Winnipeg, Manitoba—To try and accelerate its post-pandemic recovery, the province of Manitoba is introducing Retrain Manitoba, a $12.5 million grant program aimed at reimbursing businesses for employment training. Applications for the program will be accepted until March 31, 2022, or until all the funds have been allocated.
“We recognize that many businesses had to shift quickly during the pandemic, and many have made or will need to make, significant investments in training for their employees,” said Jon Reyes, Manitoba’s economic development and jobs minister.
Retrain Manitoba is available to any Manitoba-based business, not for profit or charity of any size that has a valid business number and is in good standing with the Manitoba companies office.
Through the program, employers can apply for training reimbursement up to $2,500 per employee and up to a maximum of $75,000. Companies will also be reimbursed for a range of in-person and online industry-recognized training courses provided by a third-party trainer, both inside and outside of Manitoba. Employers who have already paid for courses with start dates between April 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022 are also eligible.
“We deal with businesses every day, and we hear what they need. We hear what keeps them up at night, and talent is their number one concern coming out of this pandemic. I think this is going to be a great opportunity for them to upscale their employees and be ready to go and be competitive in a global marketplace,” said Dayna Spring, president and CEO of economic development Winnipeg.
Retrain Manitoba features partnerships between the Manitoba government, economic development Winnipeg, and the Manitoba chamber of commerce