Applications are now available for the Business Skills Suite of programs recently launched under the Growing Forward partnership between the governments of Canada and Manitoba. Through this initiative, $4.5 million is being invested in programs designed to expand farm management and agri product business skills.
Business Skills Suite focus resources in five areas: agri-extension business, agri skills, agri-advisors, succeeding generations and 4-H programs. Target clients include farm and post-farm business managers, ensuring the inclusion of women, young farmers, Aboriginal people, youth and new Canadians.
The Agri-Extension Business Program will help agriculture and agri-product processing businesses to expand their business/operations knowledge and increase the use of beneficial business management practices among new and established farmers and agri-product processors. The focus is on financial management, business planning, human resource management, marketing, and relationship and personnel management.
The Agri-Skills Program supports skills development and learning as a means of helping participants achieve their business goals. Agri-skills will provide financial assistance to farmers and agri-product processors to obtain training in both business skills and development. Activities include training courses that improve on-farm or value-added business practices.
The Succeeding Generations Program is directed at young farmers, helping them develop and manage viable farming practices, increase profitability and improve business operations by providing financial management information, training and mentorship.
The 4-H Program will enhance the leadership knowledge and increase exposure to business development practices among Manitoba 4-H Council, youth and youth leaders.
The Agri-Advisor Program will help Manitoba farm businesses and agri-product processing businesses to develop sound and competitive business plans, evaluate business concepts and provide an analysis of existing business plans. The program will also analyze new ways of structuring their businesses, explore innovative means of financing, engage in business succession planning and develop creative strategies in market planning and market development.
Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, is investing $1.3 billion towards the agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada.
Further information on all Growing Forward programs is available at any Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Office throughout the province or online.
