Winnipeg, March 9th – Mayor Sam Katz, Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Affairs, joined by Wayne Helgason, President of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Winnipeg, Michael Benarroch, today announced funding for the Virtual Business Innovation Centre, a joint project of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre and The University of Winnipeg.
The Virtual Business Innovation Centre will serve Winnipeg residents and other Manitobans who are of Aboriginal Descent (First Nations, Status and Non Status, Metis and Inuit). University of Winnipeg related start- up businesses are also served by this project. Participants in the program receive comprehensive assessment, business planning, market planning, strategic planning and any other management consulting services that are needed. Funds announced today will help support the incubation of up to three to five new businesses and create numerous employment opportunities in Winnipeg this year.
The Virtual Business Innovation Centre is a shining example of the opportunities we can create for the Aboriginal community through business, training and education partnerships,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “I’ve always said my vision for Winnipeg is to create opportunities for everyone who lives, works, plays and invests here; as Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Affairs, I am committed to ensure our support for Aboriginal business remains a priority as well.”
“It is time for Aboriginal People to take their place in the economy through becoming Entrepreneurs at a greater rate,” said President of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre, Wayne Helgason. “We believe the Virtual Business Innovation Centre will serve our people well, training both entrepreneurs and Interns from our community.”
“As we help new businesses get up and running, we will also train Aboriginal students as Interns in business incubation counseling,” said Michael Benarroch, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Winnipeg. “The University is committed to this project over the long term, as we appreciate the value of combining education with individual counseling.
The Virtual Business Innovation Centre will be located on campus at the newly announced Buhler Centre, and off campus at the Aboriginal Business Development Centre located at 181 Higgins.
