For the third year in a row, Fusion Credit Union is proud to present “Community Infusion”, the business idea competition that infuses economic growth and prosperity into our local communities. Past winners of Community Infusion include Dusty’s Butcher Shop from Dauphin and Fierce Female Hockey from Brandon. Entrepreneurs with either a new business idea, or existing business they are looking to grow or purchase, are asked to apply by Sunday, June 18, 2023, at midnight. Selected applicants will move to the next phase of the competition which will require a business plan submission. Up to five finalists will then be selected to pitch their idea to a live judging panel on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Brandon, for a chance to share in up to $30,000 in financial grants. “At Fusion, we are Here for Good, and to us, that means we are committed to our communities today and for the long term,” says Fusion CEO Darwin Johns. “We are proud to offer Community Infusion for a third year as a tangible means of sparking ongoing economic development in our communities across the province.” Mike Csversko, Business Development Manager for Fusion, notes that, “Positive community impact is a foundational pillar within our organization. As a locally based financial institution in the Parkland and Southwestern Manitoba, we consider community impact and contribution to be at the core of our DNA. The Community Infusion initiative is one more way in which Fusion will play a role in supporting job creation, providing entrepreneurial support, and encouraging community engagement and business development in our trading area.” Full details regarding the competition can be found at www.fusioncu.com.

On April 29th, 2023, the Keystone Centre will be filled with many tables offering unique items as part of Brandon’s Largest Garage Sale 2023. The event hosted by United Way of Brandon & District will see vendors setup inside the Manitoba Room and UCT Pavilion. There will be tons of treasures to find including household items, furniture, collectibles, sporting goods, clothing, toys and more. The United Way Spring Garage Sale gets underway at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m. Admission $2.00 (Children 12 and under FREE)

Chilli Chutney owner Laxman Negi recently shared with bdnmb.ca that he would soon be expanding his operations into a larger market. Chilli Chutney Street Food is scheduled to open in the coming weeks in Winnipeg and will be located at 1663 Kenaston Blvd. The menu will be very similar to the one offered in Brandon with a little more emphasis on "street food". Like the Brandon location, there will also be a daily buffet. Negi first took ownership of Chilli Chutney in 2011, when the restaurant was located on Rosser Ave. In 2015, he moved the restaurant to its current location at 555-34th St. They serve fresh authentic East Indian food made from scratch. https://www.restaurantji.com/mb/brandon/chilli-chutney-/

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2023 Business Achievement Awards (140th annual) at their Annual Awards Gala Thursday evening, April 13. Business Person of the Year: Barry LaRocque, Atom-Jet Industries Business Excellence (Large):   Daydreams Esthetics Spa Business Excellence (Small):  Friends Fur Life Daycare and Grooming Outstanding New Business: Tweed Media Community Impact: Brent Miller, Victoria Inn & YMCA of Brandon Lifetime Business Builder: Wes Norosky, South End Lumber Young Entrepreneur Award: Rhoni Mohanraj, Trident Event Group Westman’s Top 4 Under 40:  Leah Campbell (Alliance Accounting Group) , Trevor Kehler (Alair Homes), Stacy Senkbeil, (Meighen Haddad LLP) & Alex Cartlidge (Cartlidge and Cormier Landscaping Inc.) The “awards recognize, celebrate and profile the accomplishments of member businesses and individuals” each year.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) recently announced its WCG Technology Scholarship for high school students in their final year and is now open to accepting applications. The WCG Technology Scholarship is investing five $5,000 scholarships for students in their final year of high school and going into a technology field at a post-secondary school in Manitoba. “We are proud to recognize the efforts of youth who positively impact our communities,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “For over 40 years, Westman Communications Group has proudly supported the development of our communities. With a focus on youth, education and technology growth, we are thrilled to provide the financial aid and human resources needed through our initiatives, such as the WCG Tech Scholarship, to help create sustainable communities across Manitoba.” Since introducing this program over 20 years ago, WCG has contributed over $500,000 toward scholarships for high school students. The scholarship was established to support the students, the future technology leaders, who volunteer their time, excel in academics and want to stay in Manitoba to pursue their post-secondary education and careers that involve technology. To apply or learn more about the WCG Technology Scholarship Program, please visit the WCG website at westmancom.com/local-impact/education-initiatives. All applications must be submitted before 5:00 pm on June 1, 2023.