Winnipeg, July 25, 2018 – North Forge Technology Exchange, in partnership with the Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS), is happy to announce two new scholarships designed to support entrepreneurial start-up initiatives among Manitoba’s indigenous youth.

The funding, provided by Community Futures Manitoba, who delivers the IBDS project in Manitoba, will create two scholarships of $2,500 each, which will provide a one-year membership to North Forge Technology’s Fabrication Lab, equipment training, shelf space and materials.

North Forge Technology’s Fabrication Lab was designed to bring accessible prototyping technology to Manitoba’s entrepreneur community and has grown to the largest of its kind in North America. The lab itself includes rooms dedicated to metal working, electronics, laser technology, woodworking, 3D printing and much more.

“North Forge was founded on the premise that great ideas shouldn’t die because of a lack of resources,” said Jeff Ryzner, President of North Forge Technology. “Giving indigenous youth entrepreneurs access to innovative resources like the Fabrication Lab can be critical to their success and will no doubt bring some incredible ideas to life.”

Community Futures Manitoba is an association representing sixteen Community Future organizations established throughout rural and norther Manitoba, and is designed to strengthen rural economies by enabling entrepreneurship and assisting in community economic development.

“We’re very excited to be supporting this innovative scholarship program as it represents exactly what the Indigenous Business Development Services program was established to do,” said Jason Denbow, Executive Director of Community Futures Manitoba.  “Entrepreneurs face a wide range of barriers in bringing their ideas to life and access to North Forge’s fabrication lab can play an invaluable role in moving their businesses forward.

Applications can now be completed online until September 1^st, 2018.