Manitoba’s new Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn is encouraging potential, new and experienced entrepreneurs, business owners, community leaders, youth and local organizations to attend this year’s Capturing Opportunities conference. The conference is scheduled for April 24 and 25 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon.
“This year’s theme, the Local Living Economy, provides a lens through which we can view new opportunities for rural Manitoba,” said Kostyshyn. “We’re excited to encourage the sharing of ideas between budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders, and to provide an opportunity for rural Manitobans to network throughout the two-day event.”
Capturing Opportunities 2012 will feature information sessions and keynote speakers addressing new opportunities in grain marketing, food and the bioeconomy, growing from within and unique co-operative business models with particular examples related to the local economy.
A variety of awards will celebrate the accomplishments of youth, entrepreneurs and communities, inspire all participants to learn from each other, and challenge new business strengths, the minister said. Keynote speakers and session leaders will provide listen and learn opportunities for business growth and development.
The minister noted the Great Manitoba Food Fight will again be a featured event in a battle of unique recipes and fabulous food with a distinctly Manitoba flair. This competition partners contestants with first- and second-year culinary students from the Assiniboine Community College’s Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts. Each team prepares a savoury sample for a panel of judges and pitches their product ideas. First-, second- and third-place finalists receive product development awards valued at $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000.
The Entrepreneur Boot Camp is an opportunity for new and experienced entrepreneurs to improve their marketing skills by learning how to perfect their business proposals and presenting them to a panel of expert judges, said Kostyshyn. The top three presenters are awarded prize packages valued up to $2,000 in cash and business services.
Outstanding Manitobans, communities and organizations will be officially recognized through the Capturing Opportunities Awards, presented in five categories:
• outstanding community leadership;
• rural youth achievement;
• economic development innovation (community);
• economic development innovation (corporate); and
• entrepreneurial innovation.
Awards will be presented at the Celebration Banquet.
“Our province has an impressive track record for creating new products and promoting innovative thinking for business and community development,” said Kostyshyn. “Encouraging creative thinking by individuals of all ages develops an environment where businesses can thrive and grow. The annual Capturing Opportunities event is excellent fuel for our province’s economic engine.”
Watch capturingopportunities.ca for program information.
