Programs

Immigrant and Newcomer Women Exploring Business

Starting in 2018, SEED Winnipeg, with support from the Canadian Women’s Foundation, is pleased to offer one free training per spring for immigrant and newcomer women who are considering self-employment.

There are three training sessions per week for eight weeks. The training is followed by one-to-one business consulting and support with launching a business. Free childcare, snacks, and bus tokens are available during the training sessions.

Who can apply:

Immigrant and newcomer women who are:

  • On a low income (see chart below)
  • Have a business idea

Training sessions:

The first 3.5 weeks include the following:

  • What to expect as a small business owner in Canada
  • Market research
  • Checking for business viability
  • Goal setting and problem solving
  • Managing personal finances, credit and banking

The following 3.5 weeks provide training in writing your own business plan, which includes:

  • Creating a marketing and promotions plan
  • Pricing your product/service
  • Sales forecasting
  • Cost projection
  • Operations and Management plan

At the halfway point, or at the end of training, you may choose to continue on with your business plan, or you can exit the program to follow another path.

One-to-One Business Consulting and Business Launch:

After training is complete, Business Consultants are available to continue supporting you with completing the business plan, getting the business started, and help after the business has started.

How to apply:

Applications are closed until April 2022. Please call (204) 927-9944 to be put on an interest list. Prior to applying to the training course, you must attend a free information session by registering through the sessions page.

Low Income Qualification Chart

Household Size Maximum Gross Household Income
1 person $31,944
2 persons $39,769
3 persons $48,892
4 persons $59,360
5 persons $67,326
6 persons $75,931
7 or more persons $84,539

SEED Winnipeg looks at household income to help determine eligibility for our programs. We use Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) as a guide (we use 120% of LICO). Other factors besides LICO are also considered.