Funding Program
The Value Chain Manitoba Funding Program will provide financial support for projects that can lead to value chain formation. Funding may be provided in two stages;
- For proponents who are at an early stage in developing their value chain and require funding to assist them with researching opportunities, conducting feasibility assessments and preparing action plans and budgets for the time period during which their value chain would be developed.
- For proponents who have completed the initial steps (either on their own or with support from Stage 1 funding) and are at a more advanced stage in the development of their value chain. Funding under stage 2 will be to assist proponents with costs of project design, carrying out a pilot project, project management, business planning, hiring consultants and other professional advisors, travel and meeting costs, communication costs, and other related costs.
Applicants under this program may commence either at Stage 1 or 2. For example, it is anticipated that some applicants will already have clearly identified “opportunities” and will be ready to begin at Stage 2.
Who is eligible?
Funding is available to Manitoba based applicants and may include, but is not restricted to, individuals, partnerships, corporations, co-operatives, not-for-profit agencies or organizations/associations.
To be considered for the Value Chain Program, projects must:
- Be consistent with the definition and spirit of value chains,
- Address and/or develop a “new” market opportunity – i.e. introduce a new product/concept or develop a new market channel for an existing product,
- Differentiate a product in the marketplace based on a specific consumer demand, or
- Establish or enhance food safety or quality assurance programs.
How to Apply?
All potential applicants must contact a Value Chain Manitoba representative to discuss project eligibility and criteria.
If your project is eligible for funding, you will receive and must submit a completed Value Chain Manitoba Funding Program application form. Assistance will be available in completing the application form if needed.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Applicants will be required to work with one of the Value Chain Manitoba representative and may be contacted if more information is required.
Funding Levels
Value Chain Manitoba funding will provide financial assistance up to a maximum of 50 per cent of total project costs. The amount of funding per project will be based on a case by case basis and determined by the degree of financial need and the benefit to Manitoba’s agriculture and food industry. Value Chain Manitoba funding shall not exceed $100,000 for any one value chain development project.
Eligible project costs may include:
- Professional and technical fees (consultant costs)
- Project management costs
- Travel and meeting costs
- Equipment rental/leasing
