Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager
Advocacy in Action…
When federal leaders reach out for business community input, The Chamber network answers.
Last year’s federal budget allocated funding towards developing a Small and Medium-size Enterprise (SME) Export Readiness Initiative. For this program to succeed, businesses’ input and consultation is critical.
As part of our advocacy efforts, we are sharing the following recommendations to the questions below, developed in collaboration with our members and partners.
1. What are the most significant gaps in available export tools or supports, particularly for businesses not yet prepared for export? What additional supports could address these gaps to help SMEs seize new opportunities?
Common gaps we hear include flexible export financing and support to help SMEs navigate the complex world of exporting, such as financing options, documentation requirements, and contract considerations.
A more specific gap in Manitoba relates to pre-revenue companies. The province’s Export Development Program requires a minimum revenue of $30,000 in the previous year, which can make it difficult for early-stage companies to access support. Some companies without venture capital backing may need financial assistance to begin promoting their business and products at national and international trade shows to generate revenue.
To address these gaps, supports could include:
- How-to guides for navigating Export Development Canada (EDC).
- More flexible access to EDC export financing for specific customers or markets.
- Direct contacts at banks who are open to SME export financing.
- Training on negotiating contract terms to avoid unnecessary requirements.
- Business culture training to help SMEs understand cultural norms and expectations when conducting business in different export markets.
2. What resources or tools are most effective at helping small businesses to begin and increase exports? For example, do businesses need one-on-one assistance, mentorship, collaboration with successful exporters, or other supports?
Beginning exports can be daunting, and the one-on-one advice that World Trade Centre Winnipeg provides has seen strong success. Additionally, connecting with other exporters can be incredibly valuable, so mentorship opportunities or forums where businesses can meet and share experiences would help nudge SMEs that are just starting out.
3. How can businesses be supported to pursue opportunities with other trade partners as we diversify our exports?
Export diversification requires greater awareness and accessibility of emerging market opportunities, particularly for SMEs that traditionally focus on the United States. Many Canadian businesses remain heavily reliant on U.S. markets because of geographic proximity, regulatory alignment, and established supply chains. However, diversification efforts can be strengthened by providing clear guidance on how Canadian trade agreements create opportunities in other markets.
Additionally, we suggest exploring:
- Faster funding solutions with quick turnaround times to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Market validation and market intelligence resources specific to SMEs, highlighting sectors where Canadian businesses have competitive advantages.
- Trade missions and business matchmaking programs that connect Canadian SMEs with international partners.
- Technical support to navigate regulations, government requirements, and market entry barriers.
- Education on leveraging Canada’s trade agreements, such as CETA and CPTPP, which many SMEs are still unfamiliar with.
- Guidance on building capacity domestically and interprovincially as a step toward export readiness.
Chamber Member Priorities We See In Province of Manitoba Budget 2026
Manitoba’s 2026 Budget is out. Here’s our take for your business.
“Budget 2026 is a building block budget. It lays the groundwork for economic development, complemented by some strategic investments in workforce development. It does so while making headway on the provincial deficit. Many of the measures reflect The Winnipeg Chamber’s pre-budget recommendations, including the new provincial economic development agency, trade diversification financing, labour force participation support, community safety, and investment attraction.
Left off the table, unfortunately, were measures that could have accelerated the economic build. Notably, a return to indexation of personal income taxes to inflation and a strategic downward movement on the payroll tax. We will continue to work with the government on these and other missing blocks so that Manitoba’s potential becomes concrete results for our economy.”
– Loren Remillard, President & CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
The province is projecting a $498M deficit, an improvement from the March 2025 budget deficit of $794M and the $1.66B forecasted deficit from December 2025. That’s progress, but we’ll continue to push for a more sustainable, disciplined approach across core spending.
What stands out:
- $10 million Churchill Plus catalyst fund
- $50 million in small business loans through Trade Growth Investment Financing
- A new Economic Development Agency
- A 38 per cent increase in funding for apprenticeship training
- New public safety grants for neighbourhood and Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) associations
- A 2 per cent increase to the Urban Policing Grant/Public Safety Basket
- $10.7 million to retrain displaced workers
- A trade and market diversification plan coming in spring 2026
Set The Agenda for Winnipeg's Next City Council
What do you want the next city council to prioritize for your business?
With the October civic election approaching, we’re building The Chamber’s election platform based on direct member input. Your responses will shape the issues we take to candidates and elected officials.
Take a few minutes to complete our Civic Election Survey today – you’ll also be entered to win a Made Here gift card!
Help shape the voice of your Winnipeg Chamber – one of Canada’s eight largest Chambers and Manitoba’s leading business organization for six consecutive years (Manitoba Business Leaders Index, Probe Research (Canada).
Contact Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, at [email protected] to learn how.
