Manitoba Renewal Energy Initiatives
The province of Manitoba uses hydropower to generate 98 of its electricity, and the rest is generated from wind and natural gas. Under the Manitoba’s Clean Energy Strategy, the province will continue to use biomass, solar, wind, and water energy to generate electricity for commercial and business use and household use.
TomorrowNow: Manitoba’s Green Economy Plan
In 2013, policy dialogue sessions took place in Winnipeg to identify and discuss best practices. The University of Winnipeg and the International Institute for Sustainable Development took part in the sessions which aimed to identify key priorities as well as policy tools such as financing, reforms driven by policy and institutional processes, fiscal policy instruments, and regulations and standards. Financing in the form of concession loans and grants was discussed as a way of ensuring best results. The participants also discussed barriers to development and implementation of green initiatives, including limited profit reinvestment and the general lack of expert labor such as retrofitting, carbon footprint management, energy auditing and modeling, and measurement verification and reporting.
Manitoba's Clean Energy Strategy
The 2012 Strategy includes key priority areas such as creating jobs, building of new wind energy and hydro power capabilities, and enhanced export capacity. The main goals of the strategy are to minimize the use of fossil fuels, use renewable energy sources instead, and keep energy costs low for end users.
Renewable Energy Businesses in Manitoba
A number of solar, wind and hydro power businesses operate in Manitoba, including Sycamore Energy, Core Renewable Energy, Sequoia Energy, Evolve Green, 123 Zero Energy. Sycamore Energy, for example, specializes in the installation and design of solar panels for commercial and agricultural businesses and residential households. The company also offers products such as smart waste receptacles and solar LED lighting. Core Renewable Energy is also based in Manitoba and specializes in the management, construction, development, and design of renewable energy operations. The company offers specialized services such as operations management and intelligent energy planning and makes use of storage components such as backup diesel generators, fuel cells, compressed air, and batteries. Core Renewable Energy offers specialized services to campuses and schools, developers, utilities, manufacturing plants, households, and farmers. Sequoia Energy Inc. is yet another company that operates in Western and Central Canada and specializes in renewable power projects. The company has extensive expertise in the development of wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects. Evolve Green also operates in Manitoba and offers renewable energy solutions, including on grid and off grid solar solutions such as solar systems and panels. 123 Zero Energy is a Manitoba-based company that offers a selection of products such as air source heat pumps, geothermal water to water and water to air heat pumps, solar water and pool heating kits, and solar air heating. The company also offers solar PV solutions such as solar cables and charge controllers, solar investors, batteries, and racking, and solar panels and on grid kits. Green energy systems are available to both contractors and homeowners.
Main Industries of the Province
It is always a good idea to start a small business in one of the main industries of the province. The main industries in Manitoba are logistics and transportation, manufacturing, agribusiness and agriculture, information and communication technologies, electricity. The main manufacturing industry in Manitoba is the food processing industry. Other manufacturing sectors include metal and primary metal fabricating, transportation equipment, machinery, and clothing. Other industries in Manitoba are furniture manufacturing, petroleum, minerals and mining, and financial services. Whichever industry you choose to start a business, it pays to consider factors such as competitors, demand, permits and licenses, regulations, financing requirements, funding opportunities
Small Business Ideas
One option for a small business is to offer editorial services such as magazine article writing, copywriting, ghost writing, developmental editing, and proofreading. There are many ways to go about this. Another option is to start a computer repair business. To this end, it is a good idea to learn more about different types of hardware and software such as security software, mail merge, word processing, etc. You will need good knowledge of computer components and parts as well, including keyboards, monitors, processors, motherboards, video cards, hard drives, memory.
There are plenty of great ideas for a startup if you plan to start a small business in Manitoba. From editorial and business plan services to event planning, electronics and computer repair, and home energy auditing, these are all ways to make money and possibly turn your hobby into a profitable enterprise.
If you need financing for your small business, you may want to apply for a grant under different programs available in Manitoba. One option is the Young Entrepreneurs Program that offers grants to young people aged 18 – 29 to start a business. Another option is a grant under the Western Innovation Alternative. Funding is available to entrepreneurs who offer innovative services and products.
Grants are also available under the Western Diversification Program but funding is only available to indigenous organizations, postsecondary institutions, industry organizations, and cooperatives. You can apply through a partner institution or organization. There are other funding options that are offered by the Government of Manitoba, including the Canada – Manitoba Job Grant and the Business Start Program. The Canada – Manitoba Job Grant is designed to help businesses gain access to skilled labor. The Manitoba Business Start Program helps entrepreneurs to start a business in Manitoba by providing loan guarantees and training. Other funding programs to look into include the Employee Share Purchase Tax Credit, Community Futures Program, Self-Employment Program, Entrepreneur Canada. Businesses that are not eligible to apply for a government grant or other forms of funding have other options to look into. Financial institutions offer commercial and business loans, letters of credit, and other borrowing solutions.
While the specific details depend on your business idea, a comprehensive business plan usually includes information such as market analysis summary, executive summary, management and company summary. Your executive summary must include details such as financial highlights, competition, market, solution, and problem. In your market analysis summary, it is a good idea to include information on your advantages, competitors and alternatives, future markets, key customers, and market trends and needs.
