BRANDON - As part of Small Business Week, the province is unveiling two new programs, AccessManitoba and Business Programs and Services (BizPaS) to help support small businesses and entrepreneurs set up shop, access services and provide better customer service, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced here today at an event hosted by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
“Our government supports and recognizes the benefits small businesses and entrepreneurs provide to our economy as a whole,” said Bjornson. “Investments we make to help them grow and succeed will translate into better delivery of services and easier access to those services for the public.”
AccessManitoba is a client-centred, online, service-delivery system that allows businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals to register for programs, submit online applications and payments, and provide improved customer service.
People applying and registering for apprenticeship programs are now able to do so online using AccessManitoba, the minister said. In early December, AccessManitoba will be introduced to 12 additional program areas including small business development, Manitoba business gateways, industry-workforce development and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives services.
BizPaS is a web-based directory that will provide information on business programs, services, permits and licences for business activities. It is available online and offered in both French and English.
“Offering access to services through a single-window approach will standardize connections between the public and government while ensuring front-line staff have the tools and information they need to better support the public,” said Bjornson.
Small Business Week runs from Oct. 16 to 22 and celebrates the social and economic contributions made by Canada’s small business community. There are approximately 102,000 small businesses in Manitoba, representing 97 per cent of all businesses in the province, the minister noted.
AccessManitoba can be found online at www.accessmanitoba.ca. To access additional information on business services or to review the BizPaS directory, check out the Manitoba Business Portal at www.manitoba.ca/business.