What is the Indigenous Business Development Services Program (previously the Aboriginal Business Service Network)?
The Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Program is comprised of organizations who offer services to Indigenous entrepreneurs.
We offer:
- Business information and resource materials
- Assistance with business plan preparation
- Business advisory services
- Training in the form of workshops and seminars
- Financing for businesses
Business Development Resources
Dragon's Quest Business Plan Competition
Each year, the Indigenous Business Development Services (previously Aboriginal Business Service Network) sponsors an Indigenous Business Plan Competition, evoking the spirit of entrepreneurship. Winners in each of the rural and urban (City of Winnipeg) categories receive $5,000 towards starting their business!
Entries are now closed for 2018.
Completed Business Plans and Entry Forms must be received by Friday April 20, 2018, at 4:30 pm (extended deadline).
Past ABSN Business Plan Competition Winners
The Dragon's Quest Business Planning Competition hopes to promote and encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among Aboriginal entrepreneurs across Manitoba. Each year two winners are selected - one in a Rural and one in an Urban (City of Winnipeg) category. For the a list of previous winners click here.
Call for Proposals 2018/2019 - Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Capacity Building Projects
Community Futures Manitoba invites organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs to submit proposals for Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Capacity Building Projects.
Capacity building projects are designed to allow organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs to access up to $5,000 to implement projects that will encourage, support and/or assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in communities served by the organization. Applications will be accepted from individual organizations, but preference will be given to applications demonstrating partnerships among service providers/partners.
Deadline for submissions is May 28, 2018 (Extended Deadline).
Submissions must include a completed application form and a budget and cash flow summary. Additional information may be included and please attach additional pages if you require more space.
Submissions will be accepted by mail or email. Please forward all submissions to Deborah Smith, IBDS Coordinator (contact information below).
Please note that all projects must be completed by March 31, 2019.
Contact IBDS
Deborah Smith, Project Coordinator
Phone: 204-944-8438
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.