What is BEST?
-
-
Our Business and Enterprise Support and Training (BEST) program is a FREE small business training and consulting program available to all Manitoba residents living on a low income who would like to start or expand a business. The program is also open to groups or organizations wanting to start a social enterprise.
How To Apply:
Step 1: Attending ONE of our virtual Information Sessions is required.
Step 2: Submit an Application Form, then book a virtual 1-to-1 Application Meeting with one of our Business Consultants who will assess your application.
Step 3: If you are accepted, training will be delivered virtually, via Zoom.
Topics covered in training include:
- Intro to Community Economic Development principles
- Rules and regulations of running your business
- Sales forecasting and cash flow projections
- Guest speakers including local small business owners and industry professionals
- Intro to financial statements
- Marketing and business promotion
- Operations and business structure
BEST program training is presented in 3 phases:
- Phase 1: Small Business Management Training (5 weeks long)
- Phase 2: One-to-one Business Consulting (up to one year after training, if business is feasible)
- Phase 3: Business Launch and Aftercare (up to one year after launch of business)
-
Am I eligible?
To be considered eligible for BEST, 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 apply?
Have more questions?
Please email us at bestinfo@seedwinnipeg.ca for more information. We can also be reached at 204-927-9944.
Need more business resources?
Here’s a guide to other small business resources in Manitoba that you can download!
As a newcomer to Canada, Elija dreamed of starting his own business. He wasn’t sure where to begin, until he found out about SEED’s Business & Enterprise Support & Training (BEST) program.