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On the occasion of Small Business Week, CDEM recognizes the entrepreneurs and businesses that contribute to Manitoba’s economic vitality every day. SMEs are the engine of our economy. They create jobs, stimulate innovation and strengthen the prosperity of our communities.
The results speak for themselves. In 2026, the year marking the 30th anniversary of the CDEM, business support services contributed to the creation of 116 new businesses, the creation of 199 jobs and the completion of 604 consultations with entrepreneurs and businesses and the support of 250 SME clients in addition to 8 entrepreneurship trainings, 181 participants in Business Start, helping project leaders to move from idea to action and existing businesses to consolidate their positioning with a leverage effect of $8,844,500.
These results are the result of concrete and personalized support in business start-ups, incubation, training, access to financing and business development.
At the heart of this support is Joel Lemoine, Director of Business Support. Thanks to his expertise, commitment and advice, he supports Francophone and bilingual entrepreneurs in achieving their ambitions and growing their businesses.
Among CDEM’s flagship initiatives, the Lions’ Den has become a real springboard for Francophone and bilingual entrepreneurship in Manitoba. This competition offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their project to a jury, to make themselves known to the business community and to win a $15,000 grant to accelerate the development of their business.
From Joanne Gobeil of Fried Green Tomatoes, the first winner in 2011, to The Prairie Alchemist, the 2026 winner, the Lions’ Den highlights the boldness, innovation and bilingual Francophone entrepreneurial talent of our community. It is in addition to other strategic services such as Business Start and other resources and services that support the creation, growth and sustainability of SMEs each year, and CDEM continues to increase and direct its services.
During Small Business Week, we warmly thank the entrepreneurs and businesses that trust us and help build a strong, innovative and prosperous economy.
The success of SMEs is our business.
To learn more about Joel and his team’s business support services and programs, contact us at business@cdem.com.