ICC Member Spotlight: Community Futures Manitoba

Community Futures Manitoba is playing a quiet but powerful role in strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship across the province. As the project proponent for the Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) Program in Manitoba, the organization focuses on ensuring that Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to the information, tools, and support systems they need to move their business ideas forward with confidence.

Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Resources

At its core, IBDS is about connection. Many aspiring and emerging Indigenous business owners have the drive and vision to build something meaningful but face a common barrier: navigating the complex landscape of programs, services, and business planning resources.

IBDS helps close that knowledge gap by guiding entrepreneurs toward the right people, supports, and opportunities to turn their goals into reality. This includes practical assistance such as business information and resource materials, support with business plan development, advisory services, and training delivered through workshops and seminars. Together, these services help entrepreneurs build a strong foundation, not just for launching a business, but for sustaining and growing one.

A Competition Built to Celebrate Indigenous Entrepreneurship

One of the primary ways Community Futures Manitoba contributes to Indigenous economic development is through its long-running business planning competition, designed to encourage and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit in Indigenous communities.

Delivered through the IBDS program, the competition creates a supportive space where entrepreneurs can refine their ideas, strengthen their planning skills, and gain visibility. Since 2009, the initiative has awarded a total of $160,000 in prize money, demonstrating a sustained commitment to investing directly in Indigenous-led business development.

The competition has also grown in profile and impact through its partnership with the Vision Quest Conference, which began in 2015. With a dedicated space to host the live pitch portion of the contest and winners announced at the Vision Quest gala banquet, participants gain not only financial support but also valuable exposure within a broader Indigenous business network.

Dream It. Plan It. Start It.: The 2026 Dragon's Quest Competition

This year’s Dragon’s Quest Business Planning Competition carries the theme “Dream it. Plan it. Start it.” a message that captures both the spirit of the contest and the broader philosophy behind IBDS. It speaks to the importance of pairing vision with preparation and action, a combination that underpins long-term business success. The 2026 competition will award three cash prizes totaling $10,000, with applications opening on February 16, 2026, and closing on April 24, 2026.

Ultimately, the work of Community Futures Manitoba through IBDS reflects a simple but impactful belief: when Indigenous entrepreneurs are equipped with the right knowledge and support, their businesses can become lasting sources of economic strength and community resilience.