The TechFutures Program is targeted to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 34, who are either pursuing or considering the commercialization of a technology-driven business idea. The program will provide support to assist entrepreneurs in launching or growing an early stage technology startup. Successful recipients will receive:
- $3000 in financial assistance
- Lean startup training at an Innovate Manitoba LaunchPad Startup Skills Workshop in either in Winnipeg or Brandon; and
- Business counselling and services from Entrepreneurship Manitoba
The objectives of the program are to:
- Encourage entrepreneurship among Manitoba’s youth;
- Help young tech innovators develop their ideas quickly and identify the best pathway(s) for growth;
- Increase commercialization of new tech ideas and tech based startup companies; and
- Pave the way for the downstream creation of high-skill jobs
The TechFutures Program is competitive in nature. Up to 20 grants will be awarded annually (in two intakes per year) to applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential for commercialization based upon the market potential of the business idea, the product/service innovation and the relevant skills and/or experience of the applicant(s).
Eligible applicants who place among the top two business ideas at Startup Winnipeg’s Ramp Up Weekend 6 (Nov. 21-23rd, 2014) will automatically qualify for a TechFutures grant. Remaining recipients in each intake will be selected by a committee of representatives from participating program partners; Futurpreneur Canada, Startup Winnipeg, Innovate Manitoba and Manitoba Jobs and the Economy.
Applications under the TechFutures program will be accepted beginning December 1st and will remain open until 5:00 PM on December 31st, 2014.
To be considered eligible for the program:
- Applicants must be a resident of Manitoba and be 18-34 years of age.
- Applicants are not required to have an incorporated business. Those applicants with an incorporated business must be incorporated for a period of 6 months or less.
- The business opportunity may be from any sector, but must be technology-driven or technology enabled.
- Applicants must be in a stage where they are not yet generating revenue from the business idea.
- Applicants must own or have the right to commercialize the business idea.
Full program guidelines and applications will be available here beginning November 28th.
http://www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/sibd/techfutures.html