Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI)

The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) supports rural and northern community economic development activities. REDI is a fund derived entirely from revenues generated by video lottery terminals in rural and northern Manitoba. Funds are invested back into the economy to encourage economic development and diversification. These funds are designed to provide a boost to the economy while laying the foundation for sustained growth and development. REDI provides funding for many programs including the following:

FEASIBILITY STUDIES PROGRAM

This program is available to local government, local or regional economic development organizations, rural businesses and commercial cooperatives. It can help rural communities and businesses get the answers to their questions before a project begins. It provides up to 50 per cent cost shared funding, an independent consultant for a financial, marketing or preliminary engineering analysis, development of a business plan, and ISO or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification. For more information, please visit the GO Centre or Office in your region or call 1-800-567-7334.

RURAL ENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE (REA)

REA provides loan guarantees to financial institutions who are willing to provide financial support to full-time, small and home-based businesses in rural Manitoba.

Loans are made to owners/operators and may be used for the purchase of fixed assets, existing businesses, inventory and/or working capital. Funds cannot be used to pay existing debts of the company or any individual, nor can loans be transferred.

The REA program can provide eligible applicants with loans ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. Please contact the REA Program Specialist toll-free at 1-800-567-7334.