From Flyover to Flywheel: Unlocking Early-Stage Capital in Manitoba

Manitoba has historically been underrepresented when it comes to early-stage venture capital. That’s starting to shift.In this episode, I sit down with Iain Crozier, founder of Trillick Ventures, to talk about why he’s building Manitoba’s first dedicated early-stage venture fund — and what that could mean for founders here.We talk about the lessons he carries from growing up in a family business, what Trillick actually looks for when backing a founder, and why recent updates to Manitoba’s Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit could meaningfully improve access to early-stage capital for Manitoba founders. We also explore what Manitoba can learn from ecosystems like Calgary and Newfoundland when it comes to building a durable startup flywheel.If you care about capital, founders, and the long-term growth of this province, this is a conversation worth digging into.Building Manitoba is a podcast for entrepreneurs and business leaders who care about creating something that lasts. Hosted by Nathan Maertins, the show explores the decisions, trade-offs, and systems behind real growth in Manitoba.Want the key insights in your inbox? The Building Manitoba Review is a weekly newsletter with practical takeaways and ideas from recent episodes.Subscribe at buildingmanitobapodcast.beehiiv.com