he Manitoba government is providing $500,000 to help Manitoba companies pursue new opportunities to export and diversify markets for their products, Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.
“One of the primary ways to grow our economy is to have more Manitoba companies exporting their products and services abroad,” said Wharton. “This funding is aimed at bringing our businesses closer to potential new clients and promoting our province as a preferred destination for trade and investment.”
Export support programming focuses on supporting Manitoba’s small and medium-sized businesses by providing funding through two streams:
- The Export Development Program provides reimbursement to eligible Manitoba companies participating in a tradeshow or mission outside the province. This program assists companies enter new markets, and provide opportunities for education, market assessments, developing relationships, contacts and sales.
- The Incoming Buyer Program provides reimbursement to local companies that invite qualified international buyers to the province with the goal of procuring Manitoba products. This program will help make Manitoba a more attractive destination for international buyers and provide opportunities for companies to follow up on trade leads and develop new sales and distribution relationships.
“As part of these programs, our government will also be encouraging international business delegations to visit Manitoba to learn more about our industries and potential matchmaking opportunities to increase our national and international competitiveness, and strengthen Manitoba’s business ecosystem,” said Wharton.
The programs will provide the ongoing support and flexibility Manitoba businesses need to participate in trade events individually or as part of a delegation, the minister noted. Eligible costs that can be reimbursed under export support programming include airfare and accommodations for national and international trade shows, interpreter services, relevant trade preparedness training, and market research.
The funding intake for export support programming will open June 26. For more program information, visit www.manitoba.ca/investmb/advantages/export.html.
News source: Manitoba government