August 23, 2000

Eric Robinson, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs and minister responsible for the Communities Economic Development Fund (CEDF), has announced the launch of TEAM, a unique economic development program to help northern communities pursue micro-business opportunities.

"The North provides significant economic development opportunities for northerners and for all Manitobans," said Robinson. "The TEAM program provides financial and developmental support to embrace these opportunities and generate local employment in the region."

The objective of the TEAM program is to develop an entrepreneurial spirit and a commerce culture in Northern Manitoba communities. As an economic development initiative, TEAM also focuses on business skill development for potential entrepreneurs. TEAM will be administered by the CEDF in Thompson. The Province of Manitoba has allocated $120,000 in funding toward TEAM, which will bring the total amount of provincial funding for CEDF to $1.5 million.

In addition to one-time start-up funding, the program also provides technical assistance to develop business ideas, business plans and marketing tools, as well as ongoing consultation on business issues after start-up. Peer support is encouraged to help communities establish business groups that can provide support to other community members.

Robinson said that TEAM refers to a group of people in any community that meet to discuss and develop business opportunities and become a peer support group. "In this respect, the TEAM program is particularly unique because it provides an opportunity to assist individuals in all northern communities to pursue economic development at the grassroots level."

Micro-enterprises are extremely small ventures, often based in personal skills and services. The TEAM program is based on international models and similar programs in North America report having success in helping people establish new sources of income, develop skills and ultimately improve individual lifestyles.

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