Who has the area’s next big idea?
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- Published on Thursday, September 3, 2015
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The Neepawa Banner
Municipalities need to take an active approach to spurring development in their own communities and not rely on industry to lead the charge. That’s the basis behind an upcoming entrepreneurship event being co-presented by Minnedosa and Neepawa on Oct. 22.
“What’s the Big Idea?” is being developed jointly by the Minnedosa and Area Community Development Corporation and the Neepawa and Area Development Corporation with an eye on identifying the region’s appetite for new business and fresh ideas. Support for the initiative has been strong with both the towns of Minnedosa and Neepawa, as well as the rural municipalities of Oakview and Minto-Odanah. Local merchants and community organizations have also thrown financial support behind the event.
More than $50,000 in cash awards and real estate incentives have been secured, which will include participation from industry partners and resource agencies and will be highlighted by a Dragon’s Den-style forum where aspiring business leaders can put their best pitch forward with hopes of securing the financial support they need to launch their project.
Coordinating the event are Vern May and Marilyn Crewe, the Economic Development Officers for Minnedosa and Neepawa, respectively. They agree that taking a passive approach, which may have worked a generation ago, isn’t a guarantee to produce tangible results. Planting a “Lots for Sale” sign in the ground and hoping that it will reap a bumper crop is wishful thinking. Like everything that grows on the prairies it needs to be nurtured and fed to reach its full potential.
Registration for the event is free and orientation sessions for those attending with their business idea will be held in the weeks leading up to the event to ensure that each presenter is equipped with the elements and information that the judges will need in order to make their decision.
For more information or to register, you can contact Marilyn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 204-476-7607 and Vern at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 204-867-3885.
