What is the Indigenous Business Development Services Program?
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
Business Development Resources
9th Dragon's Quest Business Plan Competition
Each year, the Indigenous Business Development Services project (previously Aboriginal Business Service Network) sponsors an Indigenous Business Planning 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!
Applicants will submit their business plan to be judged by a panel of experts from organizations involved in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship. Due to Covid, this will NOT include the in-person pitch portion of the competition.
The deadline to apply is December 31, 2020. Contest entries should be submitted to Bonita Lavallee, Indigenous Business Development Services Project Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dragon's Quest Competition Resources
Click thumbnail to view poster:
https://cfmanitoba.ca/special-programs/indigenous-business-development-services#sigProId6a7a00f824
Dragon's Quest Business Planning Competition - Vision Quest 2019
Call for Proposals 2021/2022 - Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Capacity Building Projects
The Indigenous Business Development Services program invites organizations serving Indigenous entrepreneurs to submit proposals for 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 Manitoba. Applications will be accepted from individual organizations, but preference will be given to applications demonstrating partnerships among service providers/partners.
The deadline for submissions is July 17, 2021. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2022.
Submissions must include a completed application form (link below) and a budget and cash flow summary. Additional information may be included. Please attach additional pages if you require more space.
Submissions will be accepted by mail or email. Please forward all submissions to Bonita Lavallee, IBDS Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click here to download an application form.
Contact IBDS
Bonita Lavallee, Project Coordinator
Phone: 204-944-8438
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.