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.  

The concept follows the 'Dragon's Den' initiative where entrepreneurs, new business owners or those wanting to expand their current business, present their plans to a panel of judges who through a process decide on the winning business idea.

"It's really a program that came out of the pandemic, and we wanted to encourage people who might be looking for a career change or expand their business, but just to really create that entrepreneurial spirit in our local communities and anything that really spurs local development creates jobs and maybe adds to the tax base," explains Mike Csversko, Business Development Manager for Fusion Credit Union.

Interested business owners or entrepreneurs are asked to submit their online application to Fusion Credit Union by mid-June. Selected applicants will move to the next phase of the competition which will require a business plan submission.  From there, up to five finalists will then be selected to pitch their idea to a live judging panel on Wednesday, October 18th in Brandon, for a chance to share in up to $30,000 in financial grants.  

In each of the 2 past year, approximately 20 applicants have submitted their application, in a variety of business sectors each vying for grant funding up to the $30,000.  "This is open to any resident of Manitoba so any one is welcome to log into our website if you have an idea, no matter how big or how small," notes Csversko. "It doesn't matter if it's a million-dollar idea, or a $500 idea!  We just encourage people to apply!"

“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," adds Csversko.  "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.”  

“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.”  

Entrepreneurs with either a new business idea or looking to purchase an existing business, or wanting to grow an already existing or established business, are asked to apply by Sunday, June 18, 2023, at midnight.  

Full details regarding the competition can be found at www.fusioncu.com 

Please listen below to more of the interview with Fusion Credit Union's Mike Csversko and CJRB's Barry Lamb.

Past winners of Community Infusion include Dusty’s Butcher Shop from Dauphin and Fierce Female Hockey from Brandon. (Photos below submitted by Fusion Credit Union)