Resources for small businesses

Small businesses play an important role in our local economy. Over 97% of all businesses in both Winnipeg and Canada are considered small businesses. In 2022, small businesses employed 5.7 million Canadians, or 46.8% of the total private labour force and produced over 40% of Canada's exports to other countries.1 Small businesses are an important source of local job growth, innovation, and competition, while providing "buy local" opportunities that reflect the diversity of the culture and people that live in Winnipeg.

Municipal resources

Business licenses

Find out more information on how to apply for various business licenses to operate within the City of Winnipeg 

Municipal tax incentives

The City offers tax increment financing programs for different types of developments

Business improvement zones

There are 16 business improvement zones (BIZ) in Winnipeg that work to attract businesses and create unique destinations

Temporary patio program

The City offers an expedited process to allow restaurants and licensed manufacturers to establish temporary patio spaces

Permits & inspections

Find out more information on permits and inspections related to development 

Economic data & outlook

Find out the latest information related to our local economy, demography, and economic projections

External organization resources

Starting a small business in Manitoba

A step-by-step guide to starting a small business in Manitoba, provided by the Provincial Government

World Trade Centre Winnipeg

The World Trade Centre Winnipeg can help you start and grow your businesses and find new markets throughout Canada or export around the world

Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW)

EDW provides prospective businesses with information on the advantages of starting or bringing your business to Winnipeg

Footnotes

1. Source: Statistics Canada, Table 33-10-0763-01, Canadian Business Counts, with employees, census metropolitan areas and census subdivisions, June 2024. Note that in this context, small businesses are defined as an enterprise with 1 to 99 employees. Businesses with no paid employees or only a self-employed employee are not included in this statistic.

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