Ottawa commits $21M to boost Manitoba businesses

The federal government is investing more than $21 million in nine Manitoba-based businesses to help them expand, improve productivity and stay competitive globally.

Eleanor Olszewski, minister of emergency management and community resilience and minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced the funding Aug. 28.

“Manitoba’s innovators are turning bold ideas into real opportunities for their businesses, their communities and our families,” Olszewski said in a statement. “The Government of Canada is not only investing in these projects, but we are also investing in the people behind them as they take their innovations to the next level. This is how we are helping businesses grow, create high quality jobs and strengthen one Canadian economy.”

Among the projects, PhiBer Manufacturing Inc. will receive $4.1 million to expand its capacity to produce agricultural equipment, Prairie Fava Ltd. will receive $1.5 million to optimize processes and grow its network and Decor Cabinets will receive $3.2 million to increase manufacturing capacity and efficiency.

“The funding we received from the PrairiesCan Business Scale-Up program enabled us to accelerate PhiBer’s growth in many ways,” said Derek Friesen, president of PhiBer Manufacturing.

Hailey Jefferies, co-founder of Prairie Fava, said the support will help meet demand for sustainable fava bean ingredients and bolster Canada’s role in plant-based protein.

“We sincerely appreciate the support PrairiesCan has provided for this project,” added Stan Pauls, CEO of Decor Cabinets.