Manitoba businesses of any size can now tap into funding to equip their workforce with the skills they need to help them grow.    

“We recognize that many businesses had to shift quickly during the pandemic and many have made, or will need to make, significant investments in training for their employees,” said Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes in a Government of Manitoba release on November 8, 2021. “This grant program will reimburse employers who are investing in retraining for their staff, both retroactively and for courses starting in the months ahead.”

Retrain Manitoba is a $12.5 million in support for workforce skills development through the province and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, but outreach and reimbursements will be delivered through Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW). 

“We know the way forward past this pandemic is giving businesses the tools they need to stay competitive, and it starts with equipping their staff with the skills they need now,” said Dayna Spiring, president and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg. “We are grateful for the support of the Province of Manitoba and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the positive impact the program will have on companies of all sizes.”

The Retrain Manitoba funding is meant to support businesses as they move through the next stage of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“In virtually every conversation we have with Manitoba’s business leaders, we hear about the variety of workforce challenges they’re facing,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “We’re pleased to be able to fund this grant program through the Province of Manitoba’s $50 million long-term recovery fund, as we know this is precisely the type of practical, accessible support local employers need to upskill or reskill team members and invest in their future.” 

Kelly Melchor, Executive Director with Winnipeg Insurance Brokers says after a difficult year dealing with a pandemic, the announcement of this program is welcome news. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity for us. I think this program will not only provide us with the training, skills and development to bring in new people to our industry but also for those we haven't been able to invest in for a while, it will give them an opportunity to elevate what they can do for us and themselves in our organization."

Darren Klassen, Vice President of Real Estate Management Services at Collier's agrees.

"It's really giving us a great opportunity to tap into some resources that we wouldn't have had previously, to really advance the growth and development of our current teams and as we recruit new staff into the industry."

Employers who have already paid for courses with start dates from Apr. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022, are eligible to apply immediately and will be reimbursed up to $2,500 per employee to a maximum of $75,000 per company. This program will cover a range of in-person and online industry-recognized training courses provided by a third-party trainer, both inside and outside of Manitoba. 

Fast Facts 

How are applications handled? 

• Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  
• All applications must be submitted by March 31, 2022.  
• Funds will be disbursed on a weekly basis or once program funds have been exhausted, whichever occurs first.  
• Upon application, businesses agree to the programs’ terms and conditions, including further review of an application for assurance purposes. 

Who is eligible to apply? 

Any business, of any size that is: 

• A Manitoba-based, active and registered business with a valid business number.  
• In good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office.  
• A business account holder with a Canadian financial institution, with the account name associated with the business number provided.  
• Able to provide an active email address and phone number to maintain communications with the program. 

Who is an eligible training participant? 

• Employees who live and work in Manitoba.  
• Employees who are legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e. Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee protection in Canada). 
• Any employee regardless of employment status (full-time, part-time, contract, or temporary) 

How much funding can a business apply for? 

• The maximum amount a business can apply for is $2500 CAD per employee to a maximum of $75,000 per company. 
• This can be spread over time for multiple courses and across a series of separate applications. 
• There is no limit on businesses for how many course applications they can submit as long as they can provide payment receipts for course registrations. 

What costs are eligible for funding? 

• Funding can be applied to a range of courses including in-person, online and industry-recognized courses by third-party trainers. 
• Tuition fees or fees charged by an external training provider. 
• Mandatory participant fees.  
• Course examination fees.

How EDW & YES! Winnipeg can help 

• EDW's YES! Winnipeg team can assist companies with application questions or concerns.  
• Introduce businesses to intelligent job matching tools that save them time while amplifying their reach to suitable job seekers.
• Free tools and resources.
• Information about training delivered by third-party service providers.
• Other available workforce development programs and services (i.e. grant stacking). 

Info session webinars

EDW is hosting informational webinars for each of the eight economic regions of Manitoba. Interested participants are encouraged to attend the webinar scheduled for their economic region, but all are welcome to attend any of the other seven webinar events.

Click on a link to register for an info session:

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

• 11:00 – 11:30am (North Economic Region)
• 12:00 – 12:30pm (Parkland Economic Region)
• 1:30 – 2:00pm (North Central Economic Region)
• 2:30 – 3:00pm (Interlake Economic Region)

Friday, November 12, 2021

• 11:00 – 11:30am (Southeast Economic Region)
• 12:00 – 12:30pm (South Central Economic Region)
• 1:30 – 2:00pm (Southwest Economic Region)
• 2:30 – 3:00pm (Winnipeg Economic Region)

For more FAQs, information and to submit an application, visit Retrain Manitoba.