing foreign markets.

Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
Telephone: 204-945-1015 or Toll Free: 1-800-282-8069 ext. 1015
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/busdev/financial/capital.html#miop
Search words: MIOP, expansion capital

The objective is to secure significant business investment which would not occur in Manitoba without provision of some level of government assistance. The Program provides secured loan or loan guarantee assistance (typically range from $300,000 to $5.0 Million) to recipient companies in return for fixed asset investment and long-term job creation.

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program - IRAP
National Research Council Canada - NRC
Phone: 204-983-0092 or Toll free - 1-877-994-4727
Fax: 204-983-8835
Internet: http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/english/main_e.html
Search words: IRAP

This service provides technical and business advisory services, coupled with funding opportunities. This program is accessible to Canadian small & medium enterprises (500 employees or less) that are incorporated.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Phone: 204-984-6300 or Toll Free: 1-877-767-1767
Fax: 204-984-7171
Internet: http://www.nsercpartnerships.ca/FundingPrograms-ProgrammeDeSubventions/index-eng.asp
Search words: NSERC

NSERC works with companies to help find high-qualified people, advance R&D, and build relationships that benefit business through their suite of targeted partnership offerings.

The following list is a sampling of some of the programs offered by NSERC:

• Applied Research and Development Grants Level 1, 2 & 3
• Collaborative Research and Development Grant
• Engage Grant
• Idea to Innovation Grant
• Industrial Research and Development Fellowship
• Strategic Project Grant

Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRAPP) Fund
Manitoba Conservation
Pollution Prevention Branch
Telephone: 204-945-8443 or Toll-free: 1-800-282-8069 (ext. 8443)
Fax: 204-945-1211
E-mail: pollupreve@gov.mb.ca
Website: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pollutionprevention/wrapp/wrappfund.html
Search words: Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRAPP) Fund

The Fund encourages the creation of sustainable communities and helps them meet their needs by providing grant funding to projects that demonstrate: Partnerships between groups and individuals; Pride in the community; Concern for the environment.

TAX INCENTIVES/VENTURE CAPITAL

BDC Venture Capital
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC (*NGO)
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: https://www.bdc.ca/EN/contact_us/Pages/form.aspx
Internet: http://www.bdc.ca/EN/solutions/venture_capital/about_us/Pages/venture_capital.aspx
Search words: BDC Venture Capital

Stimulates the formation of and provides venture capital to Canadian businesses in leading-edge industries with a strategic market position and a dynamic management team. Funds ranging from $500,000 to $3 million can be used to help finance a company's capital-intensive research and development cycle, broaden a company's export markets, or take the company public.

The Business Development Bank will actively seek divestiture opportunities once a durable benefit to each party has been achieved.

GROWTHWORKS Venture Capital (*NGO)
Phone: 204-949-3700
Fax: 204-949-0591
E-mail: info@growthworks.ca
Internet: http://www.growthworks.ca/venture-capital/submission-guidelines.asp
Search words: GROWTHWORKS, Manitoba

This Venture Capital fund focuses on small and mid-sized Manitoba businesses in the growth stage of development. Target companies typically have established products, customers and distribution channels, as well as experienced proven management teams. Eligible investee companies must have less than $50 million in total assets at the time of investment. Companies must be Manitoba based, generally defined as having a majority of employees in Manitoba. Under this program the investments range from $100,000 to a maximum of $5 Million and longer term (3 - 6 year) investments are preferred.

Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade and Manitoba Film & Music
Phone: 204-947-2040
Fax: 204-956-5261
E-mail: info@mbfilmmusic.mb.ca
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/invest/busfacts/govt/fv_taxcredit.html
Search words: Manitoba film and video production tax credit

The Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit is a refundable corporate income tax credit available to qualifying producers of eligible Manitoba productions and co-productions. The Film and Video Production Tax Credit provides production companies with a 45% - 65% tax credit based on eligible Manitoba labour expenses.  Under certain circumstances, the salary of qualifying non-residents may be deemed eligible for the tax credit.

Manitoba Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Manitoba Finance
Phone: 204-945-3757
Fax: 204-945-5051
Internet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/invest/busfacts/govt/manuf_taxc.html
Search words: Manitoba Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit

The Manitoba Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit provides a 10% tax credit applicable against Manitoba corporate income tax payable. This credit is for new and used manufacturing buildings, machinery and equipment used directly in the manufacturing process. Qualified investments must be made after March 11, 1992 and before January 1, 2015.

The amount deductible against Manitoba income tax will be the lesser of the 10% investment tax credit or the Manitoba Corporate Income Tax otherwise payable. Unused investment credits can be carried forward up to ten years, or carried back up to three years.

Scientific Research & Experimental Development Tax Credit
Canada Revenue Agency
Phone: 1-403-691-5890
Internet: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/sred/
Search words: research and development tax credit

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is a federal tax incentive program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada that will lead to new, improved, or technologically advanced products or processes. The SR&ED program is the largest single source of federal government support for industrial R&D.

Claimants can apply for SR&ED investment tax credits for expenditures such as wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead, and SR&ED contracts.

Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade
Phone: 204-945-5839
Fax: 204-945-1193
Internet - Program Information: http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/busdev/financial/#SBVCTC
Regulations Information: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/pdf/i010-181.07.pdf
Search words: SBVCTC, ETT

The Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit program provides a 30 per cent provincial income tax credit incentive to new equity investors in eligible Manitoba Businesses.

An eligible investment can earn a 30 per cent, non-refundable provincial tax credit up to an annual limit of $135,000. Investors can claim up to $45,000 in provincial tax credits each year and carry forward any unused portion or the credits for 10 years.

SPECIAL PURPOSE PROGRAMS

Aboriginal Business

(See Program description in the Aboriginal Business Guide)

Agricultural Business

(See Program description in the Agricultural Business Guide)

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

(See Program description in the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Business Guide)

Export/Trade Assistance

(See Program description in the Export Financing Business Guide)

Rural Business

See Program description in the Rural Business Guide)

Wage Subsidies

See Program description in the Wage Subsidies Business Guide)

Young Entrepreneurs

(See Program description in the Young Entrepreneur Business Guide)

*NGO  Non Governmental Organization

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.

Links Policy
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.

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.
LINKS POLICY
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.