RM OF RITCHOT
RM OF RITCHOT SET TO ELEVATE RURAL ENTREPRENEURS AT BUSINESS EXPO Featuring Dragons' Den's Manjit Minhas
T he entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving in southeastern Manitoba and this February it’s set to reach new heights. On Feb. 26, 2026, the ElevateMB Expo makes its highly anticipated return to Ile-des- Chênes, promising a powerhouse of opportunity for rural business owners. “This was born out of a vision to create a platform where local entrepreneurs and businesses could come together, learn from one another and connect with resources that support growth,” explains the RM of Ritchot's Mayor Chris Ewen. “We recognized southeastern Manitoba, specifically Ritchot and surrounding areas, has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to create an event that provides practical tools, knowledge and networking opportunities to help businesses succeed.” In its third year, the event (formerly known as the Edge Business Expo) will once again take place at the TC Energy Centre in Ile- des-Chênes, a short drive south of Winnipeg via Highway 59. The event offers one power- packed day — the kind of event where every session, every panel and every conversation has impact. It will feature main stage panels, keynote and breakout sessions, networking opportunities, a tradeshow with relevant vendors, and it always promises scrumptious food and drink offerings. Headlining the day is Manjit Minhas, co-founder of Minhas Brewery, Distillery and Winery and beloved panellist on CBC’s Dragons' Den . Known for her unfiltered take on entrepreneurship, Minhas will speak directly to the grit, resilience and risk-taking that resonates with rural entrepreneurs who often do more with less. BY MICHELLE BAILEY
Her story embodies resilience, innovation and the courage to take risks, which Ewen says are all values that resonate with entrepreneurs in the region. “Our one-day event allows us to deliver maximum value in a more focused way, ensuring business owners who often juggle busy schedules have access to top-tier content, networking and inspiration without committing to a multi-day event or travel to the city," Ewen says. Returning to the lineup is Nicole Dubé, founder of Dubé Media Consulting & Storytelling. This year she brings “Coach on the Couch,” a dynamic, interactive session where business owners can get “If you come in with the intention to connect and squeeze every ounce out of the day, you’ll walk away with insights you simply can’t find anywhere else,” Dubé says. The ElevateMB Expo has proved invaluable to many who have attended before, including participant Lindsay Routhier, owner of Mama ‘N’ Baby Creations out of Ste. Agathe. “Whether you were a new or experienced entrepreneur, there was something for everyone,” Routhier says. “It was also amazing to network with fellow business owners and make new connections.” For the RM, Ewen says the ElevateMB Expo has strengthened its reputation as a hub for business and innovation in southeastern Manitoba. “It has also sparked collaborations, attracted interest direct feedback on their storytelling approach. from outside the municipality and demonstrated the collective strength of our local business community. When businesses succeed, it creates ripple effects
— new jobs, stronger services and a more resilient local economy.” For more information on panels, speakers and schedules at the RM of Ritchot’s ElevateMB Expo, please visit elevatemb.ca. Tickets are available with early bird pricing of $125 until the end of 2025, when they will then increase to $150. ■
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37 WINTER 2025
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