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The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is pleased to announce the final projects receiving funding as part of the Government of Manitoba's $50-million Pandemic Long-Term Recovery Fund.

"The financial support, provided by the Government of Manitoba, will be used to support a number of key projects that will see benefits for Indigenous business owners, women entrepreneurs, and the tourism sector," said Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Chuck Davidson. "This funding is an investment in key areas for key projects that will increase the knowledge base for better business, a better economy, and a better Manitoba."

"The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will receive $225,000 to design and develop an Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) and create a certification criteria and validation process to determine the level of Indigenous ownership within each company. There is currently no recognized database with a comprehensive list of Indigenous Manitoba-owned businesses, and the absence of an IBD limits the ability to have a clear line of sight into the Indigenous business community. As a result, governments, the ICC, or other organizations are unable to quickly gauge the size, composition, location, and overall value of Manitoba's Indigenous businesses, limiting their visibility and market visibility

."The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce is honored to work with the Government of Manitoba to bring together information related to Indigenous businesses across Manitoba. The Indigenous Chamber's vision is "Thriving Indigenous businesses in a growing Indigenous economy" and this is an excellent opportunity to highlight and showcase the many Indigenous economic success stories through an Indigenous business listing," said Indigenous Chamber of Commerce chair Vanessa Everett.

"The Indigenous Chamber can play an important role in acting as a central hub of Indigenous businesses information building on and enhancing the work of several Indigenous business entities already in existence. We look forward to collaborating with the many Indigenous economic stakeholders to ensure that Indigenous businesses are highlighted and identified as authentic Indigenous businesses as designated by the Indigenous business community," added Everett.