PrairiesCan success stories
It’s the individuals and businesses that continue to make a difference in the lives and communities in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Here are their success stories.
Use the drop-down menus below to search for stories by sector. Otherwise, use the ‘Filter items’ field located above the stories to search by keyword.
Publication date | Region | Sector(s) | Stories |
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2023-08-04 | Manitoba | Business Growth; Francophone; Indigenous | Manitoba brewery scales up with support from PrairiesCanFunding from PrairiesCan through the Business Scale-up and Productivity program has supported Nonsuch Brewing Co. in their purchasing of new equipment and scaling up their production of craft Belgian beer. As a result, this craft brewery is keeping up with market demands and is offering Manitobans a unique beverage and dining experience, with more ways to engage and connect with one another. Publication Date: 2023-08-04 |
2023-03-08 | Manitoba | Community Economic Development, Tourism, Women | Manitoba flower farmer gets support for unique tourism business making handmade textile goodsWith the help of PrairiesCan through the Women’s Enterprise Centre Manitoba, entrepreneur Lourdes Still created Masagana Flower Farm, which offers a unique and immersive botanical tourism destination in southern Manitoba. Publication Date: 2023-03-08 |
2023-02-03 | Alberta | Business growth, Skills and training | Fort McMurray construction businesses and professionals get training and support for local recoveryFort McMurray construction businesses receive support to continue to help residents recover from natural and economic disasters. Publication Date: 2023-02-03 |
2022-12-22 | Alberta | Business growth, Community economic development | Community Futures Wood Buffalo brings growth for businesses in Northern Alberta communityIn recent years, business owners in the Wood Buffalo region have been challenged by the pandemic and natural disasters. Community Futures Wood Buffalo helped them when times got tough. Publication Date: 2022-12-22 |
2022-12-13 | Saskatchewan | Indigenous, Tourism | Wanuskewin Heritage Park opens new exhibit galleries to the publicWanuskewin Heritage Park opened new exhibit galleries as part of its expansion. The galleries will attract more visitors and better tell the story of this historic site, thanks to PrairiesCan funding. . Publication Date: 2022-12-13 |
2022-11-29 | Manitoba | Francophone, Indigenous, Tourism, Women | Rural Manitoba restaurant gets help re-inventing its business during the pandemicFood, culture, and history come together at J'em Bistro, a restaurant in a museum in rural Manitoba. Publication Date: 2022-11-29 |
2022-11-17 | Alberta | Tourism, Indigenous | Indigenous tourism builds bridges of understandingVisitors are looking for authentic, hands-on experiences to connect with Indigenous Peoples and their cultures. PrairiesCan funding is supporting Painted Warriors to offer an enhanced experience for visitors to engage with Indigenous culture. Publication Date: 2022-11-07 |
2022-10-11 | Alberta | Tourism, Women | Rural culinary experiences boost Alberta tourismVisitors are looking to make connections through locally grown and prepared food. Two rural tourism operators are growing to showcase the best of Alberta through culinary delights. Publication Date: 2022-10-11 |
2022-09-27 | Alberta | Manufacturing, Digital technology | Edmonton company's smart technology saves time, materials and money when building new homesLevven Electronics, based in Edmonton, focuses on making homes more affordable to build, buy and operate. Levven offers sustainable in-home technology to home builders to help them save time, materials and cost during construction. Homeowners get a whole new level of control and convenience in their new homes. Publication Date: 2022-09-27 |
2022-08-25 | Alberta | Digital technology, Women, Indigenous | Calgary firm brings diversity to companies hungry for talent across North AmericaCalgary-based Virtual Gurus is changing how talent agencies, businesses and freelancers interact. The company uses innovative technology to match the needs of clients with the talents and skills of their diverse virtual assistants. Publication Date: 2022-08-25 |
2022-08-16 | Alberta | Business growth, Community economic development | Rural businesses in Alberta relied on support from Community Futures through the COVID-19 pandemicWhen the COVID-19 pandemic changed how people accessed goods and services in their communities, rural businesses turned to Community Futures for support. Publication Date: 2022-08-16 |
2022-08-09 | Alberta | Indigenous, Tourism | Authentic Indigenous tourism experience grows in AlbertaVisitors are looking for authentic, hands-on experiences to connect with the land and Indigenous People. PrairiesCan funding is supporting Métis Crossing in developing the "Farm and Forest to Table" culinary experience. Publication Date: 2022-08-09 |
2022-07-28 | Saskatchewan | Indigenous, Women | Clothing business gets support from PrairiesCan’s Indigenous Business Development ServicesAmanda Sanderson created an inspiring clothing line to help people in her community deal with mental health issues. She succeeded with help from PrairiesCan’s Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS), delivered by Community Futures Sagehill. Publication Date: 2022-07-28 |
2022-06-30 | Saskatchewan | Life sciences | Preparing for the next pandemic with made-in-Canada vaccinesWith PrairiesCan funding, the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) set up a centre to make vaccines in Saskatchewan. Longstanding funding has boosted VIDO’s capabilities, as it becomes Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research. Publication Date: 2022-06-30 |
2022-05-31 | Saskatchewan | Disabilities | The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program helps a photographer grow his business and support othersThrough the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, delivered by the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (SSILC), Ross McCreery turned his passion for photography into a business that allows him to continue working with his disability and help other entrepreneurs with disabilities. Publication Date: 2022-05-31 |
2022-01-26 | Alberta | Francophone, Tourism | Winter tourism in Edmonton gets a boost with the interactive Flying Canoë Volant festivalFlying Canoë Volant is boosting Edmonton’s reputation as a cultural and winter city destination. It bridges French-Canadian, First Nations and Métis cultures through a unique and interactive winter Prairies experience. Publication Date: 2022-01-28 |
2021-10-25 | Saskatchewan | Agriculture and agri-food | Community Futures helps small rural Saskatchewan business expand into new marketsWith the support of Community Futures, Three Farmers Foods was able to increase its production capacity to sell its snack foods into new markets. Publication Date: 2021-10-25 |
2021-07-26 | Manitoba | Indigenous, Women | Winnipeg Indigenous business expands sustainable fashion line to new marketsWD supported Anne Mulaire Designs to develop online and direct marketing strategies, boost production capacity and patent its cutting-edge production process. Publication Date: 2021-07-26 |
2021-07-14 | Manitoba | Digital technology, Women | Women succeed in STEM careers and as tech entrepreneursWD supported NSD Tech Inc. through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, to upgrade and market CARMIS—client management software for non-profit agencies serving refugees and immigrants. Publication Date: 2021-07-14 |
2021-07-06 | Alberta | Life sciences, Digital technology | Calgary imaging company gives healthcare professionals a better diagnostic toolBlending artificial intelligence into cardiovascular imaging software is new to the market. It will also help doctors work more efficiently and help more patients Publication Date: 2021-07-06 |
2021-06-18 | Alberta | Transportation, Digital technology | Test range makes Alberta a hub of unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) technologyThe Foremost Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Range offers 700 square nautical miles of restricted airspace in rural Alberta, perfect for developing drone technology and fueling Western Canada’s growing role in the UAS sector. Publication Date: 2021-06-18 |
2021-06-11 | Alberta | Digital technology | Artificial intelligence and machine learning are helping businesses solve problemsAltaML uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help Alberta businesses unlock the competitive advantage in their data. Publication Date: 2021-06-11 |
2021-06-02 | Alberta | Digital technology | Calgary innovation takes chemical testing to new heights in labs around the worldFrom pharmaceuticals to agriculture: How Nanalysis is transforming scientific measurement for researchers worldwide. Publication Date: 2021-06-02 |
2021-05-12 | Manitoba | Life sciences | Suppliers test COVID-19 medical devices like N-95 masks in WinnipegMartin Petrak, President and CEO, and Trevor Gascoyne, Director of Operations, share how the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre in Winnipeg has become an internationally accredited laboratory to help in the fight against COVID-19. Publication Date: 2021-05-12 |
2021-04-13 | Alberta | Transportation | Rural bus service connects Alberta communitiesFor many Albertans, inter-city bus transportation and parcel delivery connects them safely to family, neighbours and medical services that are not available in their own community. COVID-19 public health measures are impacting this essential service. Publication Date: 2021-04-13 |
2020-11-19 | Alberta | Women, Indigenous, Arts | Indigenous art advances reconciliationColouring It Forward embraces art to advance education on Indigenous issues and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Publication Date: 2020-11-19 |
2020-10-07 | Alberta | Manufacturing, Digital technology | Calgary company reinvents supply chain managementAttabotics is taking inspiration from nature and disrupting traditional logistics, storage and fulfillment. This Calgary-based innovation combines robotics with efficient ant colony design to reduce warehouse footprints by 85%. Publication Date: 2020-10-07 |
2020-09-21 | Alberta | Manufacturing, Digital technology, Life sciences | Calgary company grows Alberta’s health technology sector through leading-edge imaging softwareKent Imaging is expanding its services with the introduction of near infrared spectroscopy-imaging technology, which allows healthcare professionals to monitor tissue viability at a wound or surgical site in a timely and non-intrusive manner. Publication Date: 2020-09-21 |
2020-09-10 | Saskatchewan | Francophone, Skills and training | University of Regina program trains Francophone nursesA unique partnership between the University of Regina’s La Cité French language hub and faculty of nursing is preparing nurses to care for Saskatchewan patients in French as well as in English. Publication Date: 2020-09-10 |
2020-08-13 | Manitoba | Disabilities, Women | How an entrepreneur with disabilities grew her business in WinnipegLisa Hazelwood seized the opportunity to overcome barriers. She got the support she needed from Equal Opportunities West’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program. Lisa’s business, Dog Nerd, is a dog sport and training centre that uses positive training methods in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Publication Date: 2020-08-13 |
2020-08-07 | Alberta | Manufacturing, Digital technology | Cochrane, Alberta, company expands market to export globallyWith its light and robust power meter, Cochrane’s 4iiii is poised to take over the global fitness monitoring market. Publication Date: 2020-08-07 |
2020-07-17 | Saskatchewan | Francophone, Tourism | Francophone business draws tourists to rural SaskatchewanOver the Hill Orchard and Winery is attracting attention as Saskatchewan’s first Économusée.® Over the Hill makes wines and jams on site using fruit grown in their orchard, providing a unique artisanal experience to French and English-speaking visitors. Publication Date: 2020-07-17 |
2020-07-08 | Alberta | Agriculture and agri-food, Women, Clean technology | Coaldale, Alberta, company transforms the produce sectorWhole Leaf is transforming the leafy green section of the produce department. Using less water, its pesticide- and chemical-free produce brings new ideas to Canadian tables. Publication Date: 2020-07-08 |
2020-03-11 | Alberta | Women | Edmonton entrepreneur creates possibilities for special needs children and young adultsAdaptAbilities is an inclusive environment where people with special needs can develop essential life skills. Publication Date: 2020-03-11 |
2020-03-05 | Manitoba | Francophone, Women | Bilingual small business serves Francophones from Pinawa, ManitobaJulie Germain moved from Quebec to Manitoba to learn English. Now, she designs beautiful rooms for Manitoban homes in both English and French at Julie’s Creations. Publication Date: 2020-03-05 |
2020-03-04 | Manitoba | Business growth, Francophone | Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities and entrepreneurs get supportBilingual entrepreneurs and municipalities in Manitoba have a lifeline. Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (CDEM) is there to help them grow. Publication Date: 2020-03-04 |
2020-02-17 | Saskatchewan | Agriculture and Agrifood, Manufacturing | Prairie farm machinery manufacturers expand their markets to EuropeThe Canadian-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has opened up new doors for Western Canadian agricultural equipment makers that are large enough to drive a combine through. Publication Date: 2020-02-17 |
2020-01-24 | Manitoba | Women, Francophone | Bilingual entrepreneurs bring mindfulness to Manitoba schoolsTwo young teachers in Manitoba wanted to share mindfulness practices with their French-language students, but they could not find bilingual materials geared to young people. So, they created their own, and Educalme was born. Publication Date: 2020-01-24 |
2019-12-17 | Saskatchewan | Indigenous, Clean resources | Cowessess First Nation creates renewable clean energy in SaskatchewanWith help from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), Cowessess First Nation’s unique hybrid renewable energy project is a first in Canada. Publication Date: 2019-12-17 |
2019-12-09 | Manitoba | Clean technology, Francophone | Winnipeg firm exports renewable energy systems to AfricaManitoba’s Raysolar sets up solar and wind energy systems. Technical expertise combined with being able to work in both of Canada’s official languages has opened up doors to expand into Francophone African countries. Publication Date: 2019-12-09 |
2019-05-22 | Saskatchewan | Clean technology, Francophone | Francophone farmers create renewable fertilizer from Saskatchewan soilWhat do francophone farmers in Saskatchewan, an agricultural scientist from France and about a trillion microbial organisms have in common? The drive to make prairie soil more fertile and productive! Publication Date: 2019-05-22 |
2019-03-06 | Alberta | Francophone | Radio station serves as cultural hub for Edmonton’s Francophone communityRadio Cité brought the heart and the people. WD helped them with funding. Now Radio Cité is making beautiful music and so much more for Edmonton's francophone community. Publication Date: 2019-03-06 |
2019-02-05 | Alberta | Clean technology, Natural resources | Wellhead innovation makes drilling for oil and gas saferThe aptly-named Intelligent Wellhead Systems (IWS) knows a lot about working under pressure in the energy sector. Publication Date: 2019-02-05 |
2019-02-05 | Alberta | Indigenous, Skills and training | Training program opens opportunities for Indigenous people across AlbertaIn 2015, Trade Winds to Success Training Society received $1,069,938 from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to support the expansion of pre-apprenticeship training for Indigenous Peoples in Alberta. Publication Date: 2019-02-05 |
2019-02-05 | Manitoba | Tourism, Francophone | Francophone and Métis culture attract tourists to ManitobaAt the Heart of Manitoba’s Francophone Community is a documentary film produced by Tourisme Riel and Entreprises Riel, about the strong Francophone and Métis culture in the province. Publication Date: 2019-02-05 |
2019-02-05 | Manitoba | Community economic development | Churchill gets lifeline when cut off from the rest of ManitobaThe Churchill Region Economic Development Fund helped businesses survive when the town was cut off from ground transportation. Publication Date: 2019-02-05 |
2019-02-05 | Saskatchewan | Clean technology | Technology made in Saskatchewan helps refurbish mines when the mining is overReturning a mine site to its original state is far more complex than covering it over and planting trees. The design and materials that go into the cover system must ensure that mine wastes are properly sealed off. Publication Date: 2019-02-05 |
2018-09-04 | Manitoba | Indigenous, Business growth, Skills and training | Community Futures promotes Indigenous business across ManitobaIn 2018, Vision Quest marked its 22nd annual conference and trade show: “From Vision to Reality,” through partnerships with 5 primarily Indigenous-based Community Futures Development Corporations. Publication Date: 2018-09-04 |
2018-09-04 | Saskatchewan | Skills and training, Youth | Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre helps vulnerable youth get hiredVulnerable, inner city youth lack the training, experience and, in a lot of cases, confidence to secure good jobs that can lead to careers in the skilled trades. At the same time, employers in many industries find it difficult to hire young tradespeople. Publication Date: 2018-09-04 |
2018-09-04 | Saskatchewan | Digital technology | Saskatoon company helps the world build microchipsSaskatchewan based Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative recipient, Solido Design Automation Inc, is a world leader in microchip design and characterization software powered by proprietary machine learning technology – a form of artificial intelligence. Publication Date: 2018-09-04 |
2018-09-03 | Saskatchewan | Natural resources, Trade | Saskatchewan mining suppliers expand into global exportsThrough an investment of $185,000, WD is helping Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA) build its capacity to connect local mining industry suppliers with large industrial and resource companies. Publication Date: 2018-09-03 |
2018-08-04 | Alberta | Women, Skills and training | Alberta women gain training in valuable skilled tradesThe pursuit of inclusive participation in the economy requires a change in perspectives and a change in traditional ways of thinking. This belief prompted a small group of women to set up Women Building Futures (WBF) in 1998. Publication Date: 2018-08-04 |
2018-08-04 | Manitoba | Women, Business growth, Skills and training | Women help each other build careers and businesses across ManitobaThe one-day, annual conference sprouted from a desire to provide services to female business professionals and a venue for them to network. Publication Date: 2018-08-04 |
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