CDEM

What CDEM does

CDEM (Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba) is a private non-profit economic development organization created in 1996 by the Association des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (AMBM) and headquartered in Saint-Boniface (Winnipeg), Manitoba. It serves as the sole designated French-language economic development agency for Manitoba's Official Language Minority Communities (CLOSMs), operating across 16 member bilingual municipalities. CDEM delivers integrated programming in six verticals: employability and immigration, business support, community economic development, tourism, youth economic education, and communications. Core products include the Business Start three-day training workshop, the annual Fosse aux lions $15,000 pitch competition, the Self-Employment Benefit Program administered under Education, Training and Youth Manitoba, the Bonjour Manitoba tourism brand, Jeudis Franco Thursdays summer event series, and the Hybrid Incubator Centre (launched Phase 1 in partnership with Niv510 in 2025). Free-to-participant services are funded predominantly by government grants, with the most material being the federal Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (over $3.6M CAD committed 2023-2028). Following CDEM's September 2025 designation as co-holder of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg license alongside The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, CDEM now operates an export-support capability for Francophone Manitoba businesses and appoints half the WTC Winnipeg board.

CDEM's business model is grant-funded service delivery with marginal commercial revenue. Primary inflows are federal (EF-OLMC, Prairies Economic Development Canada), provincial (Province of Manitoba, Travel Manitoba), and community (Francofonds, FDÉFP) grants that fund free programs and operational overhead. Secondary inflows include modest program registration fees (Business Start at $60 per participant, Youth Entrepreneur Camp at $160 per participant, Golf Tournament at $200 individual or $700 per team of four), sponsor contributions from media and financial partners (CBC/Radio-Canada, ONE Insurance, Caisse Financial Group), and revenue from managed investment funds for Francophone-owned Manitoba businesses partnered with Western Economic Diversification and BDC. Distribution is primarily in-person across Manitoba's bilingual municipalities and schools (DSFM, Winnipeg School Division, French immersion), supplemented by virtual delivery and digital registration (Zoho Forms, Eventbrite).

Key customer segments include Francophone and bilingual entrepreneurs (start to grow), job seekers and immigrants, the 16 member bilingual municipalities and their community organizations, Francophone youth aged 9-35, and tourism operators. Reach metrics in 2025-2026 include 1,650 candidates met at Destination Canada Mobility Forums, 5,551 Summer Market visitors across Jeudis Franco Thursdays, over 280 students in 'Un monde de choix' mentorship, 580 students from 21 schools served at Festival du Voyageur, and 4 finalists in the Fosse aux lions 2026 competition. Staffing is in the 11-50 range across two Winnipeg offices (200-614 Des Meurons and 105-386 Broadway) plus deliverable presence in municipal member offices.

Name

CDEM

Legal name

Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba

Website

https://cdem.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CDEM is a Winnipeg-based non-profit economic development agency serving Manitoba's 16 Francophone and bilingual municipalities. Founded in 1996 by AMBM, it delivers free programs across employability, immigration, business support, community development, tourism, and youth, funded primarily by federal and provincial grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Support Services (611710), Professional Organizations (81392), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI), Workforce & Job-Seeker Services (Community-Based) (EDAAAFAM), Immigrant & Refugee Workforce Integration Programs (EDAAAOAJ), Integration & Inclusion Services (Housing, Education, Employment) (BPADAHAI)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Entrepreneurship training programs
• Immigration support services
• Youth entrepreneurship education
• Community development consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Winnipeg

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding and Grants: CDEM's primary revenue source is government funding. It receives over $3.6 million over five years from the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC), including an $818,256 enhancement. It also receives funding from the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, Travel Manitoba, Francofonds, and other federal/provincial programs. These grants support operations across all sectors: employability, immigration, business support, community economic development, tourism, and youth.
2. Program Revenue (Registration Fees): CDEM generates revenue through participant registration fees for select programs. Business Start training is offered at $60 per participant (dinner included). Youth Entrepreneur Camp is priced at $160 per young person. CDEM Golf Tournament registrations are $200 per golfer or $700 per team of 4. These fees contribute to program delivery costs.
3. Investment Fund Management: CDEM manages an investment fund that allows Manitoba businesses owned by Francophones to access capital for start-up, expansion, and diversification. CDEM is also a partner with Western Economic Diversification and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in managing a risk capital fund for Manitoba Francophone businesses. Revenue may be generated through loan interest and investment returns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CDEM delivers economic development services to Manitoba's Francophone and bilingual communities through five integrated programs: business advisory and entrepreneurship training (Business Start workshop, Fosse aux lions pitch competition, Self-Employment Benefit Program, Hybrid Incubator Centre, Investment Fund); employability and immigration support for Francophone job seekers and newcomers; youth entrepreneurship education (school workshops and camps); community economic development for 16 bilingual municipalities; and tourism development through the Bonjour Manitoba brand and Jeudis Franco Thursdays events. Programs are funded primarily by federal and provincial grants, with most services delivered free to participants.

Product overview

CDEM (Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba) is an economic development council serving Manitoba's bilingual municipalities since 1996. The organization operates as a service-based entity offering programs rather than a traditional product company. Its core offerings include: Business Start Training (3-day entrepreneurship workshop), Fosse aux lions (annual $15,000 pitch competition), Self-Employment Benefit Program (government-funded entrepreneurial support), Employability and Immigration Services, Business Support Services with Investment Fund access, Youth Programs (school workshops, summer camps ages 9-13, youth entrepreneur programs ages 14-35), and Bonjour Manitoba Tourism (tourism development and promotion brand). Additional initiatives include the Hybrid Incubator Centre (launched 2025 with Nivå10) and Thursdays Franco Thursdays (weekly summer event series). These services are delivered through direct counseling, workshops, mentorship programs, and community events across 16 member municipalities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bonjour Manitoba: Tourism brand of CDEM that showcases rural bilingual municipalities and their tourism products reflecting the distinctive heritage of Francophones and Métis in Manitoba.
• Fosse aux lions
• Jeudis Franco Thursdays

Products and services

• Business Start Training Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 1650 candidates engaged at Destination Canada 2025 across Paris, Douala, and online
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Chambre de commerce du Manitoba (Manitoba Chamber of Commerce)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026CDEM is a proud member of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce. Premier Wab Kinew announced the $4.3M Youth Employment Strategy at the Manitoba Chamber breakfast on June 9, 2026, with CDEM present as a partner.
• World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC Winnipeg)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 September 2025CDEM became co-holder of the WTC Winnipeg license (previously held solely by ANIM) in September 2025. CDEM now appoints 50% of the WTC Winnipeg Board of Directors and works with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce to promote Francophone economic development nationally and internationally. CDEM's trade advisor Éric Chaput provides export support to Francophone clients referred by CDEM.
• Groupe AMBM (Association des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDEM is a subsidiary of Groupe AMBM. AMBM created CDEM in 1996 to drive economic development in Manitoba's 16 bilingual municipalities. AMBM represents those municipalities at the provincial level and works with CDEM on strategic initiatives including the WTC Winnipeg co-license and economic development projects.
• The Winnipeg Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-holder of WTC Winnipeg license alongside CDEM. CDEM is a proud member of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. President Loren Rémillard endorsed CDEM's role in strengthening Manitoba's Francophone economic development and global trade connectivity.
• RDÉE Canada (Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité du Canada)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRDÉE Canada is the pan-Canadian Francophone economic development network. CDEM participates in RDÉE Canada's francophone tourism corridor strategy and co-exhibits at events like Destination Canada (Paris, Douala 2025). RDÉE Canada helped facilitate CDEM's $3.6M EF-OLMC funding announcement at their Ottawa offices.
• ONE InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Fosse aux lions 2025 pitch competition. ONE Insurance supports CDEM's entrepreneurship programming through event sponsorship and visibility.
• Radio-Canada (CBC/Radio-Canada)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner for Fosse aux lions. CBC/Radio-Canada produces 2-minute pitch videos for each finalist. Provides broadcast reach and credibility to the competition.
• Bounce DesignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGraphic design services sponsor for Fosse aux lions winner. Provides branding/design services as part of the competition prize package.
• Nivå10coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDEM partnered with Nivå10 to develop the Hybrid Incubator Centre — a groundbreaking platform for entrepreneurs launching in Fall 2025. Nivå10 contributes expertise in incubator/accelerator operations to enhance CDEM's existing entrepreneurship support programs.
• Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface (CCFSB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDEM and CCFSB joined forces in 2026 to strengthen the bilingual advantage and economic development for Francophones in Manitoba. CDEM hosts the CCFSB Annual General Meeting at its facilities. CCFSB provides one-year membership as part of Fosse aux lions prize. CDEM is a partner of CCFSB.
• JA Manitoba (Junior Achievement Manitoba)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJA Manitoba delivers six business education programs to grades 3–12 across 150+ Manitoba schools. Co-organizer with CDEM of 'Un monde de choix' mentorship sessions connecting students with mentors from various industries. JA programs complement CDEM's youth entrepreneurship education.
• Université de Saint-Boniface (USB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManitoba's only French-language university and first post-secondary institution in Western Canada. CDEM staff (e.g., Joel Lemoine) have academic ties to USB. USB is a sponsor of Fosse aux lions and hosts events at Théâtre Cercle Molière.
• Caisse Financial GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBilingual financial institution and official partner of CDEM's youth programs. First officially registered financial co-operative in Manitoba (est. 1937 in St. Malo). With $1B+ in assets and 19 branches, Caisse provides financial literacy support and sponsorship to CDEM youth programming.
• DSFM (Division scolaire franco-manitobaine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManitoba's French-language school division. CDEM delivers school workshops and 'Un monde de choix' mentorship in DSFM schools (Grade 11 students). CDEM Youth sector offers workshops for students from kindergarten to post-secondary in DSFM.
• Winnipeg School DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDEM delivers 'Un monde de choix' mentorship sessions to students in the Winnipeg School Division (French immersion). Partner in youth career exploration programs alongside DSFM, CJP, and JA Manitoba.
• Apprentissage IllimitéminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench educational publishing company founded in 1995 in St. Adolphe, Manitoba. Partner in youth economic education. Known for flagship product 'Paul et Suzanne' francisation model. Supports CDEM's educational mission.
• Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corp (RMED)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRMED developed the Riel Industrial Park in Ste. Agathe — a model rural development project highlighted in a CDEM-supported case study. CDEM's strategic plan emphasizes the RMED partnership as key to fostering prosperous bilingual and Francophone communities.
• Tourisme RielcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDEM partners with Tourisme Riel to co-organize Jeudis Franco Thursdays — a weekly summer event series in St. Boniface promoting culture, arts, music, and local businesses. Tourisme Riel provides guided walking tours ('La P'tite Visite') and coordinates local tourism programming.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDEM participated in IOM's Facilitation of Labour Migration Pathways to Canada program for youth in Djibouti. CDEM's Salimata Soro delivered targeted training on the Canadian workplace to prepare young Djiboutians for employment with Manitoba employer 4 Tracks Ltd.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• RDÉE Canada (Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité du Canada): Pan-Canadian Francophone economic development and employability network. RDÉE is CDEM's national counterpart and co-funding peer; both deliver OLMC economic development programming and co-exhibit at events like Destination Canada. Directly comparable in mandate, although RDÉE is umbrella/network and CDEM is provincial delivery.
• Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface (CCFSB): Francophone chamber of commerce operating in the same Manitoba bilingual market, co-located in CDEM's Saint-Boniface offices. Both serve Francophone SMBs in Manitoba; CCFSB focuses on chamber/member services while CDEM focuses on ED/training — a closely adjacent peer with overlapping customer base and explicit partnership.
• Manitoba Start: Winnipeg-based immigrant employment services provider with comparable newcomer-coaching, employer-matching, and labor-market programming to CDEM's Employability & Immigration sector. Competes for the same immigrant job-seeker pool but is English-default versus CDEM's French-first orientation.
• Junior Achievement of Manitoba (JA Manitoba): Delivers youth entrepreneurship education to grades 3–12 in 150+ Manitoba schools. Directly comparable to CDEM's Youth Programs and a co-organizer of 'Un monde de choix' mentorship; serves the same school-age demographic but in English-default programming.
• Immigrant Centre Manitoba: Manitoba's primary immigrant settlement agency, providing employment, language, and integration services to newcomers. Strongly comparable to CDEM's Employability & Immigration mandate; competes and partners for the same immigrant cohort, with a broader multi-language focus rather than French-only.

Broad incumbents

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Canada's primary SMB financing and advisory institution. BDC is a direct partner in CDEM's risk capital fund for Manitoba Francophone businesses; offers much broader financing products but with less cultural/linguistic specialization.
• The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce: Manitoba's largest general business chamber. Co-holder of WTC Winnipeg license with CDEM and a strategic peer in promoting local trade and Francophone economic development. Wider business mandate versus CDEM's French-first community focus.
• World Trade Centre Toronto: Larger WTC member offering the same international trade services (export advisory, market intelligence, delegations) that CDEM now offers through its WTC Winnipeg co-license. Comparable in trade-mandate scope but with substantially greater scale and program depth.

Emerging players

• SAJE (Supporting and Accelerating Job-Seeker Employment): Calgary-based business advisory/entrepreneurship support serving immigrant and newcomer entrepreneurs. Comparable to CDEM's Business Start and Self-Employment Benefit programs but operating in Alberta with its own newcomer entrepreneur mandate.

Regional players

• Conseil de développement économique de l'Alberta (CDÉA): Alberta's counterpart Francophone ED agency; functionally identical mandate to CDEM but in a different province and francophone demographic. Closest structural peer for provincial OLMC ED delivery; relevant for benchmarking funding levels and program design.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cdemmanitoba
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/cdemmanitoba
• Facebookfacebook.com/cdemmanitoba
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cdem
• Instagraminstagram.com/cdemmanitoba

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CDEM