WINNIPEG, MB | May 19, 2026 — WeMB (Manitoba Women’s Enterprise Centre Inc.) is proud to announce a renewed five-year funding agreement with PrairiesCan, continuing a 32-year collaboration dedicated to supporting self-identifying women entrepreneurs across Manitoba. Through this long-standing alliance, WeMB has helped thousands of entrepreneurs access financing, advising, training, and networking opportunities that strengthen businesses, communities, and Manitoba’s economy. To date, WeMB has distributed over $37M in loans, leveraged $45.5M in additional funding, and helped create more than 4,100 jobs province-wide.
Over the past three decades, WeMB has continued evolving to meet the changing needs of entrepreneurs across urban, rural, and remote Manitoba. WeMB remains committed to supporting all self-identifying women+, including cis, trans, 2S, and gender-diverse individuals, by creating a supportive community where entrepreneurial success is the priority. Through its core services, WeMB works together with entrepreneurs at every stage of business #ToGetHERStronger.
“PrairiesCan has been part of the WeMB story since its inception,” said Jackie Hunt, CEO of WeMB. “Together, we’ve helped women+ entrepreneurs across Manitoba launch businesses, create jobs, strengthen communities, and build futures for themselves and their families. This renewed agreement represents more than funding; it’s a continued investment in the entrepreneurs helping shape Manitoba’s future.”
“For more than 30 years, WeMB has been a trusted partner, helping women entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in our economy—growing businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across Manitoba. This renewed investment reflects our commitment to inclusive growth and to ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.”
Women+ entrepreneurs continue to play a vital role in Manitoba’s economic growth by creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening local communities across the province. As entrepreneurship evolves, WeMB is focused on developing programs, initiatives, and collaborations that help entrepreneurs move forward while strengthening Manitoba’s business ecosystem.
“Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of community and economic growth, and organizations like WeMB are helping to ensure that opportunities are available to more Manitobans,” said Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. Boniface—St. Vital. “This investment will help women entrepreneurs access advisory services, training and financial support to grow their businesses and grow Manitoba’s economy. We are proud to support WeMB as it continues building an inclusive and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem across the province.”
“We are incredibly proud of what has been built over the last 32 years, and even more excited for what comes next,” added Jackie Hunt. “WeMB is currently in the final stages of developing a new strategic plan that will help guide the organization into the future, identifying new programs and initiatives to support entrepreneurs, deepen relationships with our ecosystem partners, and continue building an inclusive and connected entrepreneurial community across Manitoba.”
“Networks play an important role in supporting women, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse entrepreneurs, and here in Manitoba WeMB continues to be a valued and respected network member,” said the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski. “This important investment will help WeMB continue to support community members for years to come. Through removing systemic barriers and providing resources, WeMB is helping women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs contribute to a strong and inclusive economy.”
This renewed funding agreement positions WeMB to continue supporting the next generation of women+ entrepreneurs while helping strengthen Manitoba’s economy for years to come. Together, WeMB and PrairiesCan remain committed to ensuring entrepreneurs across the province have access to the resources, support, and community they need to succeed.
About WeMB
WeMB (Manitoba Women’s Enterprise Centre Inc.) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping self-identifying women+ in Manitoba start, grow, and scale successful businesses. Through advising, financing, training, and networking opportunities, WeMB provides entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and supportive community needed to succeed. WeMB proudly serves entrepreneurs across urban, rural, and remote Manitoba and works together with its clients and partners, #ToGetHERStronger. Learn more at www.wemb.ca.