The Manitoba government has launched a new Business Pathways website to support food and agri-product entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations throughout all stages of the business life cycle, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today during Small Business Week.
“Whether you have a new food product idea, you see an unmet demand for local food, or you want to grow a food business, the Business Pathways website can help you build your future in food,” said Johnson. “This comprehensive resource fosters economic development and provides the business management, product and process development and marketing support that new and existing agri-food businesses need to effectively enter and compete in the domestic and global marketplaces.”
The new website incorporates resources, programs and services provided by business service providers and industry partners from the entire ecosystem.
The annual Small Business Week, an initiative of the Business Development Bank of Canada, runs from Oct. 16 to Oct. 22.
“I am especially pleased to announce this new resource during Small Business Week, as we celebrate the dedication and achievements of Manitoba entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Johnson.
With an abundance of productive farmland, diverse commodities, state-of-the-art research facilities, world-class transportation infrastructure and a highly skilled labour force, Manitoba is an ideal place for food and beverage manufacturing, the minister noted. The Business Pathways website complements this business-friendly environment by providing agri-food businesses with tailored information and resources as they start up, build, grow and transition, Johnson added.
“Agriculture is a major driver of Manitoba’s economy and small businesses create many of our province’s skilled careers,” said Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen. “Entrepreneurialism in the food space is exciting and innovative and offers great potential for growth and expansion. This new website will take out so much of the guesswork involved in launching, marketing and succeeding as a new business.”
For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/foodbusiness.
News source: Manitoba government