The federal government has awarded funding to Canada’s largest makerspace.
Last Friday, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, announced the federal government, through its Western Diversification Program, is investing $467,000 into Winnipeg’s AssentWorks.
Launched in 2011, AssentWorks is a non-profit workshop dedicated to providing access to fabrication and prototyping equipment, knowledge and community support for entrepreneurs and innovators. The funding will allow AssentWorks to expand and enhance its technological capacity to develop new products and processes in Manitoba, while opening new doors for entrepreneurs interested in applied research and commercialization.
“This contribution has given us access to a new level of capability for Manitoba entrepreneurs to prototype innovative ideas and launch new businesses,” said Michael Legary, AssentWorks Chairman.
“AssentWorks is about our Manitoba business community supporting new businesses and entrepreneurial activities not just here in Manitoba but right across Canada. Western Economic Diversification Canada understands the value in this type of initiative and we are excited to have them on-board as a strategic partner helping shape the future of entrepreneurship in Western Canada.”
Red River College is a supporter of AssentWorks, with its campuses having hosting several AssentWorks events. RRC students – including those from nearby The Roblin Centre at the Exchange District Campus – have used AssentWorks’ facilities and advanced manufacturing equipment as a basis for their projects.
Western Diversification news release