The Manitoba government is providing $500,000 in export support programming for small and medium-sized Manitoba companies looking to explore, initiate or expand their export activities into new markets.
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses says “Helping companies start to export or expand their exporting capabilities will boost trade and create good local jobs for Manitobans. We’re continuing to work with Manitoba companies to develop export opportunities and increase business investments in our province.”
Export support programming helps businesses export their products or services outside of Manitoba. The programming provides funding through two streams:
- The Export Development Program provides reimbursement to Manitoba companies participating in a tradeshow or mission outside the province.
- The Incoming Buyer Program provides reimbursement to local companies that invite qualified international buyers to the province with the goal of purchasing Manitoba products.
“The Export Development Program has been a vital resource in supporting our expansion into new markets,” said Teaghan Wellman, executive vice president, Cypher Environmental. “Through its additional backing for our participation in international trade shows and missions, we’ve been able to capitalize on key opportunities that have significantly accelerated our growth. This program has not only helped us strengthen our export strategy and broaden our global presence but remains a driving force behind our success, enhancing our competitiveness and resilience in an ever-evolving global market.”
The program has seen strong uptake from Manitoba companies, highlighting the importance of having dedicated provincial export support programming. As of March, programming has supported 45 companies to attend 74 national and international events, trade shows, missions and conventions to form valuable partnerships, noted the minister.
“Manitoba’s new trade strategy will focus on attracting investment to Manitoba, having more domestic companies exporting products or services abroad, and increasing our global presence,” said Moses. “This funding helps companies make exporting a reality and is a crucial part of our trade strategy.”
Industry roundtables are planned in the coming months, building off the work of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council’s sub-committee on trade with the U.S. and recent trade missions to Washington.
Applications for export support program funding are now being accepted. For more program information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/export/index.html.
