SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
OCTOBER 2023
MONTH
Manitoba’s outstanding entrepreneurs offer expert advice on how small businesses can survive — and thrive — during these challenging times.
View online at winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide Bigger, Better
for 2024
BY JENNIFER MCFEE Calling all foodies! A fundraising discount book gives Manitobans a taste of two things they relish — great food and great bargains.
T he 2024 Dine Manitoba Foodservices Association, allows diners to savour the flavours from eateries across the province at a fraction of the price. At the same time, the initiative supports four local charities — The Dream Factory, 1JustCity, the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation Restaurant Guide, launched by Manitoba Restaurant and and Toba Centre for Children and Youth. The Dine Guide costs $25, and buyers have the chance to direct $5 of that cost towards one of these four organizations. Shaun Jeffrey, executive director and CEO of Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association, says the last time the Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide was published was in 2021 — and the popular publication has been welcomed back with enthusiasm. “This year, there’s a larger focus on local restaurants and the coupon values are far higher than previously. Each coupon is worth an average of $15 in savings, so you earn your money back in two dining experiences while supporting a great local charity,” he says. Unlike last year, the MRFA now has multiple charity partners, adds Jeffrey. “Last time, we only had one charity partner, and the public who purchased the guide asked for more options. When purchasing the guide, the buyer is prompted to choose a charity.” In the past, the Dine Guide sold nearly 5,000 copies and raised more than $40,000. With the 2024 edition, Jeffrey hopes to boost the fundraising goal to $50,000. In addition to altruistic intentions, diners also benefit from the purchase since this year’s guide contains more
hoping
Manitoba business owners can support this initiative.” The 2024 Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide is available for purchase online at www.dinemanitoba.ca. Online orders include a fee for shipping and handling. For those who prefer to pick it up in person, they can make their purchase at the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association office at 450-112 Market Ave. The book is also available at Love Local Manitoba in St. Vital Centre, at Made Here MB in the basement of the Richardson Building at 1 Lombard Place and at all Smitty’s restaurants in Winnipeg except the Westwood location, To learn more about the 2024 Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide, visit www.dinemanitoba.ca, email info@mrfa.mb.ca or call 204- 783-9955.
This year, there’s a larger focus on local restaurants and the coupon values are far higher than previously. Each coupon is worth an average of $15 in savings, so you earn your money back in two dining experiences while supporting a great local charity.
allows diners to quench their cravings at food stops such as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Burrito Splendido. The list goes on, with a total of 50 participating restaurants. And with the holiday season fast approaching, the Dine Guide offers food for thought for those planning a festive outing. At the same time, it’s also a great gift idea for anyone on your list, including teachers, neighbours, family members, coworkers and everyone in between. “This is a gift that you can use all year long. The average coupon usage in 2021 was seven, and this would save you over $100,” Jeffrey says. “Plus, you are supporting local businesses.” For bosses wondering what to get their workers for an end-of-year gift, look no further. “This is a great holiday gift for your employees,” Jeffrey says, “so we are
include Dreamland Diner, Friskee Pearl Bar & Eatery, Thirsty Lion Tavern and Silver Heights Restaurant and Lounge. For a taste of international cuisine, the guide features Carnival Brazilian
BBQ, Bangkok Thai Restaurant, Charisma of India, Kyu Bochi, Pasquale’s Ristorante Italiano, Taste of Mediterranean and Tehran Market and Café. As for faster fare, the Dine Guide
than $2,000 in savings to dining destinations such as Cordova Tapas and Wine, Promenade Brasserie, Saddlery on Market and Velvet Glove at The Fairmont. Other participating restaurants
To learn more about the 2024 Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide, visit www.dinemanitoba.ca, email info@mrfa.mb.ca or call 204-783-9955.
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CAN SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY
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Manitoba has a strong history of small business support. Many small and medium size businesses are tied to the food and beverage industry. Our Free Press team has 150 years of sharing great stories about the companies that feed our bodies and inspire us to create great food at home. The Free Press will be distributing a new food, beverage and travel magazine called Savour Manitoba . It is set to inspire, entertain and highlight the best that Manitoba has to offer. Find Savour Manitoba in your paper on Saturday, November 25, at your local Manitoba Liquor Mart or discover online. Foodie alert!
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
Supplied by Assiniboine Credit Union
Mohammed and his team at ACU specialize in helping small businesses reach their full potential through education and sound advice.
Assiniboine Credit Union: Helping to Drive Small Business Success
It has often been said that small business is the engine that runs the economy.
I t’s a philosophy embraced by the staff of Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU), who regularly go the extra mile to help members navigate their way along the often- challenging road to success. “We recognize that the small business sector is critically important to the financial health of our local economy,” says Nigel Mohammed, ACU’s Director, Community Financial Centre & Small Business Distribution. “Our approach is really about providing access to flexible financing options, both to support start-ups and growth for small business, but also to support non-profit organizations so they can fulfil their mandates in our community.” Mohammed oversees a team of five commercial lenders at the Winnipeg-based head office. Each lender not only dispenses financial expertise, but also has the mandate to offer advice and direction about other aspects of business development that ultimately provide a value-added experience for their clients. “Our view to providing financing goes beyond the transaction. We take a long-term view,” he says. “We look at the journey that a business might be on, whether it’s a start-up or growth- based, and try to provide advice in a way that the member is connected to the right resource.” That advice isn’t the same for every client, says Mohammed. “It’s not just about financing. Sometimes, it’s about making sure they have access to market research to create a business plan or conduct a feasibility study.” ACU staff can then suggest referrals to an appropriate resource in its network of community partners, such as when a member needs a lawyer with lease contract expertise. Or they might benefit from the services of a second-tier lender. The heart of ACU’s commercial lending philosophy reflects the guiding principles of the credit union itself: a commitment to its members, employers, and the well-being of the communities they serve. As an organization, ACU aims to improve the lives of people, better the planet and in so doing, create prosperity for all. ACU is clearly doing well by doing good. It’s the first and only financial institution in Manitoba to earn B-Corp certification, an international recognition bestowed on companies that meet the highest standard of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. It has further earned the distinction of being ranked in the Top 20 on the list of 7,500 B-Corp certified companies around the world.
“We recognize that part of a healthy local economy is a thriving business community,” says Mohammed. “So, if we’re committed to being a part of building the local community and its economy, then we also have to be able to help those who may be on the fringes to access capital and give them advice so they can set themselves up for success.” Through relationship-building and a long-term view, ACU strives to support the small business sector in ways that other financial institutions may not, opting to emphasize relationship- building and a long-term view, not just a quick- turnaround, transactional approach of other traditional lenders chasing efficiency targets. They strive to help business owners make informed choices about their business development plans, in addition to making
Our view to pro- viding financing goes beyond the
transaction. We take a long-term view. We look at the journey that a business might be on, whether it’s a start-up or growth- based, and try to provide advice in a way that the member is connected to the right resource.
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
decisions based on a business’s viability, not just on the personal wealth or credit score of its owner. And while the process can take time, it’s time well-spent. ACU staff reviews and assesses members’ relevant business-related information, such as business plans, financial information, and projections, and provide feedback that will help give them the best chance at success. The organization recognizes the value of nurturing local business success in furthering community development and creating good, local jobs. Their approach also promotes inclusion and equitable opportunity for those whose circumstances might
otherwise make it difficult to access financing, such as new Canadians. At ACU, their financial services continue to provide the means to an end that, for many clients and communities, can represent a new beginning. “A business can be so transformative if provided
Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Old Grace Housing Co-operative
Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba
Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market
Vue Taché Condominiums
with the right supports to be sustainable,” says Mohammed. “We see the ripple effect of a successful business, whether it’s in the downtown, the North End or the suburbs. It has so many benefits that impact local economies and communities. It can lift up the standard of living for everybody.”
Apartments, condos, industrial… we’re experts in money matters, when money matters. Commercial mortgages, construction financing, term loans, lines of credit, and the advice and guidance you’re looking for. We know the market and we’re here to support you and help you grow. Finance with ACU and build success. Visit or talk to an ACU Business Account Manager today. 204.958.4311 ACUforbusiness.ca When it comes to business projects, big or small, we do it all.
Supplied by Assiniboine Credit Union Nigel Mohammed, ACU’s Director, Community Financial Centre & Small Business Distribution, says the financial institution is committed to being part of building the local community and its economy.
Report workplace injuries on time. It’s good for business.
Reporting injuries within five days will help your employees get the support they need.
If your employee is hurt at work, we’re here to help. Learn more at wcb.mb.ca/report-an-injury
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
Supplied by Wolseley Kombucha
Michelle Leclair, founder/owner of Wolseley Kombucha.
Wolseley Kombucha Doing its Part to Make the
BY TODD LEWYS Being eco-friendly isn’t easy.
Yet, if each of us – from individuals to businesses – does what we can, even if it’s a small gesture, then the world will be a greener place sooner rather than later. T hat’s what Wolseley Kombucha did when they started their business back in 2016. “Right from the start, we had a sustainable compostable, as are the cups and sample cups we use at events. We also compost all our organic materials, such as ginger and turmeric.”
business model,” says Wolseley Kombucha’s founder and owner, Michelle Leclair. “It was always a dream of mine to be the owner of a sustainable business.” A producer of Kombucha – a fermented tea made with a living culture called SCOBY, organic tea, and sugar – is transformed by the fermentation process into organic acids that yield a fizzy, low sugar, functional probiotic beverage that promotes good gut health – Wolseley Kombucha produces large batches of the healthy beverage in huge stainless-steel containers. The Kombucha is then dispensed at their tap room at 749 Wall Street, and is available at 12 locations across Manitoba with refill stations – several in Winnipeg (restaurants, retailers) and in outlying communities such as Winkler, Steinbach, Morden, and Selkirk. Here’s the kicker: Wolseley Kombucha’s uses only glass bottles to dispense their healthy brew. “The idea is to refill and reuse,” says Leclair. “Customers can purchase the Kombucha, then bring the bottles to refill stations. They can clean them, then refill them, drink the Kombucha, and then repeat the process pretty much endlessly. We have customers who are still using their original bottles, which are now seven years old.” She adds that there’s another eco-friendly option – a subscription to Wolseley Kombucha. “It’s a service that we started during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will deliver to homes and pick up and exchange the bottles. We then clean and sanitize the bottles and put them back into circulation to be reused.” Leclair says the sustainable business model has been a huge hit with customers. “They love it. In general, people don’t want small bottles, so they love the two sizes that we offer; we also offer grab and go bottles, too. And because most of our customers are passionate about leading eco-friendly lives, they appreciate our approach. All our packaging is
And while Wolseley Kombucha is just one company, they are showing what businesses can accomplish when they fully commit to going green.
In 2022 alone, our customers helped
World a Greener Place
divert over 11,280 one-liter bottles from landfills through our sustainable refill program. That’s a lot of bottles that didn’t go into a landfill.
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
Supplied
Mike Mikulak, Executive Director Food & Beverage Manitoba
“In 2022 alone, our customers helped divert over 11,280 one-liter bottles from landfills through our sustainable refill program,” she says. “That’s a lot of bottles that didn’t go into a landfill.” Mike Mikulak, executive director of Food & Beverage Manitoba, says Wolseley Kombucha is a great role model for other companies in the local food and beverage industry. “With sustainability being top of mind for a lot of consumers and governments, I just love what they’re doing – they’re thinking holistically,” he says. “Bringing your own container for refills equals zero waste. It’s a great example of what a local company can do.” Providing consumers with refillable bottles accomplishes several things at once, adds Mikulak. “Not only is it easier on the environment, but using the refillable bottles ends up being cheaper for the company, as those bottles are expensive to buy. It also simplifies their distribution. That makes it easier on the company, on the environment and the consumer. Wolseley Kombucha is showing what can be done.” Creating a company culture centered around sustainability is absolutely feasible, says Leclair. “Certainly, there’s an initial capital investment that needs to be made, which for us was equipment (taps) and bottles. But that all worked into our business plan, which was based on sustainability and centered around the concept of reduce, reuse, refill, and compost.” Roughly seven years after launching the company, the concept has clearly caught on, showing other businesses its long-term viability. “If we can do it, other companies, both big and small, can do it too,” she says. “It’s just about talking small baby steps. If we can help push people in the right direction, we’re happy to do it.”
Supplied by Wolseley Kombucha
Wolseley Kobucha’s healthy brew comes in refillable 946 ml and 1.89 liter bottles.
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SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
Free Press Advertising has made an investment tosigni fi cantly expand our service o ff erings to better support the local business ecosystem of Manitoba. BUSINESS Local
WE ARE LAUNCHING OUR NEW SUITE OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES TO GROW AND THRIVE IN THE NEW ECONOMY.
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