New Francophone entrepreneurs in Manitoba will be able to count on structured support within their community thanks to the creation of a new business incubator and mentoring network set up by the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM).

The Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Ronald Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, today announced a total contribution of $900,000 to launch this new economic development tool for Manitoba's Francophone community. The funding will be used to cover network capital, hiring and programming costs. The network will comprise a main business incubator centre in Winnipeg and an extended network reaching bilingual municipalities in rural areas.

"I am very proud to support this new initiative, which will contribute so much to the economic diversity and vibrancy of Manitoba's Francophone community," stated Minister Copps. "This project is a wonderful example of how Canadians can work together to achieve growth and to nurture excellence."

"This new economic initiative is entirely consistent with federal government priorities for investing in the potential of all Canadians," noted Mr. Duhamel. "The new business incubator and mentorship network will help Francophone entrepreneurs, in both urban and rural settings, to make a place for themselves in the business community and benefit from new trends in the economy."

Canadian Heritage is providing support of $112,500 in 1999-2000 and $337,500 in 2000-2001 under the Official Languages Support Program. The remaining $450,000 staggered over two years is from the National Committee for Canadian Francophonie Human Resources Development support fund, a Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) initiative.

In addition to the funding announced today, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is preparing to renew CDEM funding over three years.

"We expect to finalize our funding arrangement with the CDEM very soon," Mr. Duhamel confirmed. "Other projects are proceeding, such as support for the creation of a loan fund for small businesses and financial support for the new network announced today."

The network will offer potential entrepreneurs with full, customized service to include guidance for new entrepreneurs, support in developing business plans, and access to funding and mentoring, marketing and accounting services. The centre will also accommodate a service and information hub for federal and provincial economic agencies and departments.

For additional information, contact:

Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788

Ghyslain Charron
Human Resources Development Canada
Media Relations
(819) 994-5559
 
Michel Loiselle
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-3915

 This announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to Canada's Francophone communities.