Province Partners with Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to Fund Digital Manitoba Initiative
Province of Manitoba, October 21, 2021
Investment Will Allow Businesses and Non-Profits to Provide Goods and Services Online, Thrive in Post-Pandemic Environment: Reyes
The Manitoba government is partnering with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) to fund the Digital Manitoba Initiative (DMI), which will help businesses and non-profit organizations with digital transformation, Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes announced today.
“Digital technology can enhance both systems and productivity, but many businesses and non-profit organizations face challenges integrating this technology into their operations,” said Reyes. “Our government’s investment in the Digital Manitoba Initiative will enable local businesses and non-profit organizations to transition their operations to digital platforms, provide goods and services online and allowing Manitoba’s economy to better recover from COVID-19.”
The DMI offers businesses and non-profit organizations across Manitoba a low-risk way to invest in and adopt digital technology. The initiative will be delivered and administered by the MCC, but the province will cover the $15-million cost of the initiative as part of Manitoba’s $50-million Long-Term Recovery Fund.
“Investing in the technological enhancement of local business is the best way to ensure our community’s future success,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “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 fund will provide parameters for applicants but be purposefully broad to prevent bias and encourage creative solutions by businesses, for businesses.
The fund consists of two streams designed to support projects that are immediately actionable:
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TechUP digital adoption investment of up to $5,000 for fundamental digital tools, which could include a range of assets and/or applications, such as supporting marketing and promotional activities, website development/enhancement, e-commerce capabilities, accounting, events or project management software; and
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PowerUP digital strategy funding of up to $25,000 to evolve business models, processes and operations, improve client/customer experience and increase productivity.
Initial applications to the DMI will be reviewed and vetted for eligibility. Organizations must be a Manitoba-based business or not-for-profit, with a valid Manitoba business number, in good standing with the Companies Office. Once eligibility to apply is confirmed, DMI applicants will be invited to submit their funding request via the digital portal. Submissions will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis by a panel of new media and technical experts.
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Peak of the Market’s “Farm to School” fundraising program is now underway!
Since 2011, the Farm to School fundraising program has invited schools and daycares to raise money for their facilities by selling fresh vegetables. This year, over 150 schools and daycares from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are enrolled in the program.
Ask your family if your school or daycare is involved. It’s very easy for schools and daycares to join. Just visit www.farmtoschool.ca for more information and to sign up. The program runs from September to December each year.
For every bundle purchased, an amazing 50 percent of the proceeds raised are donated back to the schools and daycares involved. Already, this year alone, over $120,000 has been donated back. It’s not only profitable, but delicious AND nutritious.
Special thanks to the Peak of the Market Growers who are proud to support this program and children’s education across western Canada. Peak of the Market is driven by a dedicated group of Manitoba growers and staff, with the goal of providing our customers with the best quality produce. Peak of the Market’s main products are potatoes, carrots and onions but growers also produce celery, peppers, parsnips, cabbage, kale, broccoli, squash and others. Look for the Peak of the Market diamond logo in Manitoba grocery stores.
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Chamber 2025 Strategic Plan
Canadian Chamber of Commerce, October 28, 2021
Last October, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's (CCC) Board of Directors gave a transformational mandate to create a reimagined and renewed Canadian Chamber.
In the intervening months, CCC has undertaken the most extensive strategic planning exercise in its history to produce a blueprint for the chamber of tomorrow: the Chamber 2025 Strategic Plan, presented at last week's AGM & Convention.
The transformation will take the Chamber from being the voice of Canadian business as a federal lobby organization to also becoming the undisputed champion and catalyst for business success by:
- Expanding its scope, influence and impact to give its members more of what they need to succeed.
- Launching whole new divisions and offerings that deliver elevated support and value to businesses of all sizes, including best-in-class data and insights, enhanced membership benefits, B2B networking opportunities, international growth boosters and tailor-made solutions for small business.
- Doubling its revenue base.
At its AGM & Convention, the Canadian Chamber also unveiled its new brand, which was developed concurrently with the Strategic Plan. The new brand includes a dynamic new visual identity and brand narrative, which will publicly launch in the new year, an external expression of our entrepreneurial agility and broadened ambitions to shape the future of business success, which will define the Chamber's organizational culture and fuel its growth.
As you review the plan, we hope you will recognize the numerous opportunities there are for maximizing the superpower of our entire Canadian Chamber Network to be an even bigger champion and catalyst for business success.
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