West Winnipeg Business Review

22 THE ASSINIBOIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • SPRING 2024 A S S I N I B O I A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E A s a business owner, maybe you've considered adopting greener business practices but are unsure how to go about it—or you just don't have the funds. A recent Manitoba Business Outlook Survey suggests that many have faced this dilemma. The survey found that 45 percent of local businesses haven't factored the effects of climate change into their strategic plans, with 31 percent saying their reasoning is a lack of financial support. The newly launched Manitoba Green Advantage, or MGA, project is poised to begin to address that. The initiative aims to help the province work towards a greener future and provide businesses with the tools and resources to reduce their carbon footprint. This project, spearheaded by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, will see 60 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) receive funding to invest in sustainable practices. "Manitoba SMEs need to embrace a green economy to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change," says Christa Rust, program director of MGA. "They require the necessary understanding, tools, and support to navigate green investments. MGA will provide a comprehensive roadmap— essentially a blueprint—for a greener and more prosperous Manitoba." Rust points to the wildfires that spread across Manitoba in 2023, affecting several businesses, homes and green spaces, as an example of why it's important to be proactive when it comes to climate change. "We want to ensure there's a proactive mindset among busi- nesses," Rust says. "We also want to shine a spotlight on those businesses that have already embraced the green economy. We want to create a new norm where businesses start to think about climate change, conserving energy, and look at greener alternatives." Currently in its research phase, MGA aims to find the most effective ways to leverage Manitoba's strengths, along with cut- ting-edge technologies and green financing. Prairies Economic Development Canada, the federal department that promotes economic growth in the Prairies, has offered up more than $1.6 million to back the project over a two-year period. "What's going to be most advantageous for Manitoba?" Rust questions. "What's going to work here? Just because something works in another jurisdiction, doesn't mean that it will work in Manitoba. That research component will allow us to narrow the scope and figure out what we focus on first and what makes most sense for Manitoba SMEs." Research is expected to wrap up by the end of summer 2024, with the granting component opening to businesses by fall. At that time, MGA will announce the framework for how busi- nesses can participate. Rust will work alongside other organizations, like Efficiency Manitoba, to ensure businesses are optimizing the resources available to them. "We don't want to reinvent the wheel," she says. "We want to make sure what we're doing brings value to businesses and complements what's already out there." Rust is hopeful more businesses will start making green choices that benefit their business, the local economy, and climate change overall, having a plan—and finances—in place. She says, "With MGA's roadmap and grants, SMEs can adopt these green investments, reducing climate risks, improving competitiveness, and securing their future in the green econ- omy." A greener future for Manitoba businesses By Trina Rehberg Boyko Heartland Chartered Professional Accountants LLP n PERSONAL, CORPORATE AND ESTATE TAX n YEAR-END AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES Suite 620 - 1445 Portage Avenue 204-943-2441 n www.heartlandcpa.com Follow us on social media! @HeartlandCPAs

• Cover