How Does It Work?
Business & Enterprise Training & Support (BEST) is a free program that helps individuals and organizations to start a small business. We offer a free series of classes that increase knowledge about small business topics while assessing the feasibility of your own business idea. The goal is to start or expand a feasible business with guidance and support from a business consultant.
Topics covered include:
- Market research
- Business structure & regulations
- Sales forecasting
- Business owners and service provider guest speakers
- Financial statements
- Marketing & promotion
- Operations
Homework assignments after each class build over the course to create a feasibility study. Feasible business ideas can be brought forward for continued individualized coaching and guidance with a SEED business consultant for 6 months to 1 year.
The course has 15 two-hour classes, offered 3 times per year. We alternate between offering training online or in-person, and during the day or evening. Participants get a certificate by completing the full series of workshops. We can help with childminding and in-Winnipeg bus tickets if needed.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify, individuals need to:
- Live in Manitoba
- Have a business idea
- Have skills or experience that can be used in your business
- Be ready to start your business in the next year or less*
- Live on an income at or below the Statistics Canada Low Income Measure. Please enter the number of people who live in your household to see the maximum household income for this program. Your household includes you, your spouse (if you have a spouse), and children under 18 (if you have children) who live with you.
Low Income Qualification Calculator
Groups or organizations who want to start a social enterprise (for example: a co-op) must have a mandate to hire at least 50% low-income people.
How Do I Register?
You can register for an information session here. If there are no information sessions listed, you can contact us at 204-927-9944 or bestinfo@seedwinnipeg.ca for more information.
Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions?
Please email us at bestinfo@seedwinnipeg.ca for more information. We can also be reached at 204-927-9944.
SEED helped Aira learn the essentials of starting a business.