Manitoba Business Grants: What’s Available and How to Apply

Looking for non-repayable funding to grow your business in Manitoba? This article covers the types of business grants available in the province, who provides them, what they can be used for, and how to qualify. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an established business, this guide will help you navigate your grant options and take the next step.


✅ What is a Business Grant?

A business grant is funding provided by governments or non-profit organizations that does not need to be repaid. These grants are typically awarded to support activities such as innovation, hiring, training, export development, or business expansion. While grants don’t involve repayment, they often come with specific goals, eligibility requirements, and reporting obligations.


✅ Types of Business Grants in Manitoba

Manitoba business grants are often organized based on their purpose, target audience, or the region or industry they support. The most common types include:

◾ Activity Grants

These grants fund defined business activities such as product development, process improvements, technology adoption, employee training, or export expansion.

◾ Audience Grants

Some programs are targeted at specific groups, including women, youth, Indigenous entrepreneurs, newcomers, and persons with disabilities. These grants help reduce barriers to business ownership.

◾ Industry Grants

Manitoba supports priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture and agri-processing, clean technology, transportation, life sciences, and aerospace. Grants may help businesses in these sectors innovate and scale.

◾ Regional Grants

Many Manitoba grants focus on rural and northern economic development. These programs encourage job creation and entrepreneurship in communities outside Winnipeg and Brandon.


✅ What Can a Business Grant be Used for in Manitoba?

Business grants in Manitoba can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on the program’s goals. Common eligible uses include:

  • Hiring and workforce development
  • Product or process innovation
  • Technology upgrades or equipment purchases
  • Market expansion (domestic or international)
  • Environmental sustainability initiatives
  • Business modernization or capacity building

Some grants cover 100% of eligible costs, while others require businesses to contribute matching funds.


✅ How to Qualify for a Business Grant in Manitoba

To qualify for a business grant in Manitoba, you typically need to:

  • Operate or plan to operate a registered business in Manitoba
  • Meet specific eligibility criteria (e.g. business size, sector, ownership group)
  • Propose a project that aligns with the grant’s objectives
  • Submit an application with supporting documentation, such as a business plan or budget

Each program is different, so it’s important to carefully review the guidelines, deadlines, and application process before applying.


✅ Alternatives to Business Grants in Manitoba

If a grant doesn’t meet your needs, or you’re looking for additional funding tools, consider these alternatives available in Manitoba:

◾ Subsidies

Programs that cover part of employee wages or training costs, especially for hiring youth, students, or underrepresented groups.

◾ Government Loans

Low-interest or flexible-term loans available through provincial and federal programs. These are often used for business expansion, capital investment, or working capital.

◾ Tax Credits

Manitoba offers several business-focused tax incentives, including credits for R&D, manufacturing, and film or media production. Federal credits like SR&ED also apply.

◾ Equity Investment Programs

Startups and growth-stage businesses can explore equity funding through angel investors, accelerators, or innovation hubs active in Manitoba.


✅ Manitoba Business Grants: Current Grants Available

Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM): Water Management

Amount:

$105,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) provides funding to farmers and land managers to implement cost-shared beneficial management practices (BMPs) that increase the environmental and economic sustainability of agriculture operations in Manitoba. The Water Management provides funding to support the adoption of practices that enhance the supply, efficient use, quality and management of water.

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Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM): Manure and Livestock Management

Amount:

$430,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) provides funding to farmers and land managers to implement cost-shared beneficial management practices (BMPs) that increase the environmental and economic sustainability of agriculture operations in Manitoba. The Manure and Livestock Management provides funding to support the adoption of practices that improve livestock performance and manure management.

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Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM): Cropland Management

Amount:

$80,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) provides funding to primary producers and land managers to implement cost-shared beneficial management practices (BMPs). The objective of SAM is to increase the environmental and economic sustainability of agriculture operations in Manitoba. Priority areas include climate change adaptation and mitigation, air quality, water quality and quantity, soil health, and biodiversity.

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Sustainable Agri-Processing: Building Envelope, Lighting and Ventilation Upgrades

Amount:

50 per cent government and 50 per cent applicant to a maximum contribution of $25,000 per project

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Building Envelope, Lighting and Ventilation Upgrades funding stream supports the assessment and upgrades applicable to new and existing agri-food and agri-product production and office areas and equipment that create energy savings and/or GHG reductions.

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Share:Tour

Amount:

Small scale – up to $10,000; Large scale – up to $50,000 (requested grant amount may not exceed 50% of total tour budget)

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Tour grant supports touring activities in Manitoba with the aim of sharing arts and culture for the benefit of all Manitobans. This program prioritizes collaborative and community engaged tours in all artistic disciplines.

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Share: Present

Amount:

Up to $15,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Present program supports the presentation of work in Manitoba in all disciplines by professional artists, arts groups, and arts organizations.

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Share: Artists in Schools

Amount:

Projects involving one artist: up to $7,500 per application; projects involving two or more artists: up to $15,000 per application

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Artists in Schools grant creates opportunities for K-12 students attending public schools throughout Manitoba to participate in high-impact arts and cultural experiences by working directly with artists, arts/cultural professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.

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Share: Artists in Communities

Amount:

Micro-grant: $1,000 (for individual applicants only); Small scale: up to $7,500; Large scale: up to $15,000 (large scale grants over $7,500 must have matching revenue from other sources)

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Artists in Communities grants support arts-related activities for underserved applicants and/or communities that face barriers to accessing artistic opportunities.

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Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP): Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience – Grassland and Grazing Management

Amount:

$15,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Grasslands and Grazing Management program provides funding to support the enhancement of grasslands and strategies to improve grazing management.

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Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP): Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience – Agroforestry

Amount:

$15,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Agroforestry program provide funding to support establishment of trees and management of woodlots that provide:

– Enhanced carbon sequestration
– Reduced soil erosion
– Improved water conservation efforts
– Energy conservation
– Improved wildlife habitat
– Increased crop yields
– Thermal protection for livestock
– Reduced surface runoff and enhanced water quality

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Research and Innovation

Amount:

Grant funding, cost shared government:applicant. Basic and Applied Research with no IP or confidentiality: 70:30 on the first $100,000 and 60:40 on the remaining amount over $100,000. Basic and Applied Research with IP or confidentiality: 50:50. Capacity Building: 50:50.

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Research and Innovation Program supports the development of science-based solutions and tools that address known challenges, prepare for potential disruptions and climate threats, and capture emerging opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The Program provides funding to eligible applicants for basic and applied research and capacity building projects that advance the growth and sustainability of the sector by fast-tracking the pace of innovation.

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Project Grant Program for Arts Organizations & Collectives

Amount:

Maximum of $10,000 for any arts organization or artist collective from the Project Grant Program

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This program is intended for new and developing arts organizations, established arts organizations that work on a project basis, and arts organizations undertaking a special, one-time initiative. Collectives or unincorporated groups may be eligible provided that they meet the special criteria outlined in the guidelines. The program is designed to provide partial support to a broad range of activities and art forms, reflecting different cultural traditions and art practices.

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Professional Development Grant

Amount:

Fixed amounts of $500, $750, $1,000 or $1,500, up to 50% of total eligible costs

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This grant program is intended to provide partial support to artists, arts administrators, or arts educators for activities that contribute to their professional development and enhance their careers in the arts.

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Military Memorial Conservation Grant

Amount:

Up to $25,000 on a 1:1 matching funds basis (50% Province: 50% applicant) for conservation of the memorial or original site elements; up to $5,000 on a 1:1 basis for inscription updates; up to $10,000 on a 1:2 matching funds basis (33.3% Province: 66.6% applicant) for new accessibility infrastructure and new memorials

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Military Memorial Conservation Grant is intended to assist primarily with conservation work on existing military memorials in Manitoba, with the goal of extending the physical life and commemorative function of the memorials, and raising their profile as sites of reflection and commemoration, and as valuable cultural infrastructure in the community.

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Manure Management Financial Assistance Program

Amount:

No fixed amount

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This program provides financial assistance to help small pig operations (less than 300 animal units) build additional manure storage capacity to eliminate winter application of manure; help all sizes of pig operations repair manure storage structures to reduce the risk of leakage; and help all sizes of pig operations install manure treatment systems to meet the soil test phosphorus thresholds.

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Manotoba Wildlife Damage Compensation for Livestock Predation

Amount:

No fixed amount

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This program compensates producers who suffer losses to eligible livestock due to attacks by designated natural predators.

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Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

Amount:

$3,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Wildlife Damage Compensation Program provides financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers who have suffered damage to their crops or livestock due to attacks by designated natural predators. This program has two major components — compensation for crop damage and compensation for livestock predation. 

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Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation for Crop Damage

Amount:

No fixed amount

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This program compensates Manitoba agricultural producers for damage caused by migratory waterfowl and big game.

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Manitoba Music: Promote Program

Amount:

$10,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Promote program is designed to assist Manitoba recording artists to market and promote a completed music recording project. This can include hiring a publicist and/or marketing team, creating a website, advertising as well as content and music video creation.

This program was formerly called the Record Product Marketing Support Program and Music Video and Viral Video Fund.

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Manitoba Music: Produce Program

Amount:

$20,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Produce program is designed to support the production of commercially viable music recording products by the Manitoba music recording industry.

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Manitoba Music: Produce Out of Province Program

Amount:

$10,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Produce – Out-of-Province Artists program is designed to encourage non-Manitoban artists to travel to the province to utilize local recording studios, producers and recording professionals. It is also intended to increase business and experience for Manitoba music recording industry professionals.

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Manitoba Music: Perform Program

Amount:

$15,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Perform program is intended to provide Manitoba artists/groups with tour support funding to develop audiences outside of their hometown. This includes performances and tours across Canada, through the United States and internationally.

This program was formerly called the Recording Artists Touring Support program.

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Manitoba Music: Market Access Fund

Amount:

$10,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The purpose of the Market Access Fund is to support Manitoba artists and music industry professionals in growing their business activities in export markets through showcases at music industry conferences and showcase festivals, targeted and confirmed business meetings, and collaborative songwriting trips.

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Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF)

Amount:

Short-term projects: up to $50,000 Medium- and long-term projects: up to $300,000 The Board may approve funding above these limits for projects of exceptional merit.

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) is a $20M provincial fund, administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, that provides non-repayable grant funding for northern economic development and mining projects that create Indigenous partnerships, increase local employment, and stimulate investment in mining in Manitoba.

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Manitoba Department of Agriculture Market Development

Amount:

$30,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Market Development program is designed to advance the agriculture, agri-food and agri-product sector’s innovation and business capacity to maintain existing markets and capture emerging market opportunities. The program will provide financial assistance to eligible recipients for market development activities that enhance the export capacity of individual businesses and improve overall domestic and international access for the sector.

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Manitoba Arts Council: Create Program

Amount:

$15,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Create grants value original artistic expression by supporting professional artists and arts groups in the creation and development of artistic work, including creation-based residencies.

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Learn: Travel/Professional Development

Amount:

Up to $1,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Travel/Professional Development program supports professional artists and arts/cultural professionals in all disciplines for activities related to the development of their practice or careers.

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Learn: Residencies

Amount:

$2,500 grant, plus time and space in the Riding Mountain Artists’ Residency

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Residencies program supports creation or research-based residency opportunities in Riding Mountain National Park for individuals in all disciplines. Applicants may apply to have time and space in the Riding Mountain Artists’ Residency.

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Innovation Growth Program

Amount:

$100,000

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The IGP provides cost-sharing assistance to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to assist them in commercializing new innovative products and processes. The IGP will support SMEs in the development and growth stages of the business life-cycle to reduce the risks associated with the commercialization of innovative products and processes, accelerate growth and strengthen their financial position so they can secure future funding to build their Manitoba-based business.

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Industry Expansion Program

Amount:

No fixed amount

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Industry Expansion Program is aimed at supporting companies that are locating new operations in Manitoba or expanding existing Manitoba operations.

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Individual Artist Grant Program

Amount:

Grant of up to $7,000 for mid-career and established artists; grant of up to $3,000 for emerging artists

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Winnipeg Arts Council recognizes the individual artist as the primary source of creative activity in all artistic disciplines. The Individual Artist Grant Program is intended to support the creation of new work in any art form, or the development, production, curation, or exhibition of works of art by Winnipeg artists.

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Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems: Training and Resource Development

Amount:

No fixed amount

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Funding to support skill sharing, group learning and knowledge transfer events, such as conferences and workshops, peer to peer learning activities, and other community driven culturally relevant food system learning initiatives.

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Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems: Planning and Consulting

Amount:

No fixed amount

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Supports access to community driven culturally relevant assistance services and the development of resource materials that focus on food system development and expansion, increases agriculture knowledge, business development, management and planning, risk awareness, and market expansion.

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Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems: Enhancing Indigenous Food Systems

Amount:

No fixed amount

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Supports activities to develop and implement community based food systems from planning through to development and implementation. Food systems planning includes a broad range of activities that may include revitalization of traditional food systems, agriculture, community gardens, and local food sovereignty initiatives, and processing and preservation.

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Indigenous 360

Amount:

Micro-grant: up to $1,000; Small scale: up to $5,000; Large scale: up to $15,000 (successful applicants may receive a full award or a partial award of at least 75 per cent of the amount requested)

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Indigenous 360 program supports artistic and cultural activities by Indigenous applicants including artists, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous-led arts groups and Indigenous-led organizations.

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Grant Program for Emerging Talent and Micro-Budget Production

Amount:

Emerging Talent: up to the LESSER of $10,000 or 50% of the project’s total cash budget; Micro-Budget Production: up to the LESSER of $10,000 or 10% of the project’s total cash budget

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This program is designed to support two streams of micro-budget productions:
1) Entry-level filmmakers who have received production funding awards through a competitive, juried process from a recognized industry organization (e.g. Telefilm, Manitoba Arts Council, Gimli Film Festival Pitch Competition).
2) Producers of factual or scripted programming for projects with micro-budgets that do not exceed $100,000 and who have received a cash license or a distribution advance from an industry recognized third-party distributor.

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Food Safety & Traceability Implementation Support Program

Amount:

60:40 cost share for food safety activities and 50:50 for traceability activities, to a maximum funding limit of $30,000 for all food safety items and $30,000 for all traceability items

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

7 Section 1 – Program Description This program is designed to assist Manitoba’s agri-food and agri-product sectors in adopting and improving food safety and traceability practices. Financial assistance will be provided to eligible recipients for the development and implementation of food safety programs, food safety training, validation and verification activities and traceability.

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Feature Film Marketing Fund

Amount:

No specific amount specified

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This program assists applicants with the promotion and marketing of feature film projects at the time of theatrical release, or release at festivals and markets, to either enhance the promotion and marketing of the theatrical release and/or to attract the attention of distributors/sales agents to support commercial interest in the project.

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Cost-Share Program 2024

Amount:

$7,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Manitoba Organics is offering a cost-share funding program that supports on-farm projects to improve soil health and biodiversity. We are thrilled to receive funding from the Conservation Trust to improve soil health and biodiversity on Manitoba farms. A portion of the funding received is for a cost-share program, which will help farmers identify ways to enhance biodiversity and soil stewardship on their farms and supports the costs of implementing these plans. Projects supported by the cost-share program include activities to improve on-farm biodiversity, planting cover crops and perennials to improve crop rotations and improve soil health, integrating livestock and pollinators such as leaf cutter bees, and shelterbelt establishment. Find out how this program is supporting farmers in the province.

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Capital Infrastructure and Investments

Amount:

$2,500,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

The Capital Assets – Processing Equipment funding stream supports the growth and expansion of Manitoba’s agri-processing sector by assisting with capital investment purchases for modernization activities that enhance efficiency, productivity and environmental sustainability.

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Build – Music Business Development Fund

Amount:

Up to 75% of the approved budget to a maximum of $5,000 per application (Build Level 1) or $20,000 per application (Build Level 2)

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

This program is designed to encourage the growth and development of competitive, sustainable and commercially viable companies within the Manitoba music industry by providing financial support for costs associated with increasing capacity, improving industry skill levels and developing infrastructure.

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Affordable Housing Now: Capital Grants

Amount:

$250,000.00

Type of Program:

Grant

Description:

Affordable Housing Now provides eligible projects with support through two funding streams: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Grants and Capital Grants.

The Affordable Housing Now Program provides support for the development of affordable rental housing that is also eligible through a funding program of the National Housing Strategy.

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Maurice

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.

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