Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

Funding for Building Business Program announced Monday

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, along with the partners on the Downtown Action Team have been working to build the Building Business Program, including working to secure funding. The program is part of the Downtown Recovery Strategy and will help business downtown in recovery efforts from the pandemic, and help to fill empty downtown storefronts.

The Manitoba government is partnering with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) to fund the program.

The Downtown Building Business Program includes three streams:

1. Business Improvement Grants, which will support existing downtown businesses through space improvements and business development.

Grants may include, but are not limited to:

• digitization support

• business strategy development

• exterior and interior updates and repairs

• technology improvements

• marketing and advertising

• human resource support

Twenty per cent of grants will be allocated for BIPOC–owned businesses and 20 per cent will be allocated for woman–owned businesses.

2. Ground Floor Incubation Strategy and Program, which will connect emerging entrepreneurs with empty downtown storefront locations, provide mentorship and support to redress dilapidated storefronts.

3. ‘Support Downtown’ marketing campaign, which will focus on economic development, business attraction and supporting local.

Grant applications will be open later this summer. We will share the link to apply once its available.

More information can be found on the Downtown Recovery Strategy website.

RE: Workspace opens for its second year

RE: Workspace, the pop-up workstation in the parking lot beside Capital Grill & Bar on Broadway, returns for the second season, giving folks the opportunity to change up the office or work-from-home scenery, and enjoy the outdoors. With free WIFI, power outlets, solo and collaborative workstations, and more, it’s a convenient place for anyone to get some solo work done or have a meeting. RE: Workspace was created to encourage remote workers and students to spend time downtown, even if they weren’t at the office or attending classes in-person.

Join us July 20 all day as we kick off the new season of this outdoor remote workspace with prizes and treats all day (9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Then stop by or book a space Monday – Friday all summer long (weather permitting)!

Book your meeting or work time and learn more.

We’d love to host your organization! If you’d like to do a takeover of RE: Workspace one day this summer, contact us to learn how we can make it the perfect day away from the office. We have some ideas but we’re open to accommodating your needs:

• Do you want to book the space for a special event for your team?

• Do you need catering, team building, and/or entertainment options?

• Do you need help drafting internal communications to get your team there?

Email events@downtownwinnipegbiz.com or call 204-899-4123 to discuss.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions:
204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ