Winnipeg, April 24, 2025 \u2013 The Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) hosted the 13th edition of Fosse aux lions last night at the Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Cercle Moli\u00e8re, bringing together Francophone entrepreneurs from across Manitoba. A panel of three entrepreneurship experts awarded Adventures Within Media Inc. (AWMI) the top prize of this year\u2019s competition.<\/p>\n
Vincent Blais-Shiokawa, founder of AWMI, impressed the jury with a powerful five-minute pitch. His presentation earned him the grand prize of $15,000, a one-year membership to the Francophone Chamber of Commerce of Saint-Boniface, and graphic design services offered by Bounce Design.<\/p>\n
The World Trade Centre Winnipeg Prize, awarded to the business with the greatest growth potential, was presented to Interlude Manitoba, valued at $3,000.<\/p>\n
During the event, Madeleine Arbez, Executive Director of CDEM, took the opportunity to make a special announcement. As it approaches its 30th anniversary and unveils its new strategic plan, Pursuing Excellence. Building the Future., CDEM is proud to announce the launch of the first phase of the Hybrid Incubator Centre \u2014 an innovative platform for entrepreneurs, developed in collaboration with Niv\u00e510.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe genesis of the Hybrid Incubator Centre is rooted in the experience, expertise, and support that CDEM has provided to a large number of bilingual Francophone entrepreneurs since its creation. The Hybrid Incubator Centre will offer a wide range of services: tools, strategic guidance, mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities, and personalized follow-up with industry professionals. These services and products will be available to entrepreneurs\u2014particularly SMEs\u2014throughout Manitoba, with priority given to bilingual municipalities and CLOSMs. CDEM supports them throughout their journey,\u201d said Madeleine Arbez, Executive Director of CDEM.<\/p>\n
The four finalists of Fosse aux lions 2025 \u2013 Adventures Within Media, Aiducation, Interlude Manitoba, and The Dream Space Event & Rentals \u2013 will be among the first businesses to benefit from the new Incubator Centre\u2019s services.<\/p>\n
This 13th edition of Fosse aux lions concludes with a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurial passion, and the vibrancy of Manitoba\u2019s Francophone community.<\/p>\n
CDEM extends its sincere thanks to its valued event partners: ONE Insurance, Radio-Canada, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, the Francophone Chamber of Commerce of Saint-Boniface, RD\u00c9E Canada, Bounce Design, Entreprises Riel, Taylor McCaffrey, Universit\u00e9 de Saint-Boniface, and the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de la francophonie manitobaine.<\/p>\n
For more information on CDEM\u2019s initiatives, visit cdem.com<\/p>\n