Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant
Purpose
To carry forward the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo’s mission by providing financial support to local businesses and entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation, development, and community impact. This grant aims to reinvest the Expo’s remaining funds into the participating municipalities, helping businesses grow, launch new initiatives, and contribute positively to the local economy and quality of life.
Eligible Municipalities
Applicants must be located and operating within one of the following participating municipalities:
Municipality of Grassland
Municipality of Wallace–Woodworth
Rural Municipality of Sifton
Town of Virden
Rural Municipality of Pipestone
Municipality of Deloraine–Winchester
Rural Municipality of Two Borders
Municipality of Brenda-Waskada
Town of Melita
Proof of address and operation (e.g., business license, tax roll, utility bill) will be required.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
Registered small businesses
Sole proprietors
New or emerging start-ups
Youth-owned or student-led businesses (for specific categories)
Applicants must:
Be in good standing with their municipality
Operate a business primarily within the eligible municipalities
Demonstrate how funding will benefit their business and/or the broader community
Funding Available
Total available funds: $12 500.00
Can only be awarded a grant in one category
Judges reserve the right to move your application to a different category, and some categories may have more than one winner
The Business Excellence funding will be chosen from all applications – no separate application required
Grant Categories
Business Excellence $5000
This funding recognizes a business that demonstrates exceptional overall excellence across multiple areas, regardless of category applied under.
The Business Excellence funding celebrates enterprises that stand out for strong leadership, sound management, financial stability, innovation, community contribution, and long-term vision. The selected business will exemplify best practices, adaptability, and a meaningful positive impact within the participating municipalities.
This award may support a high-impact initiative such as strategic growth, significant capital investment, workforce development, operational improvements, innovation, or other activities that further strengthen the business’s long-term success and contribution to the local economy.
Young Entrepreneur $1500
For businesses where at least 50% of ownership or primary management is held by individuals aged 29 and under.
This category recognizes and supports young leaders who are actively managing, operating, or growing a business within the participating municipalities. Eligible projects may include business expansion, equipment upgrades, innovation, marketing, training, or any initiative that strengthens the long-term success of a youth-led enterprise.
Business Growth & Expansion $1500
For existing businesses looking to expand, improve, or modernize operations.
This category is suited for projects that strengthen long-term viability—such as facility improvements, adding new product lines, upgrading machinery or technology, expanding capacity, or developing new markets.
Innovation & Technology $1500
For businesses adopting new technology, digital tools, or innovative practices.
Eligible initiatives may include implementing e-commerce platforms, automation, software systems, specialized equipment, process innovation, or creative new approaches that modernize the business.
Community Impact $1500
For businesses filling a gap, improving local quality of life, or providing needed services.
This category is ideal for initiatives that introduce needed services, improve accessibility, create value in underserved areas, support community well-being, or contribute to local economic resilience.
Start-Up Launch Award $1500
For new businesses less than 2 years old.
This category helps early-stage businesses cover foundational startup needs such as initial equipment, licensing, branding, early inventory, feasibility work, or developing a minimum viable product to get the business off the ground.
Ineligible Expenses
Personal expenses
Projects outside the participating municipalities
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
Completed application form
Proof of business location
Additional supporting documentation
The evaluation committee may:
Request additional information
Decline incomplete or ineligible applications
Evaluation Criteria
Impact on the business/community
Feasibility of project
Project readiness
Category alignment
Application Timeline
Applications open: February 2, 2026
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Announcement: April 10, 2026
Decision-Making Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant Committee. Decisions will be based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this document.
• A minimum of five (5) committee members must be present for decisions.
• Committee members may not participate in the review, scoring, or decision-making process for any application where they have a financial, personal, or family connection. These members must abstain from discussion and voting on that application.
• All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Grant Payment
Funding will be issued by cheque or electronic payment. Funding will be released in full.
Privacy
All application information will be used solely for evaluating eligibility and administering the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Legacy Grant. Personal or confidential business information will not be shared publicly.
Successful applicants agree that the committee may publicly release the business name, project title, and amount awarded for the purpose of program transparency and community recognition.