Boot Camps help entrepreneurs see beyond their rural roots

Three rural-based entrepreneurs are seeing promising results from lessons learned through their participation in last year's Westman Entrepreneur Boot Camp held in Brandon. They all urge other rural entepreneurs to attend upcoming boot camps in Brandon (Westman Entrepreneur Bootcamp) and Morden-Winkler (Pembina Valley Entrepreneur Bootcamp).

The right advice at the right time

Feedback received during the Boot Camp was transformative for all companies, especially for Freeman-Campbell who had planned to franchise her concept. "Randy didn't hold any punches. He felt I should retain full control because the secret sauce to my business really is me," she said. "Then I was asked to think about how the business would continue if, for instance, I got hit by a bus." Read on... >

Taking it to the next level

Daughter on Call, Green Aero Tech and Allen Leigh have all had their eyes opened to the potential of what they can achieve by taking their businesses beyond the local market. Genik said that discussions with Boot Camp mentors have taught him how to look at relationships and be open to the idea that innovation is not going to be 100 per cent driven just by his own people. "We'll need to be open to other help, including strategic partners that can assist us in taking the business to the next level." Read on... >

Calling all rural entrepreneurs

The inaugural Pembina Valley Entrepreneur Boot Camp, is April 4 & 5, in Morden-Winkler. The Westman Entrepreneur Boot Camp takes place on April 6 & 7, in Brandon. Both provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to enhance their business skills, learn how to pitch their business idea and compete for cash prizes. Read on... >

February 11: Critical go-to market strategy advice for startups

Sponsored by New Media Manitoba, last year's VentureChallenge judge and Lift'Off keynote speaker, Alistair Croll is back in Winnipeg with some critical go-to market strategy advice for startups.
Who: Startups and Corporate Entrepreneurs
When: 9:00-5:00 on Thursday, February 11
Where: 4th floor of ACI, 245 McDermot Ave
Cost: $19.95, includes lunch.

Learn more and register >

April 4 – 5, 2016: Pembina Valley Entrepreneur Boot Camp

Looking to grow your business? Need risk capital? Want expert advice on your next steps? Want to learn how to pitch your business? Join Randy Thompson, serial entrepreneur and leader of on of Canada's most active angel groups, in Morden-Winkler to learn how to be a successful startup founder. Innovate Manitoba has partnered with supporting organizations in the Pembina Valley to host this inaugural Boot Camp. It is the same winning format as our Westman version (below). This event is open to anyone in Manitoba.

Learn more and register >

April 6 – 7, 2016: Westman Entrepreneur Boot Camp

The winning Westman Entrepreneur Boot Camp returns following another successful year (see story above). This event is open to anyone in Manitoba (or elsewhere).

Learn more and register >

Upcoming Opportunities

Launch'Pad Startup Skills Bootcamp
May 13-16, Winnipeg

Launch'Pad Startup Skills Workshop
June 5, 2016 in Winnipeg

Lift'Off with VentureChallenge
June 22, 2016 in Winnipeg

Free legal advice for early stage ventures

The Desautels Centre at the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba has launched the Startup Clinic to provide free legal advice for early stage ventures. The Clinic will host office hours weekly where third year law students, with support from lawyers at Pitblado LLP and Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, will provide advice and assistance on a range of legal issues faced by startup entrepreneurs.

Startup Clinic Info Sheet >
Startup Clinic: Becoming a Client >
Startup Clinic Client Application Form >

Innovate Manitoba Launches The Entrepreneur's Toolkit!

Innovate Manitoba has once again partnered with MaRs Discovery District to bring a treasure trove of resources to Manitoba startups. The Entrepreneur's Toolkit contains articles, templates, reports, workbooks, reference guides and videos covering a range of topics. From "A Startup's Guide to Intellectual Property" to "The Art of Pricing: What should you charge?", the Toolkit provides just-in-time guidance for companies at every stage of development.

Learn more >

Do you really know your market? You better if you are looking for risk capital!

Innovate Manitoba has teamed up with MaRS Discovery District to create its Market Intelligence Program. This world–class program provides Manitoba's leading entrepreneurs and startups with access to the best market research available – and at no cost! Last year, 18 startups accessed this program, which provided them with over $840,000 worth of relevant market research. A limited number of opportunities are available.

Get intimate with your market >

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Partner and
community events

February 10, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. in Winnipeg

MAKING BANK ON PHYSICAL PRODUCTS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

This Ramp up Meetup features Adam Tsouris and Gord Parke, co-founders of PPG Technologies and makers of SkyPro, which has sold 75,000 units across North America; they will be speaking on "Bridging the Gap Between Making it and Selling it".

Learn more and RSVP here >

February 11, 2016 in Boston

CANADIAN TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR IN BOSTON

The Trade Commissioner Service at the Consulate General of Canada in Boston is looking for candidates for the Canadian Technology Accelerator in Boston (CTA@Boston) for the Spring/Summer 2016 cohort

Apply to CTA@Boston >

Various Dates in Winnipeg

WORLD TRADE CENTRE FREE TRAINING/SEMINARS

Learn about various subjects to help you succeed in business, including: Government Procurement, HR priorities, Provincial Sales Tax, Supply Chain Management, Twitter and more.

More info >