PINAWA, MB - North Forge East Start-Up Incubator/Accelerator has recently secured $5000 funding from the Indigenous Business Development Services Program. This milestone allows North Forge East to expand the services and mentorship it provides to underrepresented groups and communities who might not otherwise be able to afford these services. 

The Indigenous Business Development Services Program allows organizations who serve Indigenous entrepreneurs to access up to $5,000 to implement projects that can help to support and assist Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

Blair Skinner, Mayor of Pinawa says, “The Indigenous Business Development Services Program will allow Pinawa to continue developing both our economic development strategy, and reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities. These funds will be used to help Indigenous entrepreneurs start and grow their business ideas, and allow us to assist in their journey to create successful companies that will call Eastern Manitoba home.”

“While the past two years have been challenging for many businesses, including my own, I am pleased that I have been able to continue operations without interruption thanks to ongoing support from North Forge East”, said Tanis Thomas, founder of Boreal Workshop, “As an Indigenous entrepreneur, I have overcome many systemic and cultural barriers as I built Boreal Workshop from the ground up.  The additional layer of support the Indigenous Business Development Services Capacity Building Projects fund provides instills confidence that I will continue growing my business in a good way that enables long term success.”

North Forge East is a diverse business incubator located in Eastern Manitoba that serves the whole Eastern region to help companies grow their businesses by offering access to mentors, subject matter experts, and guidance through their Start-Up Program.