Community Infusion 2025 Winners

Hamiota, MB - Innovation, inspiration, and hometown pride was on full display in Hamiota on October 21st as Fusion Credit Union announced the winners of Community Infusion 2025.  The annual event celebrates local entrepreneurs with bold ideas and the drive to make a difference in their communities.

Four finalists took the stage at this year’s final live event, each pitching their business idea to a panel of judges, for a chance to share in up to $30,000 in grant funding.  The evening was filled with creativity, inspiration and community spirit – proof that ideas grow right here at home.

After the pitches were presented, Fusion Credit Union CEO, Darwin Johns, announced Silver Frame Photo and Video Memories from Dauphin as the grand prize winner of $20,000.  The funding will help the business expand services, invest in equipment, and develop marketing initiatives.  Grit and Glam Salon, also from Dauphin, received $5,000 as the 2nd place winner.  Sumatu Intercontinental Trade Wears (Brandon) and Friendly’s Grocery Coop (Inglis) each took home $2,500 for their business ideas.  

“Community Infusion is all about empowering local people with big ideas,” says Johns. “Each finalist showed incredible passion and dedication to building something that benefits their community.  We’re proud to be a part of their journey.”

A fresh new idea to the stage this year was the “Pick the Pitch” Audience Choice Award. All audience members were given the opportunity to pick their favorite pitch of the evening.  This year, Silver Frame Photo & Video Memories took home the $1,000 prize.
Since its launch in 2021, Community Infusion has invested $150,000 in new and existing businesses, helping to fuel local economies, support local businesses, and spark innovation in our communities.

 “We started with a simple belief – that economic development is the driving force behind thriving communities,” says Mike Csversko, Brand & Business Development Manager at Fusion Credit Union.  “And now five years later, to hear the success stories of our past winners is proof that we are accomplishing our mission and strengthening the foundation of our communities.”

Welcomed to the stage was last year’s winner, Kaycelyn-Rosales Knight from Countryside Studio & Gym, who discussed the impact Community Infusion is having on the Town of Hamiota.  The business owner mentioned how the grant helped kick-start the business which has now evolved into a space for all community members to thrive.

“It’s heart-warming to know that Community Infusion is doing more than providing funding to fuel dreams,” says Csversko.  “It’s also bringing people together to support the ideas that will help our communities grow stronger and more vibrant.” 

For more information on our Community Infusion program, click here.