Innovative Manitoba Social Enterprises are Scaling Up with New Financial Support

Over winter and spring 2020, a collaborative mix of partners (including foundations, charities, co-operatives, businesses and economic development organizations) came together to bring new resources to Manitoba social purpose enterprises building their capacity for social impact and possible new investment. Hosted by The Winnipeg Foundation and the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) - Manitoba, the group evaluated 39 applications in the first round of available funding and is pleased to announce $405,737.50 of support to 13 social purpose organizations in Manitoba. 

This new funding is part of the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP). The social enterprises involved create important opportunities for Indigenous communities, create meaningful jobs, strengthen the charitable and non-profit sector, and address social and environmental challenges. These organizations often face challenges unique to their innovative blend of business practice and social impact. As a result of these new funds, organizations will be better prepared to stabilize or scale up their work and potentially receive investment, including through the Government of Canada’s developing Social Finance Fund. 

Organizations supported include:

• $40,000 - Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
• $30,000 - Aulneau Renewal Centre
• $13,000 - BUILD Inc. (Building Urban Industries for Local Development)
• $32,000 - Clan Mothers Enterprises
• $26,000 - Clan Mothers Healing Village
• $14,600 - End Homelessness Winnipeg
• $30,000 - Green Action Centre Inc. (Compost Winnipeg)
• $12,000 - Level IT Up
• $40,000 - Mitik 299 Corp
• $47,000 - North End Community Renewal Corporation
• $49,600 - Purpose Construction
• $34,000 - Social Enterprise Centre
• $37,537.50 - Wahbung Abinoonjiiag

“Manitoba has a long history of innovation in the social sector. The IRP represents an opportunity to further support innovation in organizations we know will address our communities’ needs” noted Alan Goddard, director of Endow Manitoba, an initiative of The Winnipeg Foundation. 

“Social enterprises are incredible vehicles for social impact and they’re doing important work, especially during this challenging period of pandemic response. These groups can help to build resilient, inclusive, sustainable communities and this new support will be invaluable as they grow their impact” says Sarah Leeson-Klym, Regional Networks Director for CCEDNet.

Social purpose organizations strengthen local economies while giving back and creating more resilient and sustainable communities. The IRP creates and advances new earned revenue possibilities for the critical role charities, non-profits, and cooperatives play, especially during this challenging time. For these reasons, the IRP has a key role to play in pandemic recovery and also in moving Canada towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. They promote prosperity while protecting people and our planet.

For more information about the IRP, visit the national website at irp-ppi.ca. Applications for the second and final round of funding for the IRP will be accepted starting September 8, 2020 until October 9, 2020.

For more information on the Manitoba local fund or second round, please contact:

Frank Atnikov, Social Enterprise Program Manager, CCEDNet Manitoba

f.atnikov (at) ccednet-rcdec.ca, 204-943-0547 x 205

(Alternate contact: Sarah Leeson-Klym, sleesonklym (at) ccednet-rcdec.ca, 204-943-0547 x 202)

About The Winnipeg Foundation: The Winnipeg Foundation connects donors from all walks of life with local charitable organizations that help our city flourish for all. The Foundation is an endowment-based organization which means gifts received are pooled and invested. The income generated provides a stable source of support for our community For Good. Forever. Established in 1921, The Winnipeg Foundation is Canada’s first community foundation. Endow Manitoba is an initiative of The Winnipeg Foundation that works with the province’s 56 community foundations to increase their impact and advance the movement. Learn more about them at www.wpgfdn.org.

About CCEDNet: A national association connecting people and ideas for action to build local economies that strengthen communities and benefit everyone. In Manitoba, the Network is focused on building strength, knowledge, connection, and power in community organizations and social economy enterprises. Social Enterprise Manitoba is an initiative of CCEDNet Manitoba.

About the Program: Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) is a partner in the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) which helps deliver capital from the Government of Canada to social purpose organizations preparing to successfully participate in the social finance market. For more information about the IRP, visit the national website at irp-ppi.ca.