None of the financing has been committed, but Syd Storey, a Winnipeg real estate and event consultant who has been working with the SSM to develop the business plan, said applications have been filed for government grants with the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure programs.

Originally, the concept combined the functions of a test track for buses from Winnipeg's two bus-makers -- New Flyer Industries and Motor Coach Industries -- with some of the driver training services SSM provides as well as some other potential third party work like cold weather vehicle testing.

"We think there are a lot of opportunities here," he said. "But we are figuring out if this is something we should be involved in and if so what would be the best form."