WTEC Celebrates Grand Opening of Newly Renovated Entrepreneurship Centre in Downtown Winnipeg

Provincial support will help expand operations, mentorship, and business development programming for Indigenous entrepreneurs

TREATY ONE TERRITORY – October 27, 2026 – The Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre (WTEC) celebrated the Grand Opening of its newly renovated facilities today at 191 Broadway, joined by Premier Wab Kinew, Treaty One leadership, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and community partners.

Initiated by Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) and Treaty One Nations (T1N), WTEC is the First Nations-led entrepreneurship center / business incubator dedicated to strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship by connecting aspiring and established business owners with mentorship, training, resources, capital, and professional networks.

Following its initial launch in May 2025, WTEC has continued building the partnerships and operational capacity needed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs throughout Manitoba. The completion of its newly renovated facilities marks another milestone in that development.

With financial support from the Province of Manitoba, WTEC is expanding its operations and preparing to introduce additional programming aimed at helping Indigenous entrepreneurs develop business ideas, strengthen their skills, and pursue new economic opportunities.

“Many Indigenous entrepreneurs have the ideas, determination, and experience to build successful businesses, but accessing the right resources, capital and professional support can be difficult,” said Kathleen BlueSky, Chief Executive Officer of WTEC. “Through WTEC, we’re working to close those gaps by bringing expertise, training, capital access, and business connections together in one place. With our new facilities completed and expanded programming underway, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead.”

The Centre’s upcoming programming includes business development workshops and a three-month entrepreneurship boot camp scheduled to launch in winter 2027. The boot camp will focus on helping participants develop entrepreneurial skills, strengthen business plans, and gain practical knowledge to support their business ventures.

WTEC’s approach is supported by partnerships with Indigenous organizations, educational institutions, financial service providers, and private-sector businesses. These relationships will help connect entrepreneurs with specialized expertise, professional networks, and resources that can support business development and growth.

“Economic self-determination depends on our ability to create opportunities, build successful businesses, and make decisions about our own economic futures,” said Councillor Evan Roberts, Chairperson of WTEC. “By strengthening the support available to Indigenous entrepreneurs, WTEC is helping create pathways for business ownership, growth, and long-term economic participation. We’re grateful to the Province of Manitoba and our partners for supporting this important work.”

Premier Wab Kinew joined WTEC and Treaty One leadership for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, recognizing the Centre’s ongoing efforts to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development.

Meaning “Working Together to Succeed” in Anishinaabemowin, the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre reflects its commitment to collaboration and Indigenous economic self-determination.

WTEC will continue working with its partners to expand access to mentorship, business development programming, and professional resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs throughout Manitoba.

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For Media Inquiries:

Communications Team
Treaty One Nations
media@treaty1.ca