Programs and Services

Young Rural Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Initiative

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM/SERVICE

Supports the growth and development of young rural Aboriginal people in entrepreneurial and business initiatives located in rural Manitoba. In today's economy, many Aboriginal people are realizing the needs of the market place and are actively seeking to engage in entrepreneurial activities in primary production as well as other rural based businesses, or to find ways of adding value or capacity to the products and services they are already producing. The Young Rural Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Initiative will provide these individuals with the skills and resources to participate and profit in these endeavors.
 
WHO QUALIFIES

Eligible applicants must fit ONE of the following two sets of criteria:

1. Manitoba Entrepreneur:

• Must be under 40 years of age
• Must be of Aboriginal heritage (Status or Non-status Indian, located on or off-reserve, Métis or Inuit
• Must be a Canadian citizen or possess landed immigrant status
• Business must be located in a rural Manitoba community

2. Community organizations encouraging and supporting Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship

• Must develop an extension program with a targeted audience of rural Aboriginal youth
• Program must contain content aimed at encouraging and supporting Aboriginal youth in entrepreneurship or business activities

AVAILABLE BENEFITS/ASSISTANCE

Grant program with a minimum 25% contribution by applicant.

The program funding can be used for:

• Costs associated with the establishment of a business,
• Activities such as seminars and workshops, educational tours or conferences, and the development of resource materials.

The Young Rural Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Initiative is not intended to replicate other funding programs. The Initiative works in close liaison with other funding programs and, if proposed goals correspond more directly, will refer applicants to the appropriate agency and program.

Application Form

WHO TO CONTACT

Leona McIntyre
Business Development Specialist - Aboriginal Entrepreneurship
Economy and Rural Development Knowledge Centre
1129 Queens Avenue
Brandon Manitoba R7A 1L9
Phone: (204) 761-6284
Fax: (204) 726-6260