The federal and Manitoba governments have unveiled a new $3.5‑million initiative aimed at helping small and medium‑sized businesses strengthen their workforce and adapt to a rapidly changing labour market. The Building Up Manitoba Program (BUMP) will support employers with funding for employee training, skills development, and long‑term human‑resources planning.
Federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu said the program comes at a critical time, as businesses and workers face new pressures in a shifting economy. “We’re supporting businesses to equip workers with the tools and training they need in a rapidly changing labour market,” she said, adding that the goal is to help Manitobans “grow, thrive and prosper.”
Manitoba’s Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses said the province is focused on building a resilient workforce that can weather global uncertainty. “This program will provide the necessary funding for a resilient economy that will protect the jobs of Manitobans and prepare our workforce for the economy of the future,” he said.
Small and medium‑sized enterprises — which make up 99 per cent of Manitoba businesses — can apply for up to $100,000 to support training, upskilling, and HR strategy development. The program includes up to $10,000 per employee for training and up to $25,000 for developing long‑term workforce plans.
More information is available on the province’s website.
