Industry Expansion Program
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
The Industry Expansion Program provides customized skills training grants to private, for-profit companies that are establishing new operations or expanding existing operations in Manitoba. Funding supports employee training for newly created positions, including training delivery, curriculum development, and training equipment. Support is negotiated on a client-by-client basis based on the number of net new jobs, total project costs, company contributions, and economic benefit to Manitoba.
Eligibility Requirements
- Private, for-profit company (not non-profit or government entity)
- Holds a Canadian Business Number
- Licensed to carry on business in Manitoba
- Currently locating new operations in Manitoba OR expanding existing Manitoba operations
- Creating net new full-time positions (each must involve at least 2,080 hours of full-time employment)
- Project involves employee skills training for newly created positions
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Custom-negotiated; no publicly stated maximum
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 75% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing — continuous intake, no application deadlines
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win Industry Expansion Program — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 6-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 5-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 3-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
Applying for Industry Expansion Program? Our Grant Proposal Template ($19) mirrors the section structure Canadian reviewers actually score on. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThis program is specifically about training costs for new hires tied to a genuine expansion event (new facility, new product line, new market entry) — it is not a general training subsidy. The key is demonstrating that the positions are 'net new' to Manitoba, not rehires or transfers. Projects with external training delivery (accredited institutions or specialized vendors) are viewed more favourably than self-delivered training. Call Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862 to discuss your expansion before investing time in a formal application.
Success Profile
For-profit company in any sector opening a new Manitoba facility or significantly expanding operations (e.g., adding a new production line, entering a new service market). Company has a defined training plan for new hires and can document net new job creation. Examples: a Winnipeg distribution centre adding 25 new warehouse staff, a manufacturing plant expanding with 40 new machine operators.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluated on: number of net new positions created in Manitoba; quality and relevance of the training plan; total project and training costs; applicant's financial capacity; and the economic benefit to Manitoba from the expansion. Custom funding amount is determined after review of all factors.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 4
- Training delivery costs (internal or external trainer fees)
- Curriculum and learning material development or purchase
- Equipment leasing or purchase used primarily for training
- Training administration costs directly tied to the project
Ineligible Expenses 5
- Ongoing routine business costs (operational, administrative, maintenance, recruitment)
- Capital costs (construction, leasehold improvements)
- Salaries and wages of trainees during training
- Research or scoping activities
- Activities already completed before application approval
Intake Periods
Continuous intake, no fixed competition rounds
Deadline Notes
Applications are received and reviewed on a continuous intake basis with no posted deadlines. Contact Manitoba Government Inquiry or the department directly to begin the application process.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Government bodies and public agencies
- Companies without a Manitoba business licence
- Companies not creating net new Manitoba positions
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskFunding may be recovered if net new positions are not maintained for the required 2,080-hour minimum, training is not completed as approved, or eligible expenses cannot be substantiated.
How Industry Expansion Program Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry Expansion Program | Custom-negotiated | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing — continuous... |
| Canada-Manitoba Job Grant | Up to 75% of costs | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| PrairiesCan (Prairies Economic Develo... | Varies | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Innovation Growth Program | Up to $100,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Quarterly intakes... |
| West End BIZ Business Development Grant | Up to 50% of costs, to a max of $1,000 | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
Related Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about Industry Expansion Program