Manitoba Budget 2025: Funding and Opportunities

The Manitoba government unveiled its 2025 budget on March 20, outlining strategic investments aimed at bolstering economic growth, supporting businesses, and enhancing community well-being.  

This year’s budget, titled “Building One Manitoba,” focuses on rebuilding healthcare, creating jobs, growing the economy, and unlocking new private investment. 

Key Government Funding Support for Businesses 

The 2025 budget introduces several funding and tax measures designed to support businesses across Manitoba:  

Cultural Industries Printing Tax Credit 

The Cultural Industries Printing Tax Credit is extended for one year, until December 31, 2026. This extension aims to support the printing industry, which plays a vital role in Manitoba’s cultural sector. 

Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit 

The Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit is extended for three years, until December 31, 2028. This extension encourages investment in small businesses by providing tax incentives to investors, thereby facilitating access to capital for startups and expanding enterprises.  

Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit 

The Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit is extended for five years, until December 31, 2030. This measure supports the growth of Manitoba’s digital media industry by offering tax credits to companies developing interactive digital media products, fostering innovation and job creation in this sector. 

Additional Funding Support Programs 

Beyond the tax credits, Manitoba offers various funding programs to assist businesses: 

Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program (MIOP) 

MIOP provides low-interest, repayable funding ranging from $500,000 to $5 million to attract investment from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This program aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation by supporting large-scale business projects.  

Canada-Manitoba Job Grant 

This grant assists employers in providing training for new and existing employees to meet specific business needs. By sharing the cost of training, the program enhances workforce skills and productivity, benefiting both employers and employees. 

Manitoba Climate Action Fund (CAF) 

The CAF supports projects that address climate change challenges while building a low-carbon economy. Eligible applicants include businesses, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities, with grants of up to $150,000 available for qualifying projects. 

Community and Economic Development Initiatives 

The budget also emphasizes community development and economic resilience: 

Building Sustainable Communities Program 

This program provides grants to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and charitable organizations for community development projects. Eligible initiatives include planning activities, organizational capacity building, and capital infrastructure projects, with funding covering up to 50% of eligible expenses. 

Focus on Economic Growth and Safety 

Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza emphasizes the importance of prioritizing economic growth, community safety, and social equity in the 2025 provincial budget. He advocates for measures to attract businesses, address systemic challenges, and repurpose shuttered infrastructure to stimulate local economies. 

Emphasis on Resilience and Local Economy 

The Manitoba government is encouraged to lead the creation of a resilient local economy by supporting those currently suffering, which, in turn, helps the local economy. This approach includes assisting individuals relying on provincial welfare and those working for less than a living wage, thereby strengthening the economic foundation from the bottom up. 

A Balanced Path for Manitoba 

Manitoba’s 2025 budget demonstrates a commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting businesses, and enhancing community well-being. Through a combination of tax credits, government funding programs, and community initiatives, the province aims to create a resilient and prosperous future for all Manitobans. 

“We’re working to rebuild healthcare, lower costs, and provide Manitoba families with the services they need – while taking a balanced approach to the province’s finances.” 
– Adrien Sala, Manitoba’s Finance Minister 

Businesses and communities are encouraged to explore these opportunities to contribute to and benefit from Manitoba’s ongoing development and success.