Our Mission

To reduce poverty and assist in the renewal of primarily inner city communities by providing capacity building services that assist low-income individuals, groups, organizations and economically distressed neighborhoods to improve their social and economic vitality.

About SEED WINNIPEG INC

Asset Building Programs:

One of the reasons people on low incomes face difficulties trying to get ahead financially is that they lack assets which can be leveraged to increase one’s income. Asset Building Programs were developed to address this problem.

SEED Winnipeg’s Asset Building Programs assist low-income participants to save for productive assets or household necessities. To help participants meet their savings goals, our programs include money management training classes, matched savings credits that are added to the funds that participants save on their own, opportunities for peer support from fellow participants, and one-to-one support from SEED staff.

We provide assistance in the following areas:

• If you are living on a low income, the Access to Benefits (A to B) program can help you:

  • Get information about benefits like the Disability Tax Credit, Canada Child Tax Benefit, GST Credit, RentAssist, and more.
  • Apply for the benefits you qualify for
  • Open an RESP and get free money for your children’s education
  • Get the ID you need to access benefits
  • Open a bank account
  • File income tax returns*

• Bursaries and RESPs for CSI Students

If you have a child that went to CSI at a Winnipeg School Division #1 school, they may have earned bursary money that they can use for their education after high school. SEED works with parents to deposit this money into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). By opening an RESP, you can get extra money for your children’s education from the Canada Learning Bond and Canada Education Savings Grant.

• Individual Development Account

The Individual Development Account (IDA) Program can help you get an education for yourself, your spouse or your child; start or expand a small business; save for disability supports, or renovate your own home for disability access.

• The Inner City Homebuyer IDA Program

The Inner City Homebuyer IDA Program provides support for low-income individuals and families to save toward a down payment and closing costs on a home. Participants’ savings are matched 1:1 by SEED Winnipeg, up to a maximum of $6000.00 over a period of two years.

• Manage Your Money Workshops

SEED offers money management workshops where participants share what they know, gain new knowledge and take home practical tools to manage their money.

• Saving Circle

The Saving Circle Program helps low-income individuals and families to save for needed assets including furniture, medical expenses, a computer, education, a small business, or other household necessities.

Business Developement Services:

SEED’s Business Development Services help low-income individuals and groups develop and expand small business enterprises and co-ops in Winnipeg.

• Business & Enterprise Support & Training

SEED’s BEST Program (Business & Enterprise Support & Training) begins with attendance at one of our BEST Information Sessions. Upon learning about SEED and our programs, workshop attendees are invited to apply to the first phase of the training process.

• Recognition Counts

Recognition Counts is a program that provides supports to skilled immigrants wishing to work in their fields of expertise in Manitoba. The program offers financial counselling, as well as the opportunity to apply for a loan of up to $10,000, to help with the cost of having your qualifications recognized in Manitoba and obtaining employment in your profession or trade.

Support Services

• Aboriginal Community Collaborations works towards the success of Aboriginal participants

• SEED’s EAL Specialist provides language supports to participants who speak English as an additional language and helps ensure their success in its programs

SEED is involved with Research and Development and develops pilot programs and conducts research related to improving or expanding existing services and/or addressing issues related to Community Economic Development (CED) in marginalized communities.