The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) is hoping its new Digital Manitoba Initiative (DMI) will help businesses and non-profit organizations easily invest and adopt technology to meet the modern economy.
“Investing in the technological enhancement of local business is the best way to ensure our community’s future success,” says Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President & CEO Chuck Davidson. “The DMI will enable future-facing organizations to meet the changing needs of our modern economy while increasing efficiencies and contributing to scalability.”
The DMI offers businesses and non-profit organizations across Manitoba a low-risk way to invest in and adopt digital technology. The Province of Manitoba is funding the $15 million initiative as part of Manitoba’s $50-million Long-Term COVID-19 Recovery Fund, but MCC will deliver and manage DMI.
“Our government’s investment in the Digital Manitoba Initiative will enable local businesses and non-profit organizations to transition their operations to digital platforms and provide goods and services online, allowing Manitoba’s economy to better recover from COVID-19," says Manitoba's Economic Development and Jobs Minster, Jon Reyes.
Two streams of funding:
TechUP digital adoption investment of up to $5,000 for fundamental digital tools.
This could include a range of assets
and/or applications, for example, to support marketing and promotional
activities; website development/enhancement; e-commerce capabilities;
accounting, events or project management software, etc. Designed to enable
action, TechUP investments must be made within 30 days following an applicant’s
approved registration.
PowerUP
will provide up to $25,000 for strategic digital projects.
This could include evolving business models, processes, and operations,
improving client/customer experience, and increasing productivity. PowerUP requires
project plans that can be implemented within 90 days of application
approval.
Eligibility and process
- Organizations must be a Manitoba-based business or not-for-profit, with a valid Manitoba business number, in good standing with the Companies Office.
- Initial applications to the DMI website will be reviewed and vetted for eligibility. Once eligibility to apply is confirmed, DMI applicants will be invited to submit their funding requests via their account on the digital portal.
- Submissions will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis by a panel of industry, technical and educational experts.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce says the DMI is open to a vast array of projects to meet business needs, whether leaders are looking to streamline internal processes, boost efficiency through modern systems, or ensure they can respond to evolving customer preferences and expectations.
“The fund is an ideal opportunity for small and medium enterprises to invest in their operations for their future. Now is the time to be bold about technological adoption and innovation," says Davidson.
For more information on the Digital Manitoba Initiative, please visit digitalmanitobainitiative.com.