Community Futures Westman

awarded funding for incubator mall

(Brandon) November 27, 2009 – Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Lynn Yelich, Minister for Western Economic Diversification, was pleased to announce support for Community Futures Westman Inc.’s development of an incubator mall for downtown Brandon.

Funding of $280,805 was awarded under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) for renovation of a 4,000 square foot space in downtown Brandon to create an incubator mall.  The mall will be designed to accelerate the development of entrepreneurial businesses through an array of resources and services.

“I am pleased to be able to announce the Government of Canada’s support for Community Futures Westman,” said Tweed.  “An incubator mall is a great way to help small businesses take that next step into operating from a storefront.”

“A technology based incubator will be a great asset to entrepreneurs building ventures with growth potential,” noted Roger Guy, Executive Director for Community Futures Westman. “Technological change strongly influences economic growth and we’re excited to be able to have this project happening in South West Manitoba.”

The CAF is a two-year, $1 billion economic stimulus announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  It is intended to create and maintain jobs in communities across our country in response to the current economic downturn.

“In Canada, it is no secret that small businesses are the largest creator of long term, sustainable jobs,” said Tweed.  “This project facilitates the expansion of the very enterprises that will someday employ our families, friends and neighbours.” 

For more up-to-date information on the progress being made on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca