Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

July 2009

Programs and Services

Manitoba Agri-Innovation Suite

PURPOSE
This program helps producers develop innovative agrifood products from concept to market.

WHO QUALIFIES
Small and medium-size businesses with less than $10 million in net and/or $25 million in gross assets are eligible. The business must employ no more than 200 employees, with at least 25 per cent of total wages paid to Manitobans, and at least 25 per cent of the employees living in Manitoba. Funds are available for:

• incorporated companies
• sole proprietors
• co-operatives
• associations
• agribusiness value chains

• MAIS will fund up to a maximum of 50 per cent of project costs, under component limits, to carry a product idea from concept to the retail/commercial market.
• If other government programs are involved, the funds are adjusted to ensure the client pays a minimum of 25 per cent of project costs out of his/her own unencumbered funds.
• Applicants will be required to provide a product development or business plan that demonstrates a defined process to bring the product/service to the marketplace.