Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo

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Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo

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2026 Legacy Grant Program
Applications accepted February 2 - March 23, 2026
www.swbusinessexpo.com Another unique aspect of this expo is the Pitch Session.

The communities of RM of Souris-Glenwood, RM of Pipestone, Town of Virden, Town of Melita, Municipality of Grassland, RM of Sifton, RM of Deloraine-Winchester, and Virden Skills Training Inc., have come together to organize and facilitate the SW Business & Entrepreneurship Expo. The goal of this expo is to attract and support new and existing entrepreneurs in the area. The exhibitor booths are geared to showcase different entrepreneurship services available for entrepreneurs in different stages of their business life cycle. The learning sessions from industry experts will provide innovative ideas and tools to succeed in this competitive business environment. This is open to start-up entrepreneurs and existing ones looking to expand. They will not only get feedback from our expert panel of judges, they will also get a chance to win prizes.

04/17/2026

Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant – 2026 Recipients Announced!

We are proud to celebrate this year’s recipients of the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant. These businesses and individuals represent the innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to strengthen our region.

Business Excellence Award (Overall Winner): Real Greens / Real Garlic

Business Growth & Expansion: EnJoy Real Spice

Community Impact: Southwest Safety Consulting

Young Entrepreneur: Craig McConnell

Innovation & Technology: White Spruce Heritage Farm

Start-Up Launch: Blossom Boutique

A sincere thank you to our judges for their time and expertise: Bruce Luebke of Sunrise Credit Union, Eric Forster of RMEDCorp, and Mike Csversko of Fusion Credit Union

We would also like to thank everyone who took the time to apply. The strength of applications this year made the selection process incredibly competitive and speaks to the quality of businesses across our region.

Proudly brought to you by:
Town of Virden
Rural Municipality of Sifton
Town of Melita
RM of Pipestone
Municipality of Two Borders
Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth
Municipality of Grassland
Municipality of Brenda-Waskada
Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester

👏 Please join us in celebrating these outstanding local leaders!

04/16/2026

⏳ The wait is almost over… ⏳

We’re excited to share that the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant recipients will be announced tomorrow morning (Friday, April 17th)! 🎉

We had an incredible group of applicants, showcasing the innovation, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit across our region. The judges have completed their review, cheques have been presented, and we can’t wait to recognize the businesses and individuals selected for these awards!

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see who will be receiving our 2026 Legacy Grants!

04/14/2026

Special thanks to our judges for evaluating all applications. Stay tuned for the 2026 Legacy Grant recipients!

04/10/2026

✨ Thank You to Everyone Who Applied! ✨
The response to our Legacy Grant was incredible—choosing the winners was no easy task. Every application was carefully reviewed, and we’re so impressed by the talent and passion in our communities.

👀 Watch for our winners—announcements coming soon!

A special thank you to our judges and committee for the time, care, and dedication they put into the selection process. We couldn’t do this without you.

📣 Stay tuned! More information and updates coming next week.

03/18/2026

LAST CALL! 🌟
The deadline for the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant is coming up fast!

If you’re a local entrepreneur, small business owner, start‑up, or youth-led business, this is your chance to apply for a $1,500 grant to help take your ideas and growth to the next level.

Eligible categories include:
💡 Innovation & Technology
🚀 Start-Up Launch
🌱 Growth & Expansion
🤝 Community Impact
👥 Young Entrepreneur

✔️ Open to sole proprietors, small businesses, new or emerging start‑ups, youth-owned or student-led ventures, and residents of participating municipalities.

Deadline: March 23, 2026
Apply online: www.swbusinessexpo.com
Don’t miss out — get your application in before the deadline!

03/17/2026

Seven more days to apply! 📣
www.swbusinessexpo.com/apply-today

If you’re a small business owner, startup, or entrepreneur with a project that will strengthen your business and your community, this opportunity is for you!

Eligible applicants must be operating in one of the participating municipalities:
Municipality of Grassland
Municipality of Wallace–Woodworth
Rural Municipality of Sifton
Town of Virden
Rural Municipality of Pipestone
Municipality of Deloraine–Winchester
Rural Municipality of Two Borders
Municipality of Brenda-Waskada
Town of Melita
Proof of address and operation will be required. (e.g., business license, tax roll, utility bill)

03/03/2026

Grant opportunity for Southwest Businesses & Entrepreneurs!
Businesses located and operating within one of the following
municipalities:
• Municipality of Grassland
• Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth
• Rural Municipality of Sifton
• Town of Virden
• RM of Pipestone
• Municipality of Deloraine-Winchesterr
• Municipality of Two Borders
• Municipality of Brenda-Waskada
• Town of Melita

Proof of address and operation will be required. (e.g., business license, tax roll, utility bill)
Eligible applicants include:
• Registered small businesses
• Sole proprietors
• New or emerging start-ups
• Youth-owned or student-led businesses (for specific categories)
Applicants must:
• Be in good standing with their municipality
• Operate a business primarily within the eligible municipalities
• Demonstrate how funding will benefit their business and/or the broader community
www.southwestbusinessexpo.com

02/23/2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 23! 📣
www.swbusinessexpo.com/apply-today

If you’re a small business owner, startup, or entrepreneur with a project that will strengthen your business and your community, this opportunity is for you!

Eligible applicants must be operating in one of the participating municipalities:
Municipality of Grassland
Municipality of Wallace–Woodworth
Rural Municipality of Sifton
Town of Virden
Rural Municipality of Pipestone
Municipality of Deloraine–Winchester
Rural Municipality of Two Borders
Municipality of Brenda-Waskada
Town of Melita
Proof of address and operation will be required. (e.g., business license, tax roll, utility bill)

02/13/2026

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FEBRUARY 2 - MARCH 23! 📣

After 8 incredible years, the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo wrapped up its final event in February 2025 — but the mission isn’t over yet.

As a final act of stewardship, the planning committee is proud to launch the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant Program 💙
This grant reinvests the Expo’s remaining funds directly back into our communities to support local businesses, entrepreneurs, and new ideas.

💰 $12,500 in total funding available
🏆 Grants available in multiple categories, including:
• Business Excellence
• Young Entrepreneur
• Business Growth & Expansion
• Innovation & Technology
• Community Impact
• Start-Up Launch

📍 Eligible applicants must be operating in one of the participating Southwest Manitoba municipalities.

🗓 Application Timeline
✔ Applications open: February 2, 2026
✔ Deadline: March 23, 2026
✔ Grant announcements: April 10, 2026

If you’re a small business owner, startup, or entrepreneur with a project that will strengthen your business and your community — this opportunity is for you.

02/02/2026

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! 📣 https://www.swbusinessexpo.com/apply-today

If you’re a small business owner, startup, or entrepreneur with a project that will strengthen your business and your community — this opportunity is for you.

Eligible applicants must be operating in one of the participating municipalities:
Municipality of Grassland
Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth
Rural Municipality of Sifton
Town of Virden
RM of Pipestone
Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester
Municipality of Two Borders
Municipality of Brenda-Waskada
Town of Melita

Address

Melita, MB

Website

http://www.swbusinessexpo.com/

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