July 30, 2024

Digital Manitoba Initiative for Manitoba-based Businesses and Non-Profits

"The Digital Manitoba Initiative will invest $15 Million into the

With an investment of $15 Million provided by the Province of Manitoba and managed by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the Digital Manitoba Initiative was created to ensure local businesses have the tools they need to take advantage of opportunities provided by the modern economy.

To stay competitive, businesses must invest in their digital assets, upgrade their outdated or inefficient systems and adapt their strategies for everything from marketing to supply chain, to customer experience. Digital adaptation can feel like a threat, but it also represents a huge opportunity. Now businesses can not only meet, but personalize, predict, and even influence the needs of their customers, creating more valuable interactions, and in turn, more meaningful relationships. And when local business thrives, the entire province benefits!

Eligibility

If you are the owner of a registered business in Manitoba with a specific technology need or strategic plan that can optimize the operations of your business and maximize its growth, the Digital Manitoba Initiative wants to support your efforts
You do not need to be a member of the Chambers and you do not need to have a brick and mortar storefront to apply.
There is no maximum or minimum number of employees or business size restrictions, however priority will be given to small and medium sized businesses.

What Purchases Are Not Eligible for Funding?

The Digital Manitoba Initiative is designed to alleviate some of the risk or financial obstacles that prevent you from modernizing your business�s current digital strategies, operational technology and legacy systems.�Eligible expenses must be net new investments. Funding is not meant to subsidize your existing expenses.

Examples of ineligible expenses include:

Cell Phone Bills

Internet Bills

Consumables (Eg: Ink Cartridges)

Existing Software or Subscriptions (Eg: Microsoft 365)

Existing Hosting or Domain Fees

Staff Salary

Funding Types

This initiative is open to all registered businesses in Manitoba, offering two funding programs designed to incentivize and reimburse business owners for their modernization efforts.

TechUP - Digital Business Grants of Up To $5,000

TechUP is designed to give you the fuel you need to spark new life into your business with upgraded digital assets and technological tools. If you made expenses or investments of up to a total of $5,000 that were put towards the digital adaptation of your business since April 1, 2021, this stream is for you. If you have identified your digital adaptation needs but aren�t sure if transitioning your current practices is worth the financial risk, this is your opportunity to invest. And if you�re planning to bring new digital assets valued at $5,000 or less to your business in the next 30 days, register now. Projects requiring more than $5,000 in funds and over 30 days to complete should apply for the PowerUP program.

This incentive is most suitable for businesses that need to upgrade or optimize essential digital assets through actions that require a one-time investment and can be achieved within 30 days of approval for a total of $5,000 or less. TechUP funds could be used for, but are not limited to, projects that involve�

Developing an e-commerce website
Investing in advanced software
Purchasing professional equipment for content creation and product promotion
Investing in courses on digital marketing, branding, and social advertising
Touchless payment systems

Developing an e-commerce website
Investing in advanced software
Purchasing professional equipment for content creation and product promotion
Investing in courses on digital marketing, branding, and social advertising
Touchless payment systems

TechUP will provide owners with funding of up to $5,000, especially designed for small and medium sized businesses to expand or optimize their fundamental digital infrastructure with essential digital tools and assets.

PowerUP - Digital Business Grants of Up To $25,000

Businesses seeking to invest in strategic projects requiring 90 days or less are encouraged to apply for the PowerUP program for a maximum of $25,000 in funding. Furthermore, if you�ve already made substantial digital investments since April 1, 2021, you may submit dated receipts and your rationale for the purchase to be eligible for reimbursement. Successful applicants must provide a Business Case Brief detailing how the funds will build their capacity to better meet the needs of their customers or otherwise modernize their business systems, including an official estimate, quote, Statement of Work, or invoice for each stage of the proposed project. Appropriate digital initiatives should be projected to conclude within 90 days of application approval. Successful applications may include, but are not limited to, projects requiring�

Organizational training on elements such as cloud based systems or cyber security
Technological upgrades and support services
Upgrades to network based systems
Procurement of technical and/or customer support services
Process optimization

The Manitoba Digital Initiative is meant to incentivize businesses to upgrade their digital assets (throughTechUP) or adapt their business models and operations (throughPowerUP ) in order to update their processes and meet the needs of their customers more effectively and efficiently. Our goal is to encourage you to try new things and take the necessary steps towards evolving your business, ultimately securing future success not only for you, but also the local economy and community.

PowerUP enables capacity building initiatives with funding of up to $25,000 for businesses who have identified strategic organizational adoption of technology solutions which allow them to compete more effectively and efficiently in this customer-centric world.

How to Apply for the

To create and register your account, be prepared to provide your�