Business Incubators & Accelerators in Manitoba – Directory of Startup Support Programs
Looking for startup support in Manitoba? This page lists business incubators and accelerators that serve entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across the province. For each organization, we’ve included the names of the programs they offer, so you can quickly identify the right fit based on your stage, sector, or funding goals.
Whether you’re launching a tech startup in Winnipeg, building a cleantech venture in Brandon, or developing a social enterprise in Northern Manitoba, this directory connects you with the province’s leading innovation hubs.
✅ What Is a Business Incubator or Accelerator?
Business incubators are designed to help entrepreneurs take an idea and turn it into a viable business. They typically support early-stage founders with mentorship, business development guidance, workspace, and connections to funding or academic partners.
Business accelerators, on the other hand, focus on growth-stage companies — usually startups that already have traction and are preparing to scale. Accelerators often run structured, cohort-based programs that provide intensive mentorship, investor introductions, and sometimes direct funding in exchange for equity.
In Manitoba, many support organizations operate as hybrids — offering both incubation and acceleration services tailored to the stage and needs of your venture.
✅ What These Programs Typically Offer
Incubators and accelerators in Manitoba often provide:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors
- Structured training in business planning, finance, marketing, and investor pitching
- Access to coworking space, labs, or fabrication facilities — especially within innovation centres and post-secondary campuses
- Introductions to capital sources including angel investors, venture capitalists, and Manitoba-specific grant programs
- Industry-specific support in areas such as agri-tech, cleantech, Indigenous entrepreneurship, AI, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and social innovation
- Events like demo days, pitch competitions, and networking mixers that build connections across the Manitoba startup ecosystem
Some programs offer equity-based investment (mainly accelerators), while others are non-dilutive and supported by public or educational institutions.
✅ How to Choose a Program
With incubators and accelerators operating across Manitoba, selecting the right one depends on your specific goals. When reviewing the directory, consider the following:
- Stage Fit – Are you pre-revenue, MVP-ready, or generating sales?
- Location – Programs often focus on specific regions such as Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, or other rural and northern communities
- Sector Focus – Certain programs specialize in high-growth sectors like technology, cleantech, healthcare, or social enterprise
- Equity vs. Non-Equity – Consider whether you’re comfortable giving up equity or prefer non-dilutive support
- Duration & Format – Programs vary from a few weeks to a full year and may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid
Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem is recognized for its collaborative environment, strong post-secondary linkages, and access to provincial and federal funding — making it an ideal place to start and scale a business with real community impact.
✅ Directory: Incubators & Accelerators in Manitoba
Winnipeg Incubators and Accelerators
North Forge
North Forge is an innovation and business development hub based in Winnipeg that offers mentorship, resources, and programming to support startups and entrepreneurs in launching and growing their ventures. Its services include business training, investor readiness, and access to a vast network of experts and advisors. The organization helps founders build scalable companies, particularly in technology-driven industries.
Program offered:
North Forge Technology Exchange
North Forge Technology Exchange is a division of North Forge that provides prototyping, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing services through its state-of-the-art FabLab. It supports product development from concept to commercialization by giving entrepreneurs access to 3D printers, CNC machines, and electronics workstations. Located in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, it plays a critical role in helping hardware startups and inventors turn their ideas into functional prototypes.
Program offered:
