The Manitoba government is investing $773,000 toward a new Indigenous incubator and accelerator program that will support the growth and success of Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigenous Economic Development Minister Ian Bushie and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renee Cable announced on June 25.
"The Manitoba government is proud to support RRC Polytech's new incubator and accelerator program for Indigenous students," said Bushie. "The Mittohnee Pogo'ohtah program will help Indigenous entrepreneurs make connections with business leaders, drive made-in-Manitoba innovation and create good jobs."
Mittohnee Pogo'ohtah, Cree for "this is where you do it correctly," will be introduced by RRC Polytech this fall and run for five years.
The program is designed to support the growth and future success of Indigenous-led enterprises by creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to make connections with community leaders to help solve problems, innovate and transform ideas into businesses. Students will be able to receive on-the-job training and experience, mentorship, network opportunities and funding for viable business ideas. Approximately 200 people are expected to enter the program, noted Bushie.
"Our government is committed to supporting students to succeed and build good lives in our province," said Cable. "We're making sure Indigenous students and entrepreneurs have the supports and connections they need to build their career and their business here in Manitoba."
Mittohnee will be available to Indigenous RRC Polytech students, Indigenous entrepreneurs and community members. The program builds upon existing successful Indigenous programming at RRC Polytech by responding to barriers and challenges identified by Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.
"Through Mittohnee, we will create the space and provide the right resources and mentorship to help transform the business ideas Indigenous students develop in the classroom into successful ventures that can positively impact their community," said Jamie Wilson, vice-president of Indigenous strategy, research and business development, RRC Polytech. "This is a uniquely Manitoba example of economic reconciliation in action, and with support from the Province of Manitoba alongside other funders, this will be the first post-secondary institution to offer this unique initiative here in the province."
This initiative aligns with commitments made in Budget 2024 to promote economic reconciliation by increasing student bursaries for Indigenous students to make it easier for them to pursue higher education, training and careers.
