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Congratulations to the RM of Ritchot on the resounding success of its sold-out business expo — a strong demonstration of the dynamism of the Elevate Manitoba initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) during the year marking the 30th anniversary of the CDEM.
Representatives from the CDEM, the World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC), Éco Ouest Canada, and the AMBM joined the municipality to promote services available to employers and entrepreneurs in Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities. The CDEM warmly thanks all the teams mobilised in support of this large-scale event.
In 2026, the CDEM celebrates 30 years of commitment to the economic development of bilingual municipalities, since its creation by the AMBM in 1996. This milestone year provides an opportunity to highlight the many collaborations established with its 16 member municipalities, including Ritchot, particularly through the organization of Elevate Manitoba (formerly Edge Business Expo).
Over the past three years, this partnership has enabled the CDEM to benefit from an extensive business network through an event that brings together a trade show, workshops, presentations, and exhibitor booths. This platform showcases business opportunities within bilingual municipalities and fosters stronger connections with entrepreneurs.
The 2023 edition also served as the launch platform for the Labour Market Strengthening (LMS) project, a key initiative that made it possible to better understand the needs of both Francophone and Anglophone employers and to adapt CDEM services accordingly. This project aligns with the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, developed in collaboration with staff and the Board of Directors, with the support of the AMBM.
Special thanks to Mayor Chris Ewen, who has represented Ritchot for more than eight years and actively contributes to the visibility and vitality of bilingual municipalities in Manitoba.
This centre will provide strategic support to entrepreneurs in both rural communities and Winnipeg, helping them validate business ideas, develop business plans, and access specialized resources, including financing. Selected candidates will also benefit from a digital platform offering essential tools for the success of bilingual entrepreneurs.
Finally, the CDEM continues to expand its collaborations beyond Manitoba with provincial and international partners, including the World Trade Centers Association network (Marseille, Philadelphia and others), in order to broaden opportunities for local businesses.
The CDEM is proud to rely on strong partnerships such as the one established with the RM of Ritchot, which concretely contributes to strengthening bilingual entrepreneurship and the prosperity of our communities.
