Indigenous-SME Business Magazine - April -May 2025 by CanadianSME

Blazing Trails: Michelle's Indigenous Enterprise Revolution Page: 48

Storytelling throughcraft

Brenda Mercer on the Good Relations Tourism Mentorship Program and using art to tell her story.

DearReaders,

AswewelcomethechangeinseasonthisAprilandMay, Indigenous-SMESmallBusinessMagazineishonoredtospotlight theremarkableachievementsandcontributionsofIndigenous womeninbusiness Thisspecialeditionisdedicatedtocelebrating thevisionarywomenwhoarebreakingbarriers,leadinginnovation, andpavingthewayforfuturegenerationsofentrepreneursin Canada

Thisissueplacesaparticularfocusonsustainabilityand environmentalimpact,withstoriesofeco-warriorsandgreentech pioneerswhoarereshapingthewaywethinkaboutbusinessin harmonywiththeplanet.FromIndigenous-ledgreentechsolutions tosustainablebusinesspractices,weshowcasetheeffortsofthose whoareworkingtirelesslytoensureabettertomorrowforall

WeareproudtofeaturePatriceMousseauasourBusiness WomanoftheMonth HerworkwithHealingSkinistransforming theskincareindustryandempoweringIndigenouscommunities.By creatingculturallyreflectiveproductsthatdrivesocialchange, Patrice'sjourneyandimpactinspireusall

Additionally,wehighlightaseriesofpowerfulinterviews,including MichelleCameron,GeenaCynthiaAliceJackson,andmany others,showcasingIndigenouswomenwhoaremakingsignificant stridesintheirrespectiveindustries.Fromfinancialindependence tomentorshipandcommunitysupport,thesestoriesprovide invaluableinsightsintotheresilienceandstrengthofIndigenous womenentrepreneurs.

Thisissuefeaturestwoinspiringarticles:BrendaMercersharesher workwiththeGoodRelationsTourismMentorshipProgram,using arttoconnectandtellstories,whileKimberlyThibeaultdiscusses buildingabusinessaroundnaturalremediesintheCanadian Rockies.Bothpieces,byNoahKorver,highlighttheimpactof traditionandsustainabilityinentrepreneurship

OurspecialfocusonIndigenousWomeninBusinessalsolooksat thefutureofIndigenousinnovation,greentechsolutions,and financialplanningforentrepreneurs,offeringactionableadvicefor thoselookingtotaketheirbusinesstothenextlevel. Asalways,weareexcitedtobringthesestoriestoyou,showcasing thetalent,tenacity,andpassionofIndigenouswomenleaderswho aremakingwavesinCanadianbusiness.

Thankyouforyourcontinuedsupportasweworktogetherto createamoreinclusive,sustainable,andempoweredfutureforall.

Warmregards,

DarianKovacs IndigenousBusinessLeaderinMarketing,Communications,&PR

wwwindigenous-smeca info@canadiansmeca canadiansme indigenousSME canadiansme canadiansme

Editor DarianKovacs

Publisher ShaikKhaleeluddin(SK)

CreativeDesign CmarketingInc

ClientManager MaheenBari

SocialMedia CmarketingInc

Sales AbdulSultanShaik

Photography Deposit Photos/Canva/123RF/CanadianSME

Webdesign CmarketingInc

ForAdvertisements info@canadiansmeca CmarketingInc 2800SkymarkAvenue, Suite203Mississauga,ON Canada L4W5A6

Callusat+14166550205/6476685785

PublishedbyIndigenousSMEInc2800Skymark Avenue,Suite203Mississauga,ON Canada L4W5A6

ThecontentsinTheCanadianIndigenousSME Magazineareforinformationalpurposesonly NeitherCmarketingInc,thepublishersnoranyofits partners,employees,oraffiliatesacceptany liabilitywhatsoeverforanydirectorconsequential lossarisingfromanyuseofitscontents

All Images, trademarks, service marks and logos referred to or appearing in this magazinearethe property oftheir respective owners.

Joel Gamache SeniorManager,InSTEM Program,Actua

Trailblazers of Progress: Celebrating Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs in Canada Top5Indigenous-OwnedRetreats inBCtoCheckOutin2025 WhyRepresentationfromAllThree DistinctIndigenousGroupsMatters inBusinessandBeyond

RepresentationinTech

Storytellingthroughcraft

By Noah Korver

Brenda Mercer, a lifelong beadworker, has turned her passion into a successful business, creating functional art, rawhide drums, rattles, and keepsake pouches while giving back to her community by telling her story and inviting others to do the same

Brenda, a survivor of the "Sixties Scoop," a period in Canadian history where Indigenous children were apprehended and resettled with predominantly white families Brenda however prefers to refer to herself as a “thriver” rather than a survivor Choosing to use her story to uplift her community and inspire others to action

In 2025, Brenda was selected to participate in the ‘Good Relations’ Tourism Mentorship Program, a collaborative initiative between Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) and Catalyste+ aimed at enhancing the business sustainability of tourism operators and ITA members, strengthening industry connections, and developing business competencies to achieve visitor, market, and export readiness

ImageCourtesy:Catalyste+

Catalyste+ is an economic development organization dedicated to strengthening emerging and local economies in Canada and throughout the world As a participant of this program, Brenda was partnered with a Catalyste+ Advisor, who worked with her to identify strengths and weaknesses in her business and develop practical solutions that could be implemented on a long term basis

Prior to Brenda’s participation in the 'Good Relations' Tourism Mentorship program, she was actively involved in various business ventures, including creating artwork, running educational programs, public speaking, and implementing indigenous cultural workshops

This large diversity of work however meant Brenda and White Horse Rider Co were sometimes lacking in organization and direction This was something Brenda and her mentor identified that they could work on together

“Before she came I was going off in all these directions and she just gave me more purpose ” says Brenda talking about her experience with her mentor “She said to me, I think what you ’ re doing is you ’ re crafting but you ’ re also telling your story ”

Following the guidance of her mentor, Brenda has refined her storytelling and is actively incorporating her story into the products that she sells. For example, soon all orders from White Horse Rider Co. will ship with a small folding card featuring a short biography describing Brenda’s experiences as a Sixties Scoop survivor giving her products a more personal touch and allowing customers to connect to Brenda through her stories

Brenda's mentor helped her connect with suppliers, enabling her to source materials for her crafts from local and semi-local vendors, saving time and money while offering a more personalized product, such as drum frame production

“She set me up with suppliers across Canada. Particularly someone who makes drum frames, Drum kits are really expensive but if I can get the frames then I can make my own kits So that was really big for me ”

She also formalized marketing strategies with her mentor, creating a media release for community programming and online promotion at events

“She set me up with the paperwork because I hadn’t even thought of that, sometimes you just go ahead and do something off the cuff So that was really helpful ” Says Brenda

Finally Brenda says one of the biggest takeaways from her experience was the boost in confidence it gave her Confirming that she was on the right track and that her work holds value to those outside of her immediate community

“She assured me that as an indigenous woman I was doing good and that gave me a huge boost in my self confidence which was really needed and I really appreciated that.”

The Future of Indigenous Women in Business:

Trends and Opportunities

Intheupcomingyears,IndigenouswomenentrepreneursinCanada areexpectedtohavesubstantialexpansionandinfluence Theyare usingbothancientknowledgeandcontemporaryinnovationsto createsustainablebusinessesastheynegotiatechangingeconomic environments Thisarticleexaminesnewdevelopments,theimpactof globalizationandtechnology,andprofessionalforecastsforthefuture ofentrepreneurshipamongIndigenouswomen

Emerging Markets and Industries

Indigenouswomenentrepreneursarerapidlyventuringintovarious andinnovativeindustries,buildingfirmsthatrepresentboththeir traditionandcurrentmarketdemands:

DigitalandTechIndustries:Thegrowingadoptionofdigital technologyhaspromptedmanyIndigenouswomentolaunchecommerce,appdevelopment,anddigitalmarketingbusinesses Theseprojectsallowthemtoreachalargeraudienceanddevelop long-termrevenuestreams

Green&SustainableIndustries:Indigenouswomendrive sustainablecompaniesasenvironmentalawarenessgrows They aredevelopingbusinessesinrenewableenergy,eco-friendly consumergoods,andnaturalhealthcuresusingtraditional expertise

CulturalTourism:Withagrowingdemandfor authenticculturalexperiences,Indigenous womenareinfluencingthetouristsectorby providingone-of-a-kindexperiencesbased onIndigenoustraditions,suchasguided culturaltours,Indigenous-ownedhotels,and handmadegoods

ProfessionalServices:ManyIndigenous womenareenteringconsulting,banking,and legalservices,usingtheiruniqueperspectives toimprovethesebusinesseswhile advocatingforIndigenousrightsand economicinvolvement

CreativeIndustries:Indigenous entrepreneursarethrivinginthearts,fashion, andmediaindustries,combiningtraditional aestheticswithmoderninnovationtocreate globallyrenownedbrandsandcultural narratives

Impact of Technology and Globalization

Technologyandglobalizationarealteringthe commercialsceneforIndigenouswomen, creatingnewprospectsforgrowthandcultural preservation:

ExpandedMarketReach:Digitalchannels suchassocialmediaande-commerce marketplacesenableIndigenouswomen entrepreneurstooffertheirproductsand servicesglobally,eliminatinggeographic restrictions

EnhancedConnectivity:Improvedinternet connectivityinruralIndigenouscommunities promotescommercialgrowthbyallowing onlinetransactions,remotework,anddigital networking

DigitalSkillDevelopment:Trainingprogramsinecommerce,coding,anddigitalliteracyprovide Indigenouswomenwiththetoolstheyneedtosucceed inthemoderneconomy.

GlobalPartnerships:Cross-bordercooperationand Indigenous-to-Indigenoustradeagreementspromote internationalbusinessrelationships,resultingin knowledgeexchangeandeconomicempowerment

CulturalPreservationThroughTechnology:Indigenous knowledgeisbeingdocumentedandsharedusing digitaltools,fromlanguagepreservationapplicationsto onlinestorytellingplatforms,whichgeneratenew revenuestreamswhileconservingculturaltreasure

AdaptationofTraditionalPractices:Bycreatingecotourismpackagesgearedatinternationaltouristsor usingsustainablematerialsinfashiondesign,Indigenous womenaremodernizingtraditionalskillsandknowledge. AccesstoGlobalResources:Indigenouswomencan nowgainaccesstocriticalbusinesstoolsand professionaldevelopmentopportunitiesthroughonline learningplatforms,mentorshipprograms,and investmentnetworks

Expert Predictions

ExpertsseeabrightfutureforIndigenouswomen's entrepreneurship,fueledbyeconomicgrowth,sustainability measures,andmorerepresentationinsignificantindustries:

IncreasedEconomicImpact:By2025,Indigenous businesses,particularlywomen-managed,areexpected tocontributemorethan$100billiontoCanada'sGDP, demonstratingtheirgrowingimpactonthenational economy

LeadershipforSustainableBusiness:Indigenousfemale entrepreneursareexpectedtoplayanessentialrolein thegreeneconomybyincorporatingsustainable practicesintotheirbusinessesandinfluencing environmentalpolicies

GrowthofTechnologyEntrepreneurship:With increasedaccesstodigitaleducationand finance,Indigenouswomen-ledtechfirmsare expectedtogrow,particularlyindomainssuch asAI,dataanalytics,anddigitalhealth

ExpansionofIndigenousFinancialServices: MoreIndigenouswomenareprojectedtoenter thefinancialservicessector,establishing institutionstomeetIndigenouscommunities' distincteconomicrequirements

RiseofSocialEntrepreneurship:Many Indigenouswomenarestartingenterprisesthat valuesocialeffectoverprofit,concentratingon issueslikecommunitydevelopment,education, andhealthcare

IncreasedRepresentationinMale-Dominated Industries:Asgenderdiversityeffortscontinue, moreIndigenouswomenareexpectedtoenter industrieslikeconstruction,manufacturing,and engineering

GlobalRecognition:Indigenouswomen entrepreneursaregainingvisibilityontheglobal stage,highlightingtheircontributionsto innovation,sustainability,andculturalheritage.

AsIndigenouswomencontinuetoestablishand scaletheirenterprises,theyarenotonlybolstering theCanadianeconomybutalsochampioning Indigenousknowledge,sustainability,andcultural legacy ThefutureofIndigenouswomen's entrepreneurshipinCanadalookspromising,with severalchancesforgrowthandleadershipacrossa varietyofindustries

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses.Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfor newsupdates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration, motivationandgrowth

Disclaimer:Thisarticleisbasedonpubliclyavailable informationintendedonlyforinformationalpurposes Indigenous-SMEMagazinedoesnotendorseorguarantee anyproductsorservicesmentioned Readersareadvised toconducttheirresearchandduediligencebeforemaking businessdecisions

IndigenousentrepreneursacrossCa forefrontofinnovation Theycombine knowledgewithmoderndesignand producedistinctiveandmeaningfulp services Theirendeavoursspanaw industries,fromfashionandcuisinet andtourism,allofwhichfocusoncu andsustainability.Thisarticlediscus Indigenous-ownedenterprisesandt contributions,emphasizingtheimpo culturalpreservation,economicemp environmentalstewardship

Innovative Products with Cultural Roots

Indigenousentrepreneursareinventi representtheirheritagewhilemeetin requirements:

SustainableFashion:Indigenous manufacturersarepavingthewa fashionbycombiningtraditional friendlymaterials Thesedesigne artistrywithcontemporaryfashiontrends,suchas elaboratebeadworkandhandwoventextiles

Showcasing Indigenous Innovation: Products and Services Spotlight

NaturalSkincare:Indigenousentrepreneursare usingthepowerofancestralplant-based treatmentstocreateskincareproductsmadefrom responsiblysourced,naturalcomponents These formulasfrequentlyincludemedicinalherbsknown fortheirhealingpowers,suchascedar,sweetgrass, andsage

ArtisanalFoods:Indigenousfoodentrepreneursare introducingtraditionalcuisinestoabroader audience Theseenterprisesencourage sustainabilityandculturaleducationbyusingwildharvestedingredientslikejuniperberriesandbison meat,aswellasuniqueinterpretationsof traditionalcuisine

TechInnovations:Indigenous-ledtechnology businessesandfirmsaredevelopingdigital solutionsthatconnectdistantcommunities, preserveandteachIndigenouslanguages,and offerforumsforculturalstorytelling

ExperienceswithEco-Tourism:Indigenous-ledtourism projectsprovideimmersivelearningopportunitiesthat teachtouristsaboutIndigenousviewpointsonland protection,environmentalstewardship,andtraditional customs

Theseproductspromotecommunityprideand economicdevelopmentwhileprovidingvaluablegoods andplatformsforculturaleducation Theyenable Indigenousbusinessownerstoshowcasetheirheritage toaworldwidemarket Indigenouscustomsarecloselylinkedtothe productionofthesegoodsandservices,whichreflect theprinciplesofsustainability,community,andcultural continuity:

ImageCourtesy:Canva

TraditionalWisdom:ManyIndigenousbusinessowners relyonthewisdompasseddownthroughtheyears Whetherinwellness,cuisine,orfashion,theirproducts usetraditionalmethodsandmaterialswithprofound culturalmeaning

ParticipationoftheCommunity:Businessesfrequently collaboratewithlocaleldersandknowledgekeepersto maintainculturalauthenticityandrespectancestors' wisdom Thisintergenerationalinteractionpreserves traditionsandstrengthensculturalidentity

StorytellingThroughDesign:Indigenousartand symbolsareessentialwhendesigningproducts Every piececonveysastoryandpreservestraditional histories,fromelaboratebeadworktosacredgeometric patterns

SustainablePractices:OneessentialIndigenousethic thatismirroredincorporateoperationsis environmentalrespect ManyIndigenous-owned enterprisesprioritizelandconservation,zero-waste production,andethicalsourcing

CulturalRevitalization:Indigenousentrepreneurshelp revivetraditionallyrestrictedculturaltraditionsby producingandmarketingIndigenousitems This movementpromotesincreasedknowledgeof Indigenouscustomsandfortifiesculturalpride EmpowermentoftheEconomy:Indigenouscompanies helplocalfarmers,artists,andknowledgeholderswhile creatingopportunitiesintheircommunities This reinvestmentpreservesIndigenouswaysofexistence whilepromotingsustainableeconomicgrowth

Beyondsimplemanufacturing,theprocessofmaking thesethingsservesasabridgebetweenhistoricalcustoms andmoderninnovation,akindofculturalpreservation,and awaytofortifyIndigenousidentity

Supporting Indigenous Businesses

Consumerscanactivelyparticipateinsupporting Indigenousentrepreneursby:

BuyingfromIndigenous-OwnedBusinesses:

ResearchingandpurchasingfromauthenticIndigenous brandsprovidesimmediateeconomicsupport

LearningAboutCulturalSignificance:Understanding thetalesandculturesbehindIndigenousitems promotesappreciationandrespect.

EngagingonSocialMedia:FollowIndigenousbrands, liketheircontent,andsharetheirworktoincreasetheir reachandvisibility

AttendingIndigenousEvents:Markets,festivals,and workshopsprovidefirsthandexperiencewithIndigenous artistryandingenuity.

AdvocatingforRepresentation:Expandingmarket accesscanbeachievedbysupportingIndigenous entrepreneurshipincorporatesettingsand encouragingretailstorestocarryIndigenousitems

Directory of Indigenous-Owned Businesses

TheIndigenousTourismAssociationofCanada (indigenoustourismca):AguidetoIndigenous-led touristexperiencesacrossthecountry CanadianCouncilforAboriginalBusiness (wwwccabcom):AsearchablelistingofCertified AboriginalBusinessesfromvarioussectors TheIndigenousBusinessDirectorybythe GovernmentofCanada(services.sac-isc.gc.ca):A comprehensivecollectionofIndigenous-owned enterprisesacrossmultipleindustries

ConsumerswhochoosetosupportIndigenous enterprisesnotonlyreceiveaccesstohigh-quality, culturallymeaningfulitems,buttheyalsohelpto empowerIndigenouscommunitiesandpreserve theirrichlegacy Indigenousentrepreneursare redefiningsectorsthroughingenuity,resilience,and acommitmenttosustainability,ensuringthattheir traditionsflourishinthemodernworld

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfor newsupdates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Join ourbusiness-lovingcommunityforinspiration, motivationandgrowth

Nurturing the Next Generation:

Mentorship and Education Initiatives for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

AsIndigenouswomenentrepreneurscontinuecontributing significantlytoCanada'seconomy,mentorshipand educationactivitiesarecriticalinpreparingthenext generationofbusinessleaders Theseinitiativesprovide criticaltools,financialassistance,andguidancegearedto thespecificobstaclesthatIndigenouswomenexperiencein entrepreneurship.Thisarticledelvesintothenumerous programsoffered,thevalueofmentorship,andtheconcrete benefitstheseinitiativeshaveonIndigenouscommunities

Programs Supporting Young Indigenous Women in Business

SeveralprogramsinCanadaarefocusedonpromoting youngIndigenousfemaleentrepreneurs:

IndigenousWomen'sEntrepreneurshipProgram:This program,whichbeganin2022across32Indigenous FinancialInstitutions,providesdedicatedBusiness SupportOfficers,workshops,training,andmicro-loansto assistIndigenouswomeninstartingandgrowingtheir enterprises

FuturpreneurCanada’sIndigenousEntrepreneurStartup Program:Thisinitiativeprovidesupto$75,000instartup loanfinance,twoyearsofcoaching,andaccessto resourcesforIndigenousentrepreneursaged18to39

Women'sEntrepreneurLoanFund:TheNational AboriginalCapitalCorporationsAssociation (NACCA)administersthisfund,whichgrantsloans ofupto$50,000toIndigenouswomen entrepreneurs

IndigenousWomen'sEntrepreneurMicroloanFund: Thisprogram,offeredbyorganizationssuchas Waubetek,providesacombinationofrepayableand non-repayablecontributionsofupto$20,000for businesscreationorexpansion MentorshipPrograms:Anumberoforganizations providementorshipprogramstailoredtotheneeds ofIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs,suchasFirst NationsAg&FinanceandtheClarenceCampeau DevelopmentFund

Theseinitiativesoffervitalsupport,combining training,mentorship,andfinancialaidtohelp youngIndigenouswomenovercome obstaclesandachievesuccessinthe economicworld

Importance of Mentorship in Indigenous Business Communities

Byaddressingparticulardifficultiesandencouraging community-driveneconomicgrowth,mentoringisessential tothesuccessofIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs.Among themainadvantagesofmentoringare:

CulturalUnderstanding:MentorsfromIndigenoustribes offeradvicethatrespectsandincorporatesIndigenous valuesandpracticesintobusinesssettings

OvercomingBarriers:Experiencedmentorsassistnew entrepreneursinnavigatingIndigenous-specificissues suchasfinancingaccessandoperatinginrural communities

BuildingConfidence:Mentorshipconnectionsincrease youngwomensself-esteem,enablingthemtofollowtheir entrepreneurialaspirationsdespitesocietalbarriers

KnowledgeTransfer:Mentorsprovideessentialideasand lessonslearnttohelpmenteesavoidcommonmistakes andacceleratetheirbusinesssuccess

NetworkingOpportunities:Mentorslinkmenteestokey relationshipsandresourcesintheIndigenousbusiness community

PreservingTraditionalKnowledge:Mentorshipprograms frequentlyincorporatetraditionalecologicalknowledge andculturaltraditions,ensuringtheirpreservationand integrationintocontemporarycommercialstructures

CommunityImpact:Mentorshipprogramsbenefit Indigenouscommunities'overalleconomicdevelopment andself-determinationbyassistingyoungentrepreneurs

Variousorganizationsunderstandtheimportanceof mentorship Forexample,theIndigenousWomen's EntrepreneurshipProgramgivesparticipantsaccessto specialistBusinessSupportOfficerswhoprovidecontinuing coachingandsupport Thissystematicmentorship frameworkguaranteesIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs havetheresourcestheyneedtosucceed.

ExpandedNetworks:Youngentrepreneurs benefitfrommentorswhoconnectthemtomore extensivebusinessnetworksandprospects IncreasedResilience:Mentors'assistanceand encouragementenablenewentrepreneursto persevereinthefaceofhurdlesandsetbacks PayItForward:Manysuccessfulmenteesgoon tobecomementors,resultinginaloopof supportamongIndigenousbusinessgroups CommunityEconomicDevelopment:As mentoredbusinessesgrow,theyfrequently createjobsandeconomicpossibilitiesintheir communities

TheincreasingnumberofprosperousIndigenous women-ownedenterprisesacrossCanadaproves thesementorshipprograms'effectiveness.These initiativessupportIndigenouscommunities' economicdevelopmentandself-determinationby educatingandmentoringthenextgenerationof entrepreneurs Indigenouswomenareinapositionto runcompaniesthatrepresenttheirculturalvalues andinnovativepotentialbyutilizingmentorship networks,financialresources,andorganizedsupport, openingdoorsforfuturegenerations

Mentorshipconnectionshavehadasubstantialimpacton thesuccessofmanyIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs, helpingtodrivepersonalandcommunaleconomic prosperity Someofthesignificantresultsare:

SkillDevelopment:Menteesdeveloppracticalfinancial management,marketing,andstrategicplanningskills

IncreasedBusinessSuccess:Manyyoungentrepreneurs havesuccessfullyfoundedandgrowntheirenterprises afterreceivinghelpfromseasonedmentors.

EnhancedCulturalIntegration:Mentorshipassists entrepreneursindevelopinguniquemethodsto incorporatetheirculturalheritageintotheircompany concepts

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfor newsupdates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration, motivationandgrowth

Disclaimer:Thisarticleisbasedonpubliclyavailable informationintendedonlyforinformationalpurposes Indigenous-SMESmallBusinessMagazinedoesnot endorseorguaranteeanyproductsorservicesmentioned Readersareadvisedtoconducttheirresearchanddue diligencebeforemakingbusinessdecisions

Impact of Mentorship Relationships

Reconnectingthroughnatural medicineintheCanadianRockies

KimberlyThibeaulttalksnaturalremediesandbuildinga businessinthenorthernAlbertamountains

By Noah Korver

Kimberly Thibeault is the owner and operator of Holistic Habits based in Grande Cache, Alberta

Working out of a storefront in the town’s modest downtown core, Kimberly creates a wide variety of body care and natural remedy products

Describing her work as a fusion of traditional and contemporary natural medicines, Kimberly creates handmade small batch products such as smudge sprays, colognes, after sun, bath products, body oils and more.

In addition to her extensive line of handmade products Kimberly also leads workshops for people who wish to come in and learn how to make some of these products for themselves

Nearly the beginning of 2025, Kimberly was selected to participate in the ‘Good Relations’ Tourism Mentorship Program, a collaborative initiative between Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) and Catalyste+ aimed at enhancing the business sustainability of tourism operators and ITA members, strengthening industry connections, and developing business competencies to achieve visitor, market, and export readiness.

Catalyste+ is an economic development organization dedicated to strengthening emerging and local economies in Canada and throughout the world. As a mentee, Kimberly was partnered with a Catalyste+ Advisor and mentor who worked with her to identify strengths and weaknesses in her business and develop practical solutions that could be implemented on a long term basis

One thing that Kimberly and her mentor identified was online sales Although product sales from her online platform were satisfactory, Kimberly's mentor wanted to strengthen her online presence Together they built a library of media that Kimberly could use to continually promote her products online

This included taking detailed product shots for all of her products as well as learning the many ins and outs of navigating the complicated online world of social media algorithms

“We targeted social media, I learned how they operate and how I need to operate to maximize the different algorithms.”

Kimberly and her mentor also worked together to strengthen her branding by capitalizing on the rugged nature of the mountains surrounding Grande Cache and marketing her products as authentically mountain made

“My mentor was from Toronto which is very different from out here in Grande Cache,” Says Kimberly “Having that outside perspective was really helpful and definitely helped me to brand things a little better ”

Since working with Catalyste+ Kimberly says she has seen a noticeable rise in the amount of online engagement she is seeing come through her various social media channels and that is beginning to translate to an increase in sales

Even more exciting, Kimberly recently has received some inquiries about larger scale orders including one from a large non-profit organization in Quebec. Kimberly attributes this newfound momentum to the knowledge and skills she gained during her time in the ‘Good Relations’ Mentorship Program

While a lot of this growth has been in the online space it has also helped Kimberly to be able to expand at her brick and mortar location in Grande Cache Kimberly is currently renovating her storefront to include a tea shop, workshops, and product manufacturing in the back She plans to partner with the local Indigenous community in Grande Cache to help incorporate more traditional knowledge into her workshops as well

“I’m excited to open up my storefront and tea shop There’s a lot more focus on natural medicine these days and not everyone can go out and get what they need so I'm excited to get more people in the door and get some good education going ”

Optimizing BusinessTravelforSMEs

Business travel has long been necessary to forge connections, explore new markets, and remain competitive However, small and midsize enterprises face a heavier burden, as travel requires more effort to balance their strategic needs with limited resources and time constraints.

Heightened Importance of Business Travel

Research highlights the importance of face-toface discussions In-person meetings are 34 times more effective than emails and are vital in offering clarity and building relationships Meeting with clients, partners, and colleagues has become even more crucial in today’s business environment, where employees often work in partially or fully remote settings

In addition to staying connected, business travel offers numerous benefits to SMEs, including:

Promoting Market Expansion: Visiting new regions or potential partners fosters a deeper knowledge of local preferences and competitors' activities

Cultivating Stronger Relationships: By meeting in person, SMEs can more accurately evaluate customer needs, build trust, and enhance loyalty

Encouraging Collaboration and Innovation: Employee gatherings can prompt fresh ideas, which is integral to staying competitive Contributing to Diversified Revenue Streams: Exploring new markets and meeting prospective customers in person can reveal new avenues for growth.

Improving Employee Satisfaction: Business travel can enhance employee satisfaction and aid retention to help SMEs compete with larger companies

Travel Management Challenges

Despite its crucial nature, business travel can consume a substantial portion of an SME’s finances and consume valuable time to plan and manage In addition, SMEs operate with limited overhead, which requires them to justify every trip Lastminute changes from unexpected events can lead to higher travel costs

While the proliferation of booking platforms may benefit consumer travel, it can also make travel planning overwhelming, time-consuming, and burdensome for SMEs: Small businesses spend an average of 88 minutes organizing a single business trip, and medium-sized companies typically take 12 minutes longer, totaling 100 minutes.

Benefits of a Dedicated Travel Program

Partnering with a dedicated travel provider, SMEs can optimize their resources and enhance efficiency with:

Transparent pricing and Guaranteed Discounts: This reduces the time spent searching for deals, enabling SMEs to secure favorable rates

No Minimum Spend Requirements: Some programs cater specifically to smaller budgets, recognizing the needs of SMEs.

Rewards for Business and Personal Stays: Loyalty points awarded to individual travelers and the company benefit employees and stretch SME funds

Consolidated Data and Insights: A centralized dashboard that tracks spending, average daily rates, and room nights supports informed planning

An example of a solution specifically designed for SMEs is IHG Business Edge from IHG Hotels & Resorts The program assists SMEs in managing their travel more efficiently Its features include:

Free to join: There are no hidden fees or minimum spending requirements

Guaranteed Discounts: Offered at over 6,000 hotels worldwide, the discount covers a diverse portfolio of 19 unique brands, from the iconic Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express to InterContinental, the world’s first international luxury hotel brand

Partnership Program: This new program connects members with trusted brands that offer exclusive discounts on tech, software, car rentals, and more

Meeting the specific travel needs of SMEs requires a thorough understanding of their distinct challenges. Hotel companies that understand SMEs can become crucial allies and assist them in balancing limited budgets, navigating tight schedules, and managing travel planning details.

IHG Business Edge: Tailored for SMEs Forward-Looking

Kate Norris

One-Stop Travel Portal: The portal facilitates easier bookings and provides visibility into company-wide travel data, helping business owners identify trends and optimize budgets.

Accelerated Loyalty Status: This allows SMEs and their travelers to earn points that can be redeemed for various benefits, from personal getaways to meeting rooms for business events

Business travel is necessary for growth, relationshipbuilding, innovation, and investment in a companys future Working with the right travel partner, SMEs can fuel long-term success

IHG is among the first hotel companies to establish a program for small and midsize enterprises, recognized by Global Traveler as the Best Small-toMidsized Business Program for six consecutive years and the Inc Power Partner Award in the General Excellence category in 2024

Visit IHG Business Edge for more information on how we can simplify your company ' s business travel

Want a Stronger Economy? Invest in Women

By Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

Women make up approximately 28 5% of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet only 17% of Canadian SMEs are owned by women, pointing to a gap between their economic contributions and their representation as entrepreneurs With a growth rate of 6 4% in 2023, nearly four times higher than the national average, women-owned businesses fuel economic growth when properly supported Despite this, these companies receive little over 4% of venture capital funding Even when women entrepreneurs do secure investment, they tend to receive fewer rounds of financing and smaller amounts per round compared to their male counterparts, limiting their ability to scale and compete

This presents a paradox: At a time when Canada faces talent shortages, economic uncertainty, and productivity challenges, we are not fully leveraging the potential of half our population.

Addressing these funding disparities and representation gaps isn’t just about equity its an economic necessity If Canada is to remain competitive, it must do more to invest in and support women-led innovation

The Cost of Inaction

Failing to commit resources to women entrepreneurs and researchers means missing out on key opportunities for economic growth The annual State of Women’s Entrepreneurship (SOWE) in Canada 2024 report indicated that closing the gender gap in economic participation could add up to $150 billion to Canada’s GDP by 2026 But without addressing funding barriers, Canada will continue to forgo the financial and social boost that women ’ s full participation can bring

JulietteChampeil,MitacsprogramparticipantandCo-founderofIVANOBioscience

ImageCourtesy:Mitacs

With global economic challenges such as supply chain disruptions and trade instability threatening our overall competitiveness, by leaving women behind we are not just stalling progress we are undermining our own economic future

Turning Potential into Impact

Projects by women are driving change, but these innovations often struggle to scale due to a lack of resources and low adoption rates of new technologies According to Statistics Canada, factors such as risk aversion within the business community, limited awareness of available technologies, and concerns over adoption costs all contribute to Canada’s slow uptake of new tech What’s more, a shortage of skilled workers who can implement and effectively use these new tools only intensifies the issue, further impeding productivity growth.

As a leading innovation organization in Canada, Mitacs plays a key role helping businesses access the talent and R&D resources they need to turn their big ideas into tangible impact Our unique model bolsters growth and productivity –and supports women-led innovation in the process

In the field of clean tech, Dr Susanne Ouellet, a geotechnical engineer, is advancing the safety and efficiency of tailings dam monitoring using fiber optic sensing technology (Distributed Acoustic Sensing or DAS) Inspired by a devastating tailings dam failure in Brazil, her research enables early detection of slope failure patterns that traditional methods miss, improving the safety of critical infrastructure Mitacs provided Dr Ouellet with the necessary international research opportunities and industry partnerships, to not only advance her work but also establish her own company, Lumidas where she continues to apply DAS technology across various infrastructure sectors By detecting slope failures earlier, Dr Ouellet’s work helps to mitigate costs associated with environmental damage and improve the management of infrastructure that is vital to communities and industries alike

Co-founder of Kalego Solutions and student in infectious diseases, Marine Queffeulou, is applying bioengineering to develop an ecofriendly anti-fog treatment for medical endoscopes using plasma technology This technology modifies the surface properties of materials to make them anti-fogging and resistant to sterilization cycles, solving a longstanding challenge in medical procedures By partnering with Mitacs, Kalego Solutions has accelerated its research and business development, with the treatment also showing capability for antibacterial properties, improving patient safety Through her work, Queffeulou is not only advancing healthcare innovation, she is contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by creating jobs, growing a start-up, and offering cost-saving solutions that improve the efficiency of healthcare systems and extend the lifespan of critical medical equipment.

When

we invest in women, everyone wins

Despite impressive strides, women need more resources, targeted funding initiatives, and industry-specific programs that ensure equitable access to strategic partnerships and mentorship Within our research talent pool, 40% of Mitacs STEM interns identify as female, significantly outpacing the 25% representation of women in Canada’s overall STEM workforce Additionally, 17% of Mitacs interns go on to start their own business and overall, 85% of participants indicated improved career prospects as a result of their experience

About Mitacs

As Canada’s innovation organization, Mitacs connects businesses and researchers with unrivaled access to talent, financial support, and the partnerships needed to turn ideas into impactful innovations Through unique collaborations, Mitacs is driving productivity and positioning Canada as a global innovation leader

Based on a Statistics Canada study, businesses and organizations that partner with Mitacs experience an 11% boost in productivity, a 9% increase in revenue, and a 16% increase in sales over a three-year period

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped our partners effectively scale innovations, from inception to commercialization We’re moving the economic needle and pushing for broader action and investment in innovation We know that Canada’s future success depends on innovation And we simply cannot be successful without women-led enterprise and research. When we invest in women, everyone wins.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon

Business Woman of the Month: Patrice Mousseau

Healing Skin and Empowering Communities

ThefounderandCEOofSatyaOrganicSkinCare, PatriceMousseau,isaprimeexampleofhow creativity,tenacity,andculturalintegritycancoexist incontemporaryentrepreneurship Herremarkable transformationfromaworriedmothertoa prosperouscompanyexecutivedemonstratesthe revolutionarypotentialofIndigenouswomenin Canadianbusiness

Sa Pa fro tre the us tra to str pr co he fla ap thi be off

Founder and CEO of Satya Organic Skin Care

Scaling Success with Sustainability

SatyaOrganicSkinCarehasgrownintoathrivingbusiness sinceitshumblebeginningsinMousseau'skitchen Satya's products,firstofferedatneighbourhoodfarmers'markets, nowincludetheoriginalSatyaJar,handystickapplicators,

Withitemsnowofferedinmorethan2000retailers acrossCanada,including1100ShoppersDrugMart locationsand90+MetrolocationsinOntario,anda growingonlinepresence,Satyahasexperienced incredibledevelopment Patrice'sbrandhasbeen recognizedworldwidebecauseofherstrategicvision andcommitmenttoexcellence Thecompany'sbusiness practicesalignwithitsmissiontoprovidepremium,ecofriendlyskincareproductsandencourageenvironmental responsibility Byturningacreativedomesticsolution intoamultinationalcorporation,Patricehasprovento haveunmatchedeconomicsavvyandasteadfast dedicationtosocialandenvironmentalresponsibility

Truth in Business: Ethical Foundations

TheSanskritword"Satya,"whichmeans"truth,"perfectly capturesthespiritofPatricesbrand Satya'saim,rooted inIndigenousprinciples,istopromoteenvironmental protectionwhileproducingsustainable,ethicalproducts Thecompanyusesrenewableresourcesinits productionprocessestoensureaminimalecological impactandcreateanindustrystandardforresponsible manufacturingmethods.

Patrice'sstrategygoesbeyondjustmakingproducts ShehasestablishedstrongprotectionsforSatya's trademarksandbrandingbecausesheunderstandsthe valueofintellectualproperty(IP)inbusiness Satya OrganicSkinCare,backedbyagroupofcorporate attorneysandanintellectualpropertyconsultant,isa primeexampleofhowlong-termbusinessinnovationis fosteredbysmartIPmanagement Whilebeingloyalto itsfundamentalprinciples,theseactionsnotonlyprotect thecompany'sreputationbutalsoimproveitscapacity tocompeteininternationalmarkets

Fostering Innovation and Community Growth

Beyondherachievements,PatriceMousseauis dedicatedtohelpingothers,especiallywomen entrepreneursofIndigenousdescent Establishingan innovationlabspecificallyforsmall-scalebeauty makersispartofhergoal,whichalsoaimstofoster industryadvancement,cooperation,andknowledge exchange

Satya'scompanycultureemphasizessolidtiesand partnershipsthroughouttheentrepreneurialecosystem, reflectinginclusivityandfamily-orientedvalues Patrice activelyinteractswithothercorporateexecutivesto createnetworksthatpromoteexpansion,creativity,and resourcesharing Acelebratedspeaker,Patricenow sharesherknowledgeandinsightwithaudiencesasa keynotespeakerateventsacrossthecountry

A Visionary

Leader

Patrice,astrongsupporterofmorefinancingfor minorityandwomen-ledenterprises,feelsthatfair accesstocapitalisessentialtoadvancingCanada's innovationeconomy.Sheseesatimewhen Indigenousandminorityentrepreneurswillbecrucial indeterminingCanada'seconomicfutureby creatinganatmospheresupporting underrepresentedbusinesses'growth Throughher efforts,Patriceleavesalegacyofcommunity-driven success,sustainability,andempowerment PatriceMousseau'sjourneywithSatyaOrganicSkin Caredemonstratesthetransformingpowerof Indigenousentrepreneurship Shehascreateda thrivingenterprisebycombininghistoricalexpertise withmodernapproachesthatstresssustainability, ethicalideals,andcommunityimpact Her unrelentingdedicationtoassistingotherbusinesses andcampaigningforequalfundingsolidifiesher statusasatrailblazerinCanada'sbusiness ecosystem Patrice'sinspiringnarrativeservesasa powerfulreminderthateconomicsuccesscanbe achievedwhileremainingtruetoone'sculturalroots andtacklingvitalsocietalissues

CheckoutSatyaOrganicSkin’srangeofwellness andcareproductsthatarenotjustefficientin alleviatingskinissuesbutarealsogentleonthe environmentbyclickinghere

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfor newsupdates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration, motivationandgrowth

Owners Can Utilize

Carer-Inclusive Employment Policies to Thrive Their Business

As every small business owner knows, employees are the cornerstone of a thriving and sustainable business When employees face challenges, the business is also impacted Prioritizing the wellbeing of team members results in heightened productivity, loyalty, and overall workplace morale However, with the swift aging of Canada’s population, an increasing number of employees are managing paid work alongside unpaid caregiving duties

Increased life expectancy has led to more Canadians opting to " age in place," depending on family members and loved ones for caregiving In fact, in 2023 alone, following a three-year slump, Canada's life expectancy at birth rose to 81.7 years. What’s more, unpaid caring is being impacted by the growing number of older adults (18 9%) and the notable rise in the population 65 and older

Family Caregivers Are Growing. How Can Small Businesses Adjust to Support Their Employees and Enhance Their Operations?

Presently, one in four Canadians provides unpaid care, with these individuals carrying out 75% of all caregiving responsibilities in the country This contribution saves the Canadian economy approximately $24 to $31 billion each year in care-related expenses Nonetheless, the challenge of juggling work with caregiving often results in stress, burnout, and increased employee turnover Small businesses that adopt carer-inclusive policies can create a more supportive work environment, helping retain staff, minimize turnover costs, and uphold high productivity levels

The Business Case for Carer-Inclusive Policies

Small businesses thrive when their employees feel appreciated and supported. An important measure to accomplish this is acknowledging that caregiving can manifest in various ways and may occur at any point in an employee's career

ImageCourtesy:Canva

As the number of carer-employees (CEs) is anticipated to increase considerably, small business owners need to take the initiative to offer accommodations and policies that help employees manage their responsibilities successfully

Research shows that companies supporting CEs see a significant return on investment (ROI) A report from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reveals that organizations investing in flexible work options achieve considerable returns Plus, for every dollar spent on flextime, companies can expect an ROI ranging from $1 70 to $4 34, while investments in telecommuting yield returns between $2 46 and $4 45 Furthermore, a survey by Bloom found a direct link between caregiving policies and increased productivity among employees

For companies that necessitate physical presence, options like flexible scheduling and compressed work weeks can offer practical solutions with little disruption to operations It is worth noting that employees who are supported in managing their work and caregiving duties tend to exhibit higher job satisfaction, stronger loyalty, and improved productivity By focusing on the well-being of employees, businesses foster a workforce that is engaged, dedicated, and committed to achieving long-term success

Developing Supportive Policies for Carers in Small Businesses

Understanding the importance of assisting carers in the workplace, Dr Allison Williams from McMaster University teamed up with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in 2017 to create the B701:17 (R2021) Carer-Inclusive and Accommodating Organizations Standard (Standard) and the B701HB-18 Helping WorkerCarers in Your Organization Handbook (Handbook) With funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), Dr Williams is now mobilizing these tools, advocating for companies to adopt carer-friendly workplace programs and policies.

The Standard and Handbook can be downloaded for free from the CSA website until April 1, 2025

By incorporating these resources into employee handbooks and onboarding processes and documentation, small businesses can communicate to new and current employees that they understand the significance of work-life balance and unpaid care work When employees feel appreciated and supported, they are more inclined to stay with a company for the long haul, decreasing turnover rates and promoting trust and teamwork

Research supported by SSHRC and CIHR funding has highlighted notable advantages for organizations implementing carer-friendly workplace policies (CFWPs) These advantages encompass enhanced employee retention, greater workplace productivity, and lower absenteeism rates Employees who feel they can count on their employer for assistance are more likely to stay committed and loyal to the company and help drive its success

Practical Steps for Small Businesses to Create a Carer-Inclusive Workplace

Managing a small company comes with distinct challenges, especially when aligning operational effectiveness with employee assistance Nevertheless, adopting carer-inclusive policies doesn't have to be a daunting task The resources and tools listed below can aid small businesses in this endeavour:

Course on Establishing Caregiver-Friendly Work Environments

Created in collaboration with McMaster University’s Continuing Education program, this complimentary 10-hour online course presents a detailed framework for establishing Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces (CFWPs) Owners of small businesses can acquire micro-credentials while gaining valuable knowledge about assisting employees with caregiving duties The course includes practical case studies illustrating how companies can tackle caregiving situations when they emerge

CSA B701 Standard and Handbook

The CSA Standard and Handbook present a three-step method for embedding carerinclusive policies in the workplace:

Building the Foundation: Entrepreneurs should work alongside their staff to create explicit policies that support caregiving duties This involves integrating legal obligations concerning family accommodations

Implementing Policies in Action: Employers must evaluate employee benefits and workplace policies to identify ways to successfully incorporate CFWPs

Monitoring Progress: Consistent input from staff can assist companies in evaluating how well their policies are working and making needed changes

Resources and Tools for Carer-Friendly Workplaces

Employers of small businesses can access a range of infographics, guides, checklists, and fact sheets designed to help establish CarerFriendly Workplace Policies (CFWPs) One valuable resource is the employer checklist, which assists businesses in assessing their existing policies and pinpointing areas that need enhancement These tools can act as a foundation for companies aiming to improve support for Carers Employees (CEs) in the workplace

The Long-Term Benefits of a Supportive Workplace

Policies that include support for caregivers are advantageous for both employees and businesses, as they promote a culture of respect, empathy, and adaptability in the workplace Assisting staff in balancing their caregiving duties leads to a more engaged and healthier workforce.

By responding proactively to the changing demands of Canada's workforce, small enterprises can establish themselves as desirable employers that draw in and keep high-quality talent

Committing to career-inclusive policies is not just a savvy business choice but also an expression of corporate accountability that enhances the relationship between employees and employers

Some of the top CCC certified companies in Canada that have successfully implemented this are: Ross, Canuck Place, Cadence, Covenant Health, Fidelity, and The North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN)

What Future Holds

Content and healthy workers contribute to a successful business As the workforce in Canada changes, small business proprietors who adopt caregiver-friendly policies will be more capable of sustaining productivity and keeping talented staff Small businesses can foster a culture where employees feel appreciated and supported by utilizing available resources like the CSA Standard and Handbook, complimentary online courses, and workplace support tools.

The enduring sustainability of a business is fundamentally tied to its workforce By acknowledging and supporting the caregiving duties of their employees, small companies can cultivate strong, effective, and dedicated teams Emphasizing work-life balance and adopting forward-thinking workplace policies helps businesses stay competitive while creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

For more information about Creating CaregiverFriendly Workplaces course, click here

The Indigenous-SME Magazine is a great new and seasoned resource for Canada's small Indigenous businesses Visit the website below to view our magazine Click here to follow our X account for news updates So what are you waiting for? Join our business-loving community for inspiration, motivation and growth

Disclaimer:Thisarticleisbasedonpubliclyavailableinformation intendedonlyforinformationalpurposes Indigenous-SMEMagazine doesnotendorseorguaranteeanyproductsorservicesmentioned Readersareadvisedtoconducttheirresearchandduediligence beforemakingbusinessdecisions

Indigenous Small Businesses: Affordable

and Scalable

Approaches

AsIndigenousentrepreneursinCanadaembracesustainability, incorporatinggreentechnologiesandpracticeshasbecomecriticalto long-termsuccess Sustainablebusinesspracticesnotonlyhelptoreduce environmentalimpact,butalsoimproveefficiency,lowercosts,andboost brandreputation Thisarticleinvestigatesinexpensiveandscalablegreen technologysolutionsforIndigenoussmallandmedium-sizedfirms(SMEs), providesassistanceinimplementingsustainablepractices,andoffers professionaladviceonobtaininggreenbusinesssubsidiesandfunding.

Affordable and Scalable Green Technologies for SMEs

Indigenous-ownedSMEscanimplementanumberofcost-effectivegreen technologiestolowertheirenvironmentalimpactandoperatingcosts:

Energy-efficientlighting:LEDbulbsandinnovativelightingsolutions dramaticallycutelectricityuse,resultingincheaperenergyexpenditures

Smartthermostat:Programmablethermostatsimproveheatingand coolingefficiency,decreasingenergywaste

Solarpanels:Whiletheinitialexpendituremaybecostly,solarenergy systemsofferlong-termbenefitsandcanbeadjustedtomeetgrowing corporateneeds

Energymanagementsystems:These solutionstrackandmanageenergy consumption,allowingorganizationsto improveefficiency

Water-SavingTechnologies:Low-flow fixturesandgreywaterrecycling systemshelptocutwateruseand expenditures

ElectricVehicle(EV)Charging

Stations:InstallingEVchargersdraws environmentallyconcernedcustomers whilepreparingbusinessesforthe futureofmobility

WasteReductionTechnologies: Compostingsystemsandinnovative recyclingtechnologyassistinreducing landfillwasteandpromoting sustainability

Cloud-basedServices:Usingcloud computingeliminatestheneedforonsiteservers,loweringenergy consumptionandexpenses

Byembracingthesetechnologies,IndigenousSMEscan improvetheirprofitability,resilience,andsustainability

Guide for Implementing Sustainable Practices

IntegratingsustainablepracticesintoIndigenousenterprises demandsasystematicstrategy Herearethemainstepsto follow:

ConductanEnvironmentalAudit:Assesscurrentbusiness operationstoidentifyareaswhereenergy,water,ormaterials canbesaved Thisanalysisformsthefoundationfortargeted sustainabilityefforts

DevelopaSustainabilityPlan:Setmeasurabletargetsfor reducingenergyuse,waste,andemissions Createaroadmap withspecificmeasuresforadoptinggreeninitiatives

EmployeeEngagement:Employeesshouldbetrainedon sustainablepracticesandencouragedtoparticipatein environmentallyfriendlyactivities Theirinvolvementcanfoster innovationandlong-termsuccess

SustainableProcurement:Choosevendorswithgood environmentalcredentialsandprioritizeproducts manufacturedfromrecycledorrenewableresources. WasteReduction:Implementacomprehensiverecycling programandlookforwaystoreducewasteateverystepof productionandoperations

EnergyEfficiency:Maintainequipmentonaregularbasis, improveprocesses,andreplaceoutdatedappliancesand machineswithenergy-efficientmodels

GreenTransportation:Encouragecarpooling,investinfuelefficientautomobiles,andinstallbikerackstopromote environmentallyfriendlycommuteoptions

SustainablePackaging:Tolessenenvironmentaleffects,use packagingmaterialsthatarebiodegradable,compostable,or recyclable

MeasureandReportProgress:Regularlytrackingandreporting progressonsustainabilityactivitieswithstakeholdersis essentialtodeveloptrustanddemonstratecommitmentto environmentalresponsibility

IndigenousSMEscanimprovetheiroperationalefficiencyand competitivenessinthemarketwhilemakingabeneficialimpact byincorporatingsustainabilityintotheirbusinessplans

How to Get Green Business Funding and Grants

IndigenousSMEsmayhavefinancialobstacleswhileattempting toimplementgreentechnologies;nevertheless,therearea numberoffundingoptionsavailabletoassist:

InitiativeforIndigenousCleanEnergy(ICE):Providesfunding andassistanceforcleanenergyinitiativesinindigenous communities

ProgramforAboriginalEntrepreneurship:Accessto financingisprovidedtoIndigenousentrepreneurs, especiallythosewhoinvestinsustainablesolutions CanadaGreenerHomesGrant:Whileprimarily intendedforresidentialusage,thisprogramcan helpIndigenousentrepreneursinhome-related enterprises

CleanEnergyforRuralandRemoteCommunities (CERRC)Program:Supportstheshiftfromdieselto renewableenergysources

IndigenousCommunity-BasedClimateMonitoring Program:ProvidessupportforIndigenous-led climatemonitoringandsustainabilityinitiatives

Expert Tips for Getting Green Business Grants:

InvestigateThoroughly:Understandeachfunding program 'seligibilitycriteria,timeframes,and documentationrequirements

Buildastrongbusinesscase:Clearlystatehowthe greentechnologyorpracticewillhelpboththe businessandthecommunity

Seekpartnerships:Collaboratingwithother Indigenousbusinessesorgroupscanhelpimprove fundingapplications

Utilizeavailableresources:Organizationssuchas theCanadianCouncilforAboriginalBusinessoffer adviceandassistanceinobtainingfunds

Bepatientandpersistent:Althoughtheapplication processmightbetime-consuming,obtainingfunds canbenefitlong-termsustainability

IndigenousSMEscanovercomefinancialobstacles andsetthestandardforsustainablebusiness practicesbyutilizingavailablegrantsandfunds, therebypromotingenvironmentalresponsibilityand economicprosperity

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfor newsupdates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration, motivationandgrowth

Community Support Systems:

The Role of Family and Culture in Business Success

IndigenouswomenentrepreneursinCanadaare redefiningeconomicsuccessbycombiningstrong communitysupport,traditionalmethods,andfamily participation Byincorporatingcommunitylinksand traditionalvaluesintotheirbusinessplans,these entrepreneursarebuildinglong-lastingcompanies thatbenefittheirfamiliesandlargerIndigenous communities Theirstrategyenhancesculturalidentity andgeneralwell-beingandpromoteseconomic prosperity

Leveraging Community Support

Indigenouswomenentrepreneursfrequentlylookto theircommunitiesforsupport,mentorship,and financialresources Thesenetworksprovidevital supportthatallowsfirmstoprosper:

MentorshipNetworks:ManyIndigenous entrepreneursseekadvicefromcommunityelders andseasonedbusinessleaders,acquiring significantinsightsbasedongenerational knowledge

CollaborativePartnerships:Entrepreneurswho developpartnershipswithotherIndigenous-owned enterprisesexchangeresources,experience,and marketaccess,boostingcollectivesuccess

Community-BasedFinancing:Reducingbarriers tofinancialsupport,Indigenous-focusedlending programsandinvestmentactivitiesfrequently facilitateaccesstofinance

SkillsSharing:Participatinginknowledgeexchange programsinIndigenouscommunitiesallows entrepreneurstobuildandpolishtheirbusiness skills

CulturalAmbassadorship:ManyIndigenous womenentrepreneursserveascultural ambassadors,leveragingtheirbusinessestoraise prideandawarenessinlargermarkets

Indigenouswomenentrepreneursusethesesupport structurestoexpandtheirenterpriseswhilealso contributingtotheircommunities'economicstability Thisstrategyensuresthatsuccessissharedand sustainable,whichisconsistentwithIndigenous principlesofinterconnectednessandcommunity prosperity

Traditional Practices Contributing to WorkLife Balance

Indigenousbusinessownersfrequentlyintegrate traditionalcustomsintotheirbusinessplanstopreservea positivework-lifebalance Theseproceduresguarantee thepreservationofculturalheritagewhile accommodatingcontemporarycommercialneeds:

BusinessCyclesbySeason:ManyIndigenous enterprisesoperateaccordingtotraditionalseasonal cycles,whichgivesthemflexibilityinjugglingworkand obligationstotheirfamiliesandculture

HolisticMethodsforWellbeing:Workplaceculture incorporatestraditionalhealingandwellnesstechniques topromoteemployeewell-beingandlessenburnout.

AdaptableWorkSchedules:Tofosterasupportivework environment,entrepreneursmodifytheirworkhoursto meetcriticalculturaloccasions,rituals,andfamily obligations

IntergenerationalParticipation:Involvingfamily membersofallagesincompanyoperationspromotes sharedresponsibility,informationsharing,andamore profoundfeelingofpurpose

Land-BasedActivities:ManyIndigenousenterprises integratetraditionalland-basedtechniques,suchas sustainableharvestingornature-basedretreats,to strengthenculturalidentityandenvironmental stewardship

Indigenouswomenentrepreneursincorporatetraditional aspectsintotheirbusinessoperationstoestablish productiveandprofitableworkplacesthatrespectcultural values.Thisall-encompassingstrategyallowsthemto succeedwithoutsacrificingwhotheyareortheirfamily responsibilities

AgrowingnumberofsuccessfulIndigenouswomen entrepreneursareincorporatingtheirfamiliesintotheir businessendeavours Thisstrategyimprovestheresilience andsustainabilityofbusinesseswhilealsofortifyingfamily ties:

MultigenerationalExpertise:Family-ownedIndigenous businessesfrequentlycreatedistinctive,cutting-edge goodsandservicesbyfusingthetraditionalwisdomof elderswiththemoderntalentsofyoungergenerations

SharedVisionandValues:Businessesprioritizingfamily andculturalvaluesestablishastrongsenseofpurpose, encouragingdedicationandlong-termviability

FlexibleRoles:Familymemberscontributeinwaysthat matchtheirabilitiesandinterests,resultingina supportiveanddynamicworkatmosphere

CulturalPreservation:Familybusinessesplayan essentialroleinpassingontraditionalskillsand knowledge,ensuringthatIndigenoushistoryis preservedforfuturegenerations

CommunityImpact:Leveragingfamilyrelationships allowsfirmstoprovidelargercommunity advantagessuchasjobpossibilities,mentorship programs,andskilldevelopmentefforts

Indigenouswomenentrepreneurssuccessfullycombine traditionalknowledgewithcontemporarybusiness tacticsthroughfamily-runbusinesses These businessesarepotentillustrationsofhowcultural heritageandfinancialprosperitymaycoexisttogether

What the Future Holds

IndigenouswomenentrepreneursinCanadaaresetting thestandardforincorporatingcommunitysupport, traditionalcustoms,andfamilyinvolvementintotheir companyoperations Theircomprehensivestrategy promotesnotonlycommercialsuccessbutalsocultural preservationandwork-lifebalance Theseentrepreneurs arebuildinglong-termenterprisesthatbenefittheir familiesandcommunitiesbyharnessingthesesupport structures Astheycontinuetodevelopandgrow,theyare establishinganewparadigmforIndigenousbusiness onethatrespectstraditionwhileseizingmodernchances

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfornews updates.Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration,motivation andgrowth

Disclaimer:Thisarticleisbasedonpubliclyavailableinformation intendedonlyforinformationalpurposes Indigenous-SME Magazinedoesnotendorseorguaranteeanyproductsor servicesmentioned Readersareadvisedtoconducttheir researchandduediligencebeforemakingbusinessdecisions

Successful Indigenous Family-Run Enterprises

Building Financial Independence: A Guide

for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

IndigenouswomenEntrepreneursinCanadaare increasinglytakingchargeoftheirfinancialdestiniesby combiningoldeconomicmethodsandmodernbusiness strategies Thisguideprovidesexpertguidanceonfinancial planning,investmenttechniques,andresourcesfor Indigenouswomenseekingbusinessloansandgrants

Financial Planning and Investment Strategies

Effectivefinancialplanningiscriticalforestablishingand maintainingaprofitablebusiness Indigenouswomen entrepreneursshouldthinkaboutthefollowingstrategies:

SetClearFinancialGoals:Setshort-andlong-term goalsforyourbusinessandpersonalmoney

CreateaComprehensiveBudget:Keepmeticulous recordsofyourincomeandexpensestounderstand yourcashflowbetter

CreateanEmergencyFund:Setasidecapitalto handleunforeseenbusinessexpensesoreconomic downturns.

DiversifyIncomeStreams:Investigatemultiple revenuestreamstoimprovefinancialstability InvestinProfessionalDevelopment:Continueto improveyourfinancialliteracyandbusinessabilities

ConsiderSustainableInvestments:Alignyour investmentapproachwithIndigenousprincipleslike environmentalconservationandcommunitywellbeing

RetirementPlanning:Evenifyouoperateabusiness, youshouldincludelong-termsavingsinyour financialplan

SeekProfessionalAdvice:Consultwithfinancial expertswhounderstandthespecificneedsof Indigenousentrepreneurs

ResourcessuchastheFinancialCapabilityWorkbookfor IndigenousWomenseries,createdbytheNativeWomen's AssociationofCanada(NWAC)andtheNational AboriginalCapitalCorporationsAssociation(NACCA),can beextremelyusefulinsupportingtheseinitiatives These workbooksincludeawiderangeoftopics,includingmoney management,savings,personalbudgeting,banking,and creditmanagement,aswellaspracticaltasksand opportunitiesforreflection

Traditional Indigenous Economic Practices in Modern Context

ManytraditionalIndigenouseconomicpracticesare adaptabletocurrentcorporatecontexts:

CircularEconomyPrinciples:Incorporatewaste reductionandresourceconservationintoyourbusiness plan

Community-CenteredApproach:Considerhowyour businesscanhelpthelargerIndigenouscommunity IntergenerationalPlanning:Makedecisionsthatwill impactfuturegenerationslong-term Reciprocity:Establishcommercialpartnershipsbased onmutualbenefitsandsharedideals.

Land-BasedEconomy:Ifapplicable,investigatehow traditionallandusagemightguidesustainablebusiness operations

CollectiveDecisionMaking:Whenappropriate,consult withcommunitymembersoreldersaboutcrucial businessdecisions

TraditionalKnowledgeIntegration:IntegrateIndigenous wisdomintoproductdevelopmentandservicedelivery HolisticWealthConcept:Definesuccessintermsof socialandculturalimpactsratherthanjustfinancial measurements

Indigenouswomenentrepreneurscanbuildeconomically viableandculturallysignificantbusinessesbycombining traditionalmethodswithmodernfinancialtactics

Resources to Access Business Loans and Grants

SeveralinitiativesandorganizationsinCanadaprovide financialsupportexclusivelyforIndigenousfemale entrepreneurs:

ProgramforIndigenousWomenEntrepreneurs:This initiative,whichisadministeredbytheNational AboriginalCapitalCorporationsAssociation(NACCA), offerstraining,businesssupport,andmicroloans

BDCLoanforIndigenousEntrepreneurs:Toassistin expandingorgrowingyourfirm,theDevelopmentBank ofCanadaprovidesupto$350,000infundingwith flexiblepaybackoptionsandfavourableinterestrates

AFIs,orAboriginalFinancialInstitutions:These specialtylendersprovideprogramsforwomen aswellasfinancialservicesspecificallydesigned forIndigenousbusinessowners.

CoalitionforFirstNationsMajorProjects (FNMPC):ThisprovidesguidancetoIndigenous organizationsonhowtointeractwithproject developerstogetownershipinterestsinregional initiatives,therebyfosteringeconomicgrowth

Bereadytosubmitastrongbusinessstrategy, financialestimates,andproofofyourIndigenous statuswhenyouapplyfortheseresources Several oftheseprogramsalsoincludebusinessadvice servicestoassistyouincreatingacompelling application

Byleveragingthesefinancialresourcesand combiningthemwithsoundfinancialplanningand traditionaleconomicwisdom,Indigenouswomen entrepreneurscanbuildthriving,long-term businessesthatcontributetotheirpersonalfinancial independenceandtheeconomicwell-beingoftheir communities.

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfor newsupdates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration, motivationandgrowth

Breaking Barriers:

Overcoming Financial Challenges in Indigenous Businesses

IndigenouswomenentrepreneursinCanada encounterconsiderablefinancialchallengesduring theirbusinessventures Theseproblems,which rangefromrestrictedaccesstomoneytosystemic restrictionsfoundedinhistoricallegislation,makeit difficultforentrepreneurstostart,sustain,and developtheirenterprises ManyIndigenouswomen haveovercomefinancialchallengesviapersistence, inventiveness,andcommunalsupport.Thisarticle delvesintothemostprevalentfinancialobstacles, spotlightssuccessstories,andofferspractical suggestionsforovercomingfinancialtroubles

Indigenouswomenentrepreneursfacenumerous significantfinancialconstraintsthatimpede businessgrowth Themostconsiderabledifficultyis limitedaccesstofinancing ManyIndigenous womenstruggletoobtaintraditionalloansduetoa lackofcollateral,alimitedcredithistory,orpoor bankingrelationships Thetighteligibilitycriteriafor manylendingprogramsdonotmatchthefinancial profilesofIndigenousbusinessowners, compoundingtheproblem

Legallimitationsalsoplayapart Section89ofthe IndianActforbidsusingon-reservepropertyas collateral,significantlylimitingfundingalternativesfor Indigenouscompanies Furthermore,Indigenous women 'ssmallerpersonalsavingsandincomelevels restricttheirabilitytoself-fundtheirinitiatives This financialdisadvantagefrequentlyleadstobusinesses beingunderfundedfromtheoutset

Alackoffinancialliteracyisalsoasignificantconcern ManyIndigenouswomendesirefinancialknowledge, includingbudgetingandinvestmentmethods Geographicconstraintsalsorestrictaccesstofinancial institutions,especiallyforpeoplelivinginisolatedor rurallocations Balancingcompanycommitmentswith familyandcommunityobligationscanburdentime andfinances

Confidenceisanotherkeyhurdle Systemicracismand historicaltraumacanleadtoself-doubtwhenseeking financialaidorpitchingcompanyideastoinvestors Overcomingthesepsychologicalbarriersiscriticalfor Indigenousentrepreneursinadvocatingforthemselves ineconomictalks

Common Financial Obstacles

Success

Stories of Overcoming Challenges

Despitethesechallenges,manyIndigenouswomen entrepreneurshaveachievedsuccess Micro-loanschemes, suchastheIndigenousWomenEntrepreneurMicro-Loan Fund,havegivenpeopleaccesstofinancingwithoutthe onerousrequirementsofregularbanks Theseprograms assistentrepreneursinbuildingtheirenterprisesbyproviding flexiblerepaymentoptionsandcoachingpossibilities

Communitysupportisalsoveryimportant Indigenous womenhavereliedontheircommunitiesformentorship, networking,andfinancialsupport Organizationslikethe NationalAboriginalCapitalCorporationsAssociation (NACCA)arecreatingnovelfinancestructurestohelp Indigenousenterprises Theseapproachespromoteflexibility andaccessibility,ensuringIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs haveanequalopportunitytoobtaincapital

Grantsandnon-repayabledonationshavealsoproven helpfulinlaunchingandexpandingIndigenouswomen's businesses ProgramsliketheIndigenousWomen EntrepreneurshipFundgivecriticalstartingmoney,relieving financialburdensandallowingentrepreneurstofocuson growingtheirbusinesses Skilldevelopmentinitiatives,such asfinancialliteracyandbusinessmanagementtraining, haveenabledIndigenouswomentomakesoundfinancial decisionsandrunsustainablebusinesses

Furthermore,manyIndigenouswomenhaveusedtraditional knowledgeandculturalpracticestodevelopunique businessmodelsthatspeaktotheircommunities Byinfusing Indigenousprinciplesintotheirprojects,theyhave differentiatedthemselvesinthemarketandsecuredmoney frominvestorswhorespectsociallyresponsiblefirms

Actionable Tips for Navigating Financial Landscapes

SeveralwayscanhelpIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs overcomefinancialproblemsandnavigatethecomplex economiclandscape:

Exploretargetedfundingoptions–Researchfunding schemesspecificallyforIndigenouswomen entrepreneurs,suchastheWomenEntrepreneurship LoanFund.Theseprogramstypicallyhavemoreflexible prerequisitesandprovideadditionalsupportservices

Buildfinancialliteracy–Takeadvantageoffinancial trainingclassesofferedbyorganizationssuchasthe NationalIndigenousWomenEntrepreneurs'Ecosystem Improvingfinancialliteracycanleadtobetterdecisions andmoretremendousbusinessgrowth

Separatepersonalandbusinessfinances–Keeping financesseparatemightassistinbuildingabusiness credithistoryandmakefinancialmanagementmore effortless Openingaspecializedbusinessaccountisan excellentfirststep

Createasolidbusinessplan–Awell-structured businessplancanimproveyourchancesofgetting fundingandactasaroadmapforfuturegrowth Lendersandinvestorsfrequentlywantaclearstrategy beforegrantingfinancialassistance Leveragecommunityresources–Connectingwith Indigenousbusinessorganizationscanoffer mentorship,networkingopportunities,andfinancial resources Thesegroupsprovideadvicecustomizedto thespecificproblemsthatIndigenouswomen entrepreneursconfront

Consideralternativefinancing–Crowdfunding,angel investors,andIndigenous-focusedlendingprograms areallfeasiblefundingoptions Diversifyingfunding choicesraisesthelikelihoodofobtainingtherequired funds

Buildstrongfinancialrecords–Keepingpreciseand detailedfinancialrecordsimprovesloanapplications andallowsforbettertrackingofbusinesssuccess. Keepingorganizedrecordsmakesiteasiertoapplyfor fundingandmanagefinancialflowsuccessfully Seekprofessionaladvice–Financialadvisorsor mentorswithexperienceinIndigenousbusinesscan offersignificantinsights Professionalscanprovide specializedfinancialstrategiesandassistwithloan applications

Diversifyfundingsources–Dependingonasingle sourceoffundingmightbeproblematic Exploring differentfundingoptionscanincreasefinancial stabilityandlessendependencyonasinglelenderor investment

Advocateforsystemicchange–Workingwith legislatorsandfinancialinstitutionstoovercome fundingconstraintsforIndigenousentrepreneursis critical Pushingformoreequitablefinancesolutions canleadtolong-termcapitalaccessimprovements

Indigenouswomenentrepreneurscangetpastfinancial obstaclesandcreateprosperouscompaniesby comprehendingthesedifficulties,takinginspirationfrom successfulcompanies,andimplementingstrategicplans InadditiontohelpingIndigenouscommunitiesandthe Canadianeconomyasawhole,theirsuccessbenefits thempersonally

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewourmagazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfornewsupdates So whatareyouwaitingfor?Joinourbusiness-loving communityforinspiration,motivationandgrowth.

Disclaimer:Thisarticleisbasedonpubliclyavailableinformation intendedonlyforinformationalpurposes Indigenous-SME Magazinedoesnotendorseorguaranteeanyproductsor servicesmentioned Readersareadvisedtoconducttheir researchandduediligencebeforemakingbusinessdecisions

Balancing Act: Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Share

Their Secrets

IndigenousfemaleentrepreneursinCanadaarealtering thecommercialenvironmentbyexhibiting perseverance,culturalpride,andastrongcommitment totheircommunities Whilenavigatingthechallengesof entrepreneurship,theymustalsobalancefamily responsibilitiesandculturalobligations,resultingina uniquebalancingactthatrequiresstrength, adaptability,andresourcefulness Thisarticleexplores theobstaclestheyconfront,theiruniqueapproachto work-lifebalance,andthetacticstheyemployto maintainharmonyintheirlivesandenterprises

The Unique Challenges of Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

Indigenouswomenentrepreneursfrequentlybalance numerousroles,makingtheirentrepreneurialjourneys bothinspiringandchallenging Severalsignificantissues impacttheirexperience:

FamilyResponsibilities:ManyIndigenouswomen haveenormousfamilialcommitments Accordingto a2020survey,732%ofIndigenouswomenaged25 to45spendmorethan60hoursperweekon childcare,whichisfarmorethantheirmale counterparts Thisrealitymakesitimpossibleto devoteentirelytobusinessactivities.

CulturalCommitments:ManyIndigenous businesswomenaredeeplycommittedtoservingtheir communities Whetherthroughmentorship,employment possibilities,orculturalpreservation,theseobligations increasetheirburdenyetarefrequentlyregardedas essentialtotheirsuccess

LimitedAccesstoResources:Indigenouswomen encounterchallengesacquiringfunding,business mentoring,andnetworkingpossibilities Systemic disparitiesandgeographicalbarriersmightmakeit difficulttosecurecapitalandconnectwithmentors ConfidenceandSystematicBarriers:Historicaltrauma andinstitutionalracismcontinuetohaveanimpacton theconfidenceofmanyIndigenousentrepreneurs Overcomingthesepsychologicalandinstitutional barriersnecessitatesmoreworktotakeonleadership rolesandpursuenewchances

BalancingBusinessandPersonalLife:Thecombination ofwork,family,andculturalcommitmentspresents distinctobstacles.Unlikemainstreamentrepreneurswho mayfocusentirelyonbusiness,Indigenouswomen frequentlymustbalancetheircareerswithpersonaland communalresponsibilities

Despitethesechallenges,Indigenouswomenarestarting enterprisesattwicetherateasnon-IndigenousCanadian women Theircapacitytoovercomethesehurdles demonstratestheirresilience,determination,andinnovative spirit

Redefining Work-Life Balance from an Indigenous Perspective

ForIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs,work-lifebalanceis aboutintegrationratherthanstrictseparation Theirmethod isheavilyentrenchedinculturalvaluesandprovidesamore holisticpictureofsuccess

AHolisticApproach:Indigenoustraditionsstrongly emphasizeinterconnection Thismeansthatcommunity, family,andlabourarenotviewedasdistinctdomains butratherascomponentsofalargertotality This viewpointpromotesadaptabilityandflexibilitywhen handlingavarietyofduties

Community-BasedAchievement:Successisfrequently determinedbyacompany'sabilitytoservethe communityatlargeanditsfinancialperformance Many Indigenouswomenentrepreneursseetheircapacityto giveback whetherthroughemployment,mentoring,or fundingcommunityprojects asagaugeofsuccess IntegrationofCultures:Insteadofseparatingcultural activitiesfrombusiness,Indigenouswomenfrequently blendindigenousknowledge,language,andcustoms intotheirendeavours Thisintegrationpreserves Indigenousheritagewhileofferingmeaningful employment

FlexibleTimeManagement:Indigenousentrepreneurs frequentlyrejectrigidschedulesinfavourofamore flexibleapproach Thisenablespeopletoprioritizeboth professionalandpersonalresponsibilitiesasneeded ratherthanadheringtotypicalwork-hournorms IntergenerationalSupport:ManyIndigenouswomen entrepreneursrelyonfamilymembers(parents, grandparents,andchildren)forbusinessassistance. Thistechniquestrengthensfamilybondswhilealso preservingcommercialandculturaltraditions

Thisrethinkingofwork-lifebalanceprovidesvitalinsightsfor otherentrepreneurslookingtobalancetheirprofessional goalswithpersonalfulfillmentandcommunitywell-being.

IncorporateCulturalPractices:Incorporating traditionalceremoniesorteachingsintocorporate operationshelpstopromoteamoreprofound feelingofpurposeandbelonging.

UseTechnologyWisely:Digitalsolutionssuchas schedulingapps,automationsoftware,andonline communicationplatformscanimproveoperational efficiencyandflexibility

Time-BlockingTechniques:Allocatingparticular timeperiodsfordifferentjobshelpsensurethatall aspectsoflifereceiveenoughattention.

SeekMentoringandNetworkingOpportunities: ConnectingwithotherIndigenousentrepreneurs canprovideadvice,motivation,andvitalbusiness insights

EmbraceFlexibility:Adaptingschedulesasneeded enablesbettermanagementoffamilyand communitydutieswhilestillmeetingcorporate objectives

EducateClientsandPartners:Helpingbusiness partnersunderstandtheirculturalcommitments promotesmutualrespectandflexibility

CelebrateAchievements:Recognizingsmalland hugevictoriesinallpartsoflifehelpstokeep motivationandperspective

Byfollowingthesetechniques,Indigenouswomen entrepreneurscanbuildabalanced,gratifying,and culturallymeaningfulbusinessexperiencethatis consistentwiththeirvaluesandresponsibilities

Astheybalancetheirbusinessgoals,family responsibilities,andcommunityservice,Indigenous womenentrepreneursinCanadaareshiningabright lightonculturalprideandresiliency Theycontinueto lead,develop,andcreatedespitetheobstaclesthey encounter,pavingthewayforupcominggenerations ofIndigenousbusinesspeople Theyshowthat community,culturalpreservation,andindividualwellbeingarejustascrucialtosuccessasbusinessgrowth byredefiningwork-lifebalanceaccordingtotheir standardsandutilizinghelpfultactics Allentrepreneurs aimingforafulfillingandpeacefullifemightfind inspirationintheirtalesandobservations

Indigenouswomenentrepreneurshavecreatedefficient techniquesformanagingtheirdifferentdutiesbasedon theirexperience Herearesomeoftheirbest recommendations:

SetClearBoundaries:Establishingfirmworkinghours andcommunicatingthemtobothfamilyandclients helpstopreservebalance

PrioritizeSelf-Care:Engaginginself-careactivities,such asexercise,meditation,ortraditionalspiritualpractices, canhelptopreventburnoutandsustainachievement overtime.

LeverageCommunitySupport:Acceptingassistance fromfamilyandcommunitymemberscanhelpalleviate thestressofhandlingvariousresponsibilities

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfornews updates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration,motivation andgrowth

Disclaimer:Thisarticleisbasedonpubliclyavailable informationintendedonlyforinformationalpurposes Indigenous-SMEMagazinedoesnotendorseorguaranteeany productsorservicesmentioned Readersareadvisedto conducttheirresearchandduediligencebeforemaking businessdecisions

Practical Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance

Why Representation from All Three

Distinct Indigenous Groups Matters in Business and Beyond

EachvoiceofIndigenousPeoplesinCanada FirstNations, Métis,andInuit areintegraltoourcountrysidentity Each distinctgroupofIndigenousPeoplehasuniquehistories, colourfultraditions,andthoughtfulperspectives,shapedby ourdiverseterritoriesandlivedexperiences Whenitcomes todoingbusinesswithIndigenousPeoples,including representationfromallthreegroupsisn’tjustabout checkingboxes;it’saboutknowingthateachdistinct cultureandgrouphasdistinctneedsandcharacteristics andthisrequiresauthenticityandrespectforallofthem

Here’swhyrepresentationfromallthreegroupsmatters:

Honouring Diversity Within Indigenous Communities

ThetermIndigenousPeoplesencompassesthreedistinct groupsofpeople(FirstNations,MétisandInuit),each withdistinctlanguages,governancestructures,and culturalpractices WhileFirstNations,Métis,andInuit peoplesharesomecommonexperiences,ourhistories andperspectivesdiffersignificantly Representationand considerationofallthreegroupsensuresthatthese nuancesareunderstoodandrespected,avoidingtherisk ofhomogenizingorstereotypingusasone

FirstNations:Withcommunitiesthatarecoastto coasttocoast,FirstNationspeoplebringperspectives rootedindeepconnectionstotheirland,languages, andgovernancesystems

Métis:EmergingfromtheblendingofIndigenousand Europeanancestries,Métiscultureischaracterizedby adaptabilityandinnovation,bridgingmultiple worldviews

Inuit:LivingprimarilyintheArctic,Inuitbring knowledgeshapedbyresilienceandingenuityin harshenvironments,withastrongfocusontheir connectiontotheland,ice,andsea

Ensuring Culturally Relevant Storytelling

Byincludingperspectivesfromallthreegroups, businessesandorganizationscandeliverinitiativesthat resonatewithaudiencesacrossthespectrumofour Indigenousidentities Storytellingisapowerfultoolforconnection,butstories thatlackculturalauthenticitycanfallflatandsometimes, evencauseharm.RepresentationfromFirstNations,Métis, andInuitprofessionalsensuresthatnarrativesreflectour livedexperiencesandculturaltruths Thisapproachnot onlyhonoursthepeoplebeingrepresentedbutitalso buildstrustandauthenticitywithIndigenousaudiences whowillseethemselvesinyourcampaigns Forexample,anadvertisingcampaignmeanttoengage InuitcommunitiesintheNorthwilldiffergreatlyfromone designedforMétiscommunitiesinAlbertaorcoastalFirst Nationsaudiences Localknowledgeandculturalinsight areveryimportanttocreatingmessagesanddesigning imagesthatarerelevantandimpactful

Building Trust Through Representation

Authenticityinrepresentationcanbuildtrustwithyour audience WhenIndigenousprofessionalsfromeach distinctcultureareinvolvedindecision-making processes,webringourlivedexperiencestohelpshape andenrichstrategies,campaigns,andprograms This ensuresthatinitiativesarenotonlyrespectfulbutalso resonatedeeplywithaudiencesinwaysthatnonIndigenousaudiencesareunfamiliarwith ForIndigenousPeoples,seeingourselvesrepresented anddepictedaccuratelyinthemediaandinleadership roleswithinorganizationssendsapowerfulmessageof inclusionandrespect Itdemonstratesacommitmentto, andacknowledgementof,thevalueofourperspectives

ImageCourtesy:Canva

Addressing Regional and Geographic Nuances

IndigenousPeoples’prioritiesandexperiencesaredeeply tiedtoourgeography AFirstNationscommunityinBritish ColumbiawillfaceverydifferentchallengesthanaMétis communityinManitobaoranInuitcommunityinNunavut Thesedifferencesmeanthatone-size-fits-allcampaigns willneverworkorresonatewithIndigenousaudiences

Representationfromallthreedistinctgroupsof IndigenousPeoplesistrulyessentialforcreating authentic,impactful,andmeaningfulcampaigns For us,it’saboutmorethaninclusion;it’saboutcollaboration, innovation,andreconciliation.Byhonouringandlearning aboutourperspectives,organizationscantrulybuild deeperrelationshipswithus

Canada’sreconciliationjourneyrequiresmeaningfuland intentionalcollaborationonbothsides Representationof FirstNations,Métis,andInuitpeopleincampaignshelps createpartnershipsthatarebuiltonmutualrespectand understanding-thesearecorevaluesforus When Indigenousvoiceshelpguideinitiatives,wecanchallenge anddismantlestereotypes,challengebiases,andshare awarenessofourworldviews

Theseeffortsarenotonlyforgoodbusiness;they contributetosignificantsocietalchange Amplifying Indigenousvoices,celebratingIndigenousexcellenceand joy,andrebalancinghistoricalinequitiesiswherethetrue magichappens.Representationisnotonlyabout visibility;itsaboutcreatingpathwaysforempowerment inourcommunities

Setting a New Standard for Inclusivity Conclusion

RepresentationfromallthreegroupsofIndigenous PeoplesinCanadaensuresthatthesegeographic nuancesareconsidered Indigenousprofessionalsfrom eachdistinctculturebringlocalizedknowledge,ensuring wearerelevantandrespectfulofthediverserealitiesof IndigenousPeoplesinCanada Indigenousworldviewsofferuniqueapproachesto problem-solvingandinnovation Forexample, traditionalknowledgesystemsprioritizesustainability andinterconnectednessandkinship,principlesthat alignwithmodernidealslikeenvironmentalstewardship andsocialresponsibility Byintegratingourperspectives intoyourcampaigns,yourbusinessesarealso connectedtoawealthofcreativityandknowledgethat notonlycanbuild,butalsosustainmeaningful innovation Representationfromallthreegroupssetsanew benchmarkforinclusivityinCanada.It’snotjustabout representationandcheckingboxes;it’saboutcreatinga frameworkwhereourperspectivesarevaluedand includedinthedecisions Thisapproachonlybenefitsthe organizationsandbusinessesthatworkandlearnfrom ourcommunities

Asourcountrycontinuestoevolve,theinclusionofallof ourvoicesisn’tonlyanobligationforyourreconciliation efforts it’sanimportantconsiderationthatleadstoreal change.

ElizabethBunneyisa marketingand communicationsstrategist whocombinescreativitywith adeeprespectforher Indigenouscultureand community.Passionateabout elevatingIndigenousvoices andchallengingthestatus quo,Elizabethhelpstocreate campaignsthatareauthentic ANDtransformative

Withafocusonbuildinggenuinepartnerships, ElizabethandherteamatSparkAgencyGroupwork tocreateimpactfulcampaignsthatresonate,inspire change,andreIndigenizethefuture.

Strengthening Reconciliation Efforts

Driving Innovation and Creativity

Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization at IHG Hotels & Resorts

CanadianSME Small Business Magazine recently spoke with Mark Sergot, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at IHG Hotels & Resorts, about the critical role of SMEs in Canada's economy and the unique challenges they face in managing business travel He also discussed how partnering with the right hotel provider and accessing accommodations tailored to business needs can help SMEs optimize costs, improve efficiency, and support business growth

An accomplished hospitality executive with over 25 years of experience, Mark Sergot has worked across the globe including a 10-year stint living and working in Toronto In his current role at UK headquartered, IHG Hotels & Resorts, he leads a global sales team of 250 members, shaping the department's strategy, structure, and standards that influence the commercial performance of over 6,500 hotels across 20 brands in Canada and worldwide.

on Helping SMEs Get More Value from Business Travel

Beyond his role at IHG, Mark is a respected industry leader, engaged with organizations such as the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, and the Professional Convention Management Association

A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, he champions continuous training and personal development to drive professional success.

What are some of the biggest travel challenges facing Canadian SMEs today?

Small and midsize businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy, contributing nearly half its GDP and employing more than 60% of its workforce Yet, when it comes to travel, they lack the resources and negotiating power of larger corporations, making it difficult to secure competitive rates, manage costs, and streamline booking and expense tracking

While business travel is essential for expanding opportunities, maintaining client relationships, and exploring new markets, SMEs often lack access to the same travel partnerships and resources as larger companies

How is IHG supporting the travel needs of small and midsize businesses in Canada?

We understand the need for flexible, costeffective, and time-saving travel solutions That's why we offer business-friendly accommodations across a wide range of brands, making it easier for SMEs to find hotels that fit their needs whether for short stays, long-term projects, or team meetings.

We provide a dedicated hotel booking and management platform that allows business owners and travelers to streamline reservations, track expenses, and optimize travel budgets

Additionally, our new Partnership Program extends benefits beyond accommodations, providing SME clients with exclusive offers from trusted companies in technology, car rentals, software, and more

With IHG's global presence, how does its portfolio of brands create value for SMEs?

IHGs diverse portfolio of 19 brands meets a wide range of business travel needs whether for a quick overnight stay, an extended business trip, or a corporate retreat While each brand offers a unique experience, they all share the same commitment to quality, service, and consistency to ensure an optimal experience wherever business takes our customers.

Access to a reliable and extensive hotel network is especially valuable to SMEs Whether traveling domestically or internationally, business owners and employees can select accommodations that align with their budget, offer essential amenities, and support their overall trip objectives while maintaining a sense of familiarity and trust in the high-quality service they'll receive

Is IHG expan i i i i demand?

Canada is a expanding a Alongside o Holiday Inn we continu hubs to serv

One exciting designed fo caters to bu matter most roller shade sleep The b fresh-brewe workspaces productive o

As we contin diverse rang needs of Ca

What shoul for busines

Beyond offe right feature comprehens

p y management and deliver consistent value, service, and rewards SMEs should look for programs that help control costs, streamline booking, and provide visibility into employee travel patterns

For example, an effective travel program that offers exclusive discounts, a centralized booking platform, and tools to track and analyze travel expenses can help them make informed travel decisions and optimize spending

Additionally, a strong loyalty program can increase the value of business travel Programs like IHG One Rewards allow SMEs and their travelers to earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, such as complimentary room nights, merchandise, event tickets, and gift cards These benefits can help stretch travel budgets while enhancing employee satisfaction and retention

Ultimately, choosing a hotel partner is about more than finding a place to stay it’s about accessing a network of support, cost-saving opportunities, and resources that align with a company ’ s business goals and travel needs

Final Thoughts

As business travel continues to evolve, having access to a vast network of hotels, customized business programs, and valuable partnerships can equip Canadian SMEs with the resources they need to travel more efficiently wherever they desire to travel around the world.

I encourage you to explore the IHG Business Edge portal to see how we can support your specific business travel needs

Top 5 Indigenous-Owned Top 5 Indigenous-Owned Retreats in BC to Check Retreats in BC to Check Out in 2025 Out in 2025

Melissa Verdicchio

Melissa is a PR professional with Nine Point Agency representing Indigenous Tourism BC In addition to tourism, Melissa works with various other brands in the fashion, beauty, wellness, tourism, and lifestyle industries

High-performing teams that prioritise inclusivity, cultural awareness and sensitivity experience more cohesion and collaboration With some workplaces returning to in-office policies this year, managing team dynamics, relationships and communication should be top of mind for leadership teams. With this in mind, businesses should consider Indigenous retreats for their annual workshops to further enhance team-building.

Indigenous-owned properties offer experiences that blend cultural learning, team connection, and environmental awareness Guided by Local Knowledge Keepers, teams explore Indigenous traditions, fostering Truth and Reconciliation, DEI efforts, and a healthy team dynamic through immersive workshops.

BC

Whetherit’sstrategisingfortheyearaheadorbonding withtheteaminabreathtakingnaturalsetting,Fraser RiverLodgeofferstheidealbalanceofproductivityand relaxation.

AnexclusiveriversideescapenearHarrisonHotSprings, FraserRiverLodgeistheperfectquickgetawayfor team-buildingactivitiesandgaininginsightsintothe localStó:lōculture Withfullyequippedmeetingand conferencefacilities,annualplanningsessionsare complementedbyavarietyofteam-buildingactivities toenhancecreativethinking Witheverythingoffered on-site,teamswillexperienceaseamlessexperience, fromateamcanoejourney,culturalexperiences,farm classes,axe-throwing,golf,yogaandyardgames

Theperfectlocationforaworkretreatthatblends business,adventureandculture,FraserRiverLodge shouldbeatopconsiderationforvenuestohostthe hardworkingteam

Whistlerisakeydestinationforlocalsandvisitors,and theSquamishLil’watCulturalCentre(SLCC)isthe perfectreasontogoasateam

TheSLCCCulturalAmbassadorselevatecorporate retreatsandeventsbywelcomingtheteamwith powerfulsongs,authenticregalia,andtraditionalsong anddance Withavarietyofculturalsharingoptionsthat provideaglimpseintotheuniqueculturesofthe SquamishandLil’watPeoples,theprogramsareidealfor enhancingholidayandcommunityevents,aswellas educationalpresentations,bothin-houseandoff-site

Frominteractivestorytellingandhands-onworkshopsto immersiveperformances,theteamwillleavewithan appreciationforIndigenouscultureandadeepened senseofconnection.SLCC’sculturalprogramsprovidea meaningfulwaytoconnect,learn,andcelebrate I di t diti ki th t t l i l

Fraser River Lodge Chilliwack, BC

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Squamish,

LocatedinKtunaxaNation’straditionalterritory,five minutesawayfromtheCanadianRockiesInternational Airport,St EugeneResortoffersaone-of-a-kindsetting forcorporateretreatsandteamgetaways Oncea residentialschool,theMissionBuildinghasbeen reclaimedandtransformedintoafull-serviceresortand premiergolfdestination,blendingmoderncomfortwith deepculturalsignificance.

Theresortoffersopportunitiestolearnabouttheregion's deephistoryandlong-standingconnectiontotheland, datingbackmorethan10,000years Teamscanhost strategysessionsintheirfullyequippedmeetingand conferencefacilities,andbuildfurtherconnectionand learningbysharingIndigenous-inspiredcuisineatthe onsiterestaurants,workshopsattheinterpretivecentre, ormakingtheirwayaroundthe18-holegolfcourse

Withamorningintheconferencecentre,anafternoonon thegolfcourse,andIndigenous-inspiredcuisineinthe evening,St EugeneResortdeliversateamretreatthat nourishesboththemindandspirit Amergingofhistory andnaturecometogetherinanunforgettable experienceofconnection,learning,andgrowth

Kwa’lilasHotelinPortHardyoffersacorporateretreat experiencemergingculture,history,andmodern hospitality

LocatedonthetraditionallandoftheKwakiutlPeople, Kwa’lilasHoteloffersaplaceforteamstostayand immersethemselvesinthevibrantcultureandhistoryof theGwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xwPeoplesthroughcurated artwork,includingmasksanddesignsbylocalIndigenous artistsdisplayedthroughoutthehotel Kwa’lilasoffers Indigenous-inspiredcuisineintheNaxidPubshowcasing WestCoastflavours,alongwithstate-of-the-artmeeting andconferencefacilities,accommodatinggatherings andteam-buildingactivitiesofallsizes

Forteamswantingalittleadventure,k'awat'siTourstakes guestsintothewildbeautyofBritishColumbia’scoastal rainforests,vibrantmarinelife,andrichIndigenous culture Withall-inclusive,culturally-guidedtoursand fishingcharters,roundoffanunforgettablejourney throughthetraditions,history,anduntouchednatural landscapesoftheirterritories

Featuringstate-of-the-artmeetingandconference facilities,teamscanconnect,collaborate,anddraw inspirationfromtheirsurroundingswhileimmersing themselvesinthedeepculturalheritageoftheregion

Treatyourhardworkingteamwithaseamlessjourneyto TofinoaboardIskwewAir,anIndigenous,female-owned airlinedepartingfromVancouver’sSouthTerminal Arrive intheheartofTofinoinunderanhour,whereocean-view accommodationsatTinWisandthestunningshoresof MackenzieBeachsetthestageforabreathtakingteam retreat

Theitinerarycanspanfromteam-buildingexerciseson MackenzieBeach,guidedexperiencesbytheTla-o-quiahtFirstNationtolearnabouttheinterconnected relationshipbetweentheenvironmentandpeople,along withstrategyandbrainstormingmeetingsintheTinWis conferencerooms

Betweenteam-buildingandstrategysessions,thegroup candelveintoculturalexperienceswiththeTla-o-quiahtFirstNationfortheperfectbalancebetween inspiration,relaxation,andconnection ThisTofinoretreat hasalittlenature,culture,andproductivityforan experienceasenrichingasitisrelaxing.

Creatingtimeandspaceforteamstoconnectbeyond theofficeisessentialforbuildingastrongcompany cultureandunderstandingamongcolleagues By hostingaretreatatanIndigenousdestinationabove, businessescangainagreaterappreciationfortheland, cultureanditsteachings Theinsightsfromthese experienceswillcarrythroughtheorganization,shaping amoreconnected,values-drivenworkplace

Kwa’lilas Hotel - Port Hardy, BC

Tin Wis - Tofino, BC

AsInternationalWomen'sDay2025approaches,itiscritical torecognizetheremarkableaccomplishmentsofIndigenous womenentrepreneursinCanada Theseleadersnotonly buildsuccessfulprofessions,buttheyalsoimprovetheir communitiesandinspirefuturegenerations Theyshape sectorsandprovideopportunitiesthatgobeyondbusiness bydemonstratingresilience,inventiveness,andcultural pride Byovercominginstitutionalconstraintsandusingtheir ancestrytotheiradvantage,thesetrailblazersareredefining successontheirownterms Theirexperiencesdemonstrate thecapacityofentrepreneurshiptocreatesocialand economicadvancement,makingthemacriticalcomponent oftheCanadiancorporateenvironment

Accordingtorecentsurveys,thereisanoteworthytrend: Indigenouswomenarebecomingincreasinglyinvolvedin entrepreneurship Accordingtostatistics,womenmakeup 232%ofIndigenouscompanyowners,whichishigherthan the195%ofnon-Indigenouswomenentrepreneurs Their perseveranceandwilltoovercomeobstacleslikefinancial constraints,structuralimpediments,and underrepresentationinseveralindustriesaredemonstrated bythisprogress

Trailblazers of Progress:

Celebrating Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs in Canada

Astrongsenseofpurposeandcommunityfuelsthegrowth ofIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs.Numerousofthese companiesintegratesocialimpactprograms,sustainability practices,andtraditionalcustomsthatbenefitboth Indigenousandnon-Indigenouscommunities Theirefforts gobeyondboostingtheeconomy;theyareessentialto protectingculturalheritage,empoweringpeople,and creatingwelcomingworkplaces Thesewomencontinueto shatterstereotypesandmotivateanewgenerationof Canadianentrepreneursthroughgovernmentassistance, mentorshipprograms,andIndigenous-ledbusinesses

SeveralIndigenouswomenentrepreneursaredriving transformationalchangeacrossindustries Theireffortsnot onlyprovideeconomicprospects,butalsopromotecultural representationandinclusivity

PresidentandCEOoftheCanadianCouncilfor AboriginalBusiness(CCAB) Bull,aNipissingFirst Nationmember,hasbeennamedoneof CanadasTop100MostPowerfulWomen She promotesIndigenousinclusionintheenergy sector

Rise of Indigenous Women in Entrepreneurship

Spotlight on Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

Tabatha Bull

ImageCourtesy:Canva

Guenther,thefounderofFeastCafe Bistro,iswell-knownforher Indigenous-inspiredcuisineand devotiontocommunity engagement

Lynn-Marie and Melissa-Rae Angus

FoundersofSistersSage,these entrepreneurscreatehandmade healthproductswithtraditional Indigenousingredients,combining culturalpreservationandself-care

Fiddler,aCreeentrepreneur, foundedSheNativetoempower Indigenouswomenviafashion andentrepreneurialopportunities

FounderoftheLesleyHampton fashionlabel,sheincorporates Indigenousmotifsintohigh fashionwhileadvocating diversityandvisibility.

Racette,aCree-Métis entrepreneurandthefounder andCEOofVirtualGurus,has achievednotablesuccessin thetechsectorbyobtaining substantialfinanceforher virtualassistantplatform

FounderofIskwéwAir,Canada's firstIndigenous-ownedairline dedicatedtoprovidingconnection inisolatedareas

UpliftingIndigenousstoriesand talentinmediacreationis Milliken'smissionasaco-founder ofBigSoulProductions

Co-founderofMINITIPI,atextile anddesignfirmthatcelebrates Indigenouscraftsmanshipand culture

Abusinessconsultantcommittedto bridgingthedividebetweenthe Indigenousandnon-Indigenous businesscommunitiesandassisting Indigenousfirmsinnavigatinglargescaleinitiatives

Lesley Hampton Laura Milliken

Bobbie Racette

Teara Fraser Nadine Bernard T

Devon Fiddler

Christa Guenther

Theseentrepreneursarebreakingdownboundariesand actingasrolemodelsforfuturegenerations

Supporting Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

OrganizationssuchastheNationalAboriginalCapital CorporationsAssociation(NACCA)andtheCanadian CouncilforAboriginalBusiness(CCAB)havecreated specificsupportprogramstoencouragethecontinuous growthofIndigenouswomenentrepreneurs NACCA's IndigenousWomenEntrepreneursProgramhasgrantedover 450microloansandassistedover1,000Indigenouswomen inCanada Thisinitiativehelpswomenstartandgrowtheir businessesbyprovidingfinancialaid,training,and networkingopportunities

Similarly,theCCABIndigenousWomenEntrepreneurship FundprovidesfinancialhelptoIndigenouswomenatany leveloftheirbusinessdevelopment Thesefundsenable entrepreneurstoinvestinproductdevelopment,marketing, andoperationalupgrades,settingthemupforlong-term success

Mentorshipprogramsandnetworkingactivitieshelp Indigenouswomenimprovetheirentrepreneurialpursuits Theseprogramsgivenecessarycounselbyconnecting themwithseasonedbusinessleaders,assistingthemin navigatingchallengesandcapitalizingonopportunities With continuousinvestmentandsupport,Indigenouswomen entrepreneurswillcontinuetomakesignificantcontributions toCanada'seconomicandculturallandscape

Challenges and Opportunities

Despitetheirexpandingpresenceintheeconomicsector, Indigenousfemaleentrepreneurscontinuetoconfront significantdifficulties Accesstomoneyremainsamajor challenge,withmanypeoplerelyingontheirownresources orcommunity-basedloanschemes Furthermore,systemic hurdlesincludinglimitedaccesstobusinesseducationand marketopportunitiesimpedelong-termperformance

However,newopportunitiesarearising.

DigitalTransformation–E-commerceanddigital marketinggiveIndigenousenterprisesgreatermarket access,allowingthemtooffertheirproductsand servicesworldwide

CulturalPreservation–ManyIndigenouswomen entrepreneursincorporatetraditionalknowledgeand skillsintotheirenterprises,promotingagreater awarenessforIndigenousculturewhilealsodeveloping sustainableeconomicmodels

CommunityImpact–Theseentrepreneursfrequently stresssocialandenvironmentalresponsibility,starting firmsthatbenefittheircommunitiesbycreatingjobsand supportinglocalprojects

Vision for the Future

ToassistIndigenouswomenentrepreneursin overcomingbarriersandattaininglong-term success,governments,investors,andcommunity organizationsshouldsolvefinancialissuesand expandaccesstobusinessresources Lookingahead,Indigenouswomenentrepreneurswill continuetoaltertheCanadianbusinesssceneby promotingeconomicinclusivityandcultural representation Theirsuccessencouragesjob development,economicempowerment,andamore profoundrespectforIndigenoustraditions

Tomaintainthismomentum,additionalinvestment inIndigenousentrepreneurshipisrequired Governmentsandprivateorganizationsmust addresssystemichurdlesbyincreasingfunding possibilities,mentoringprograms,andbusiness educationforIndigenouswomen.Bypromoting inclusiveeconomicpoliciesandhighlighting Indigenousperspectives,Canadacanensurea flourishingentrepreneurshipecosystem

RecognizingandrecognizingIndigenouswomen entrepreneursnotonlyhonorstheirefforts,butalso inspiresfuturegenerationstopursuetheirambitions aswell Asthesewomencontinuetoleadand innovate,theyareatremendousexampleof perseveranceandachievement,pavingthepathfor amoreinclusiveandprosperousCanada

TheIndigenous-SMEMagazineisagreatnewand seasonedresourceforCanada'ssmallIndigenous businesses Visitthewebsitebelowtoviewour magazine ClickheretofollowourXaccountfor newsupdates Sowhatareyouwaitingfor?Joinour business-lovingcommunityforinspiration, motivationandgrowth

Blazing Trails: Michelle's Indigenous Enterprise Revolution

In an exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Michelle Cameron, a proud member of Peguis First Nation and a mother of five, shares her remarkable journey as an Indigenous entrepreneur As the founder of three successful companies Dreamcatcher Promotions, Indigenous Nations Apparel Company, and Dreamcatcher Executive Offices Michelle has built a legacy of empowerment for both her community and Indigenous businesses across Canada. From overcoming challenges in securing capital to breaking new ground with the first Indigenous-owned store at CF Polo Park, Michelle’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to reconciliation through action In this interview, she reflects on the lessons learned, the opportunities created, and the importance of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship in driving meaningful change

Michelle Cameron is a member to Peguis First Nation and is a mother of five children Michelle is the owner of three companies Dreamcatcher Promotions, Indigenous Nations Apparel Company, and Dreamcatcher Executive Offices.

Dreamcatcher Promotions is the largest Indigenous owned promotional company in Canada and is one of the largest promotional companies in Winnipeg

Indigenous Nations Apparel Company (INAC) have 4 stores within Manitoba and Saskatchewan One store being located in the largest mall within Manitoba and recognized for being the first ever Indigenous owned store within CF Polo Park

Michelle Cameron Owner of Dreamcatcher Promotions

As the owner of three successful companies, including Canada's largest Indigenous-owned promotional company, what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered as an Indigenous entrepreneur in the Canadian business landscape?

AsanIndigenousownerofthreecompanies,Ihaveexperienced manychallengesovertheyearsbuthavealsobeenableto ceasemanyopportunitiesaswell

1.AccesstoCapital:Oneofthemostsignificanthurdleshas beensecuringfinancing Manymainstreaminvestorsmaynot fullyunderstandthevalueandpotentialofIndigenous businesses,leadingtobiasesthatcanimpedeaccessto necessaryfunding

Thishasrequiredmetobecreativeandresourcefulin seekingoutfundingopportunities,suchasgrants dedicatedtoIndigenousentrepreneursandpartnerships withorganizationsthatsupportIndigenousinitiatives

2 CulturalMisunderstandings:Navigatingthebusiness landscapecanbechallengingduetovaryinglevelsof understandingandrespectforIndigenouscultures.This sometimesleadstomiscommunicationsor misrepresentationsinbusinessdealings It’sessentialfor metoeducatemypartnersandclientsaboutourcultural valuesandbusinesspractices,fosteringadeepermutual respect Thispracticehasbeenquitesuccessful

Opportunities:

SupportNetworks:ThereisanetworkofIndigenous entrepreneursandorganizationsthatactivelysupportone another Thiscommunityprovidesopportunitiesfor mentorship,collaboration,andsharedresources,whichare invaluableforgrowthandsuccess Engagingwiththese networkshasnotonlysupportedmyventuresbuthasalso fosteredasenseofsolidarityandsharedpurpose

3 IncreasingDemandforIndigenousProducts:There’sa risingtrendinthemarketforIndigenousproductsand services,drivenbyabroadersocietalmovementtowards reconciliationandrecognitionofIndigenousrights Thisshift hasopeneddoorsformybusinessestothriveas consumersseektosupportIndigenous-ledenterprises

Your company, Indigenous Nations Apparel Company (INAC), has achieved a significant milestone by opening the first Indigenousowned store in CF Polo Park. How has this accomplishment impacted your business and the broader Indigenous business community?

1.IncreasedVisibility:GainingapresenceinCFPolo Parkhaselevatedourbrand'svisibility,attracteda diversecustomerbaseandincreasedfoottrafficto ourstore

2.ConsumerTrustandLoyalty:Asapioneerinthis space,customersmayfeelasenseofprideand supportforIndigenousentrepreneurship,leadingto strongerconsumerloyaltyandrepeatbusiness

3.SalesGrowth:Theexposureinhigh-trafficretail locationshastranslatedtoincreasedsales,allowingme toreinvestinmybusiness,expandproductlines,and enhancemarketingefforts

4 NetworkingOpportunities:Beingpartofaprestigious retailenvironmenthasopeneddoorstocollaborations, partnerships,andnetworkingopportunities

5 InspirationandRoleModel:Yoursuccesscaninspire otherIndigenousentrepreneurstopursuetheirbusiness dreams,showingthatitispossibletobreakinto mainstreamretailmarkets

6.EconomicEmpowerment:Yoursuccesscontributesto economicdevelopmentwithinIndigenouscommunities, potentiallyleadingtojobcreationandeconomic opportunitiesforcommunitymembers

Dreamcatcher Promotions has evolved significantly since its inception as Dreamcatcher Embroidery. Can you share some key strategies that have helped you adapt and expand your business while maintaining a focus on quality and innovation?

OriginallystartingasDreamcatcherEmbroidery, expandingintopromotionalproductsallowedour companytocatertoawidermarket Thiscould includeditemslikecustomapparel,bags,and promotionalgiveawaysthatalignwiththebranding needsofourclients

OvertheyearsInvestinginadvancedembroidery andprintingtechnologycanenhanceproduction efficiencyandproductquality Exploringdigital printingtechniquesorautomatedembroidery machinescanleadtoinnovativedesignsandfaster turnaroundtimesllenges,andsuccessestohighlight theimportanceofIndigenousentrepreneurshipinthe reconciliationprocess.

BuildingStrongRelationships:Fosteringrelationships withclients,suppliers,andlocalbusinessescanlead torepeatbusinessandreferrals Attendingtrade shows,networkingevents,andengagingin communityinitiativescanstrengthenthese connections

StrongOnlinePresence:Developingauser-friendly websiteandleveragingsocialmediaformarketing increasedourvisibilityandaccessibility Thisincluded showcasingproducts,sharingsuccessstories,and engagingwithcustomerstobuildacommunity aroundourbrand

Indigenous Entrepreneurship

You've expressed interest in discussing reconciliation through action. In your experience, how can Indigenous-owned businesses like yours contribute to the broader goals of reconciliation in Canada?

Reconciliationisveryimportanttome Wehavebeenin businessforanumberofyears,andthisisbyfaroneofthe mostimportanttopics

Asthelargestownedpromotionalcompany,weprint1000s ofOrangeshirtsandshiptoclientsacrossCanada

WeuseourownjourneyasanIndigenousentrepreneurasa casestudytoinspireothers Shareyourexperiences, challenges,andsuccessestohighlighttheimportanceof Indigenousentrepreneurshipinthereconciliationprocess

PromoteandbuildPartnershipswithNon-Indigenous Organizationsthroughjointinitiativesthatfocuson community-building,culturalawareness,andeducation IncorporatingIndigenoushistoryandperspectivesinto marketingcampaigns,therebyraisingawarenessamong yourclientsandtheiraudiences

As we conclude our interview, what advice would you offer to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, especially those facing barriers in the business world, to help them achieve success and make a positive impact in their communities?

WhenIspeakatvariouseventsandspeakingengagements acrossthecountry,Ialwaystellentrepreneurstobelievein themselves Believeinwhatyouaredoing Therearegoingto betimesthataretough,andyoumaywanttogiveupbut keeppushing Surroundyourselfwithagreatsupportsystem Asamother,IhadmanychallengesfromthemomentI openedmyeyes Iamamotherbeforeanythingelseandmy childrenarethereasonIdowhatIdo Iwantedtobuildalife forthemandabusinessthatwouldsustainusandgrowas theydidfortheirfamiliestohaveoneday

FromTVtoDreamCamps: EmpoweringCanada'sIndigenousEntrepreneurs

In an exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Geena Cynthia Alice Jackson, a proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt), shares her inspiring journey as a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and economic development As the founder of Bears’ Lair TV and Bears’ Lair Dream Camps, Geena has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship across Canada With over 25 years of experience serving First Nation communities, she has empowered over 800 Indigenous entrepreneurs, while fostering the growth of youth leaders through entrepreneurial education. Geena discusses her vision for economic reconciliation, the impact of Bears’ Lair TV, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities. Her efforts are not just changing the business landscape they are creating lasting legacies for future generations

Geena is a devoted advocate for Indigenous rights and economic development, with 25+ years of experience serving First Nation communities across Canada As a proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt), she is deeply committed to strengthening Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships with industry experts and government bodies

Geena has helped over 800 Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses and social enterprises, leading to the creation of the Bears’ Lair TV, an entrepreneurial competition show airing on APTN (Season 1 & 2) and CBC Gem (Season 1) where she joins each week as one of four core judges.

Bears' Lair TV has grown from a small project during the pandemic to a national platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs. How has this journey shaped your vision for Indigenous economic development in Canada?

ThejourneyofBears'LairTVhasbeentruly transformative Whatstartedasasmallprojectduring thepandemichasgrownintoapowerfulnational platformthatamplifiesthevoicesofIndigenous entrepreneursandshowcasestheincredibletalent, innovation,andresiliencewithinourcommunities

Thisexperiencehasreinforcedmybeliefthat Indigenouseconomicdevelopmentisnotjustabout business it’saboutempowerment,self-sufficiency,and reclaimingoureconomicsovereignty ThroughBears' LairTV,I’vewitnessedfirsthandhowaccessto mentorship,funding,andvisibilitycanchangelives.It hasshapedmyvisiontocontinuebreakingdown barriers,creatingopportunities,andfostering meaningfulpartnershipsthatsupportIndigenous entrepreneursateverystageoftheirjourney

Geena Cynthia Alice Jackson

Creator and Executive Producer of Bears’ Lair TV / Founder & President of Sparkly Frog Clan Productions Inc

MygoalistoseeIndigenousbusinessesthriveinevery sector,fromtechtotourism,andtobuildafuturewhere ouryouthgrowupknowingthatsuccessisnotjust possible itisinevitable Economicreconciliationstarts withinvestinginIndigenousentrepreneurs,andBears' LairTVandtheBears’LairEntrepreneurDreamCamps arejustthebeginningofthatmovement.

With Bears' Lair Dream Camps approaching its 50th session, what key lessons have you learned about empowering Indigenous youth through entrepreneurship education?

Reachingour50thsessionwithBears'LairDream Campshasbeenanincrediblemilestone,andthrough thisjourney,we’velearnedsomuchaboutwhatittruly takestoempowerIndigenousyouththrough entrepreneurshipeducation

Oneofthemostimportantlessonsisthatconfidenceis thefoundationofsuccess Manyoftheyouthwework withhaveincredibleideasandtalentbutlacktheselfbelieftotakethatfirststep Bycreatingasafe, supportive,andinspiringenvironment,wehelpthem buildtheconfidencetousetheirvoices,takerisks,and turntheirideasintoreality

Anotherkeytakeawayisthepowerofculturallyrooted learning Whenweintegratetraditionalknowledge, storytelling,andIndigenouswaysofknowingintoour programs,thelessonsbecomemoremeaningfuland impactful Youthfeelastrongerconnectiontotheir heritagewhilealsogainingthetoolstothriveintoday’s businessworld

Wehavealsoseenthatmentorshipiseverything When youngpeoplehaverolemodelswholooklikethemand havewalkedasimilarpath,itshiftstheirperspectiveon what’spossible.SeeingIndigenousentrepreneurs succeedgivesthemthemotivationtodreambigger andpursuetheirownventures

Ultimately,Bears'LairDreamCampsareaboutmore thanjustbusiness they’reaboutcreatingfutureleaders, changemakers,andcommunitybuilders Thebiggest lessonwe’velearnedisthatwhenyouinvestin Indigenousyouth,youareinvestinginthefutureofentire nations

Indigenous entrepreneurship is growing rapidly in Canada. How do you see Bears' Lair TV and Dream Camps contributing to this trend, and what unique challenges do Indigenous entrepreneurs face?

Bears'LairTVandDreamCampsareattheforefrontof drivingIndigenousentrepreneurshipbyproviding education,mentorship,andnationalvisibilitytoaspiring businessowners ThroughBears’LairTV,wecelebrate andshowcaseIndigenousentrepreneurs,sharingtheir successstoriesandprovingthatIndigenous-led businessesarethrivingacrossallindustries.Thiskindof representationispowerful itnotonlyinspiresthenext generationbutalsohelpsshiftperceptionsabout Indigenousbusinessleadershiponanationalscale

Bears’LairDreamCampstakethisinspirationandturns itintoaction WeworkdirectlywithIndigenousyouth, equippingthemwithpracticalskillsinbusiness development,financialliteracy,marketing,leadership, andnetworking.Butmoreimportantly,wefoster confidence,publicspeaking,developingpresentation skillsbutmostimportantlyconnectingwitheachother andhelpingyouthbelievethattheyarecapableof turningtheirideasintosustainablebusinesses By integratingIndigenousvalues,culturalteachings,anda community-firstapproach,wecreatealearning environmentthatempowersyouthtoembrace entrepreneurshipinawaythatalignswiththeiridentity andtraditions

Despitethisgrowth,Indigenousentrepreneursstillface uniquechallenges Limitedaccesstofundingand capitalremainsamajorhurdle,asmanyIndigenous communitieslacktraditionalbankingrelationshipsor collateralforbusinessloansandinformationabout credit,howtogetit,howtomaintainitandhowto repairit Geographicbarriersalsoplayarole, especiallyforthoseinremoteareaswhere infrastructureandresourcesforbusinessdevelopment arescarce Additionally,navigatinggovernment policiesandgrantapplicationscanbeoverwhelming withouttherightsupportsystemsinplace

AnotherkeychallengeistheexpectationthatIndigenous businessesservebothaneconomicandsocialpurpose manyentrepreneursfeeltheweightofnotjustgrowing abusiness,butalsogivingbacktotheircommunities andpreservingculturalintegrity Thisrequiresabalance thatnon-Indigenousbusinessesmaynotalwayshave toconsider

That’swhyBears'LairTVandDreamCampsareso important Wearebuildingamovementwhere Indigenousentrepreneurshaveaccesstomentorship, fundingpathways,andastrongnetworkofpeerswho uplifteachother Byaddressingthesechallengesheadonandprovidingthetoolstosucceed,wearehelpingto createafuturewhereIndigenousbusinessesare thriving,sustainable,andrecognizedasadrivingforcein Canada’seconomy.

You started your entrepreneurial journey at age 8 and launched a national TV show at 52. How has your perspective on entrepreneurship evolved, and what advice would you give to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs of all ages?

Myjourneyasanentrepreneurhasbeenshapedby resilience,adaptability,andadeepcommitmentto upliftingothers Startingmyfirstbusinessateightyears oldandlaterlaunchinganationalTVshowat52has givenmeauniqueperspectiveonentrepreneurship it’s notjustaboutmakingmoney;itsaboutcreating opportunities,solvingproblems,andleavingalasting impactonyourcommunity

WhenIwasyounger,Isawentrepreneurshipasawayto beindependentandcreative,totakecontrolofmyown future.Overtheyears,myperspectivehasexpanded. Now,Iseeitasatoolforempowerment notjustfor myself,butforIndigenousentrepreneursacrossthe country Bears’LairTVandDreamCampshaveshown methatIndigenousbusinessesaremorethanjust businesses theyareexpressionsofculture,resilience, andcommunity-drivensuccess.Theycreatejobs, inspirefuturegenerations,andstrengthentheeconomic fabricofournations

ForaspiringIndigenousentrepreneursofallages,my biggestpieceofadviceis:juststart Youdon’thaveto haveeverythingfiguredoutrightaway Themost importantthingistotakethatfirststep,whetherit’s writingdownyouridea,testingaproduct,orseeking mentorship Fearandself-doubtwillalwaysbethere, butsuccesscomesfrompushingthroughandbelieving inyourselfevenwhennooneelsedoes yet

Secondly,buildyournetwork Entrepreneurshipisnota solojourney Surroundyourselfwithpeoplewhouplift you,whochallengeyou,andwhoshareyourvision Seek outmentors,askquestions,andneverbeafraidtolearn fromthosewhohavewalkedthepathbeforeyou

Indigenous Empowerment

Lastly,staytruetowhoyouare Indigenous entrepreneursbringsomethinguniquetothebusiness world ourvalues,ourtraditions,ourdeepconnectionto thelandandcommunity.Don’tbeafraidtoweavethose elementsintoyourbusiness That’swhatmakesyou standout,andthat’swhatwillmakeyourbusinessnot justsuccessful,butmeaningful Whetheryou’re8,18,or52,it’snevertooearlyortoolate tostart Indigenousentrepreneurshipisaboutmorethan justbusiness it’saboutcreatingalegacythatwilluplift ourpeopleforgenerationstocome.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Indigenous business in Canada, and what role do you see for initiatives like Bears' Lair in shaping that future?

Lookingahead,I’mincrediblyoptimisticaboutthefuture ofIndigenousbusinessinCanada Indigenous entrepreneursarealreadymakingremarkablestrides, andIbelieveweareonthecuspofamajor transformation AsmoreIndigenousbusinessesrise, therewillbeashiftintheeconomiclandscape,where ourcommunitiesnotonlythrivefinanciallybutalso reclaimandcelebrateourculture,traditions,andvalues throughbusiness

AtBears'Lair,we’rededicatedtobeingpartofthat change Ourroleistocontinuefosteringandsupporting thenextgenerationofIndigenousleadersand entrepreneurs We’veseenfirsthandhowprogramslike Bears’LairDreamCampsandBears'LairTVhavethe powertoignitepassionanddriveinyouth,instillingthe skills,confidence,andvisionIndigenousyouthneedto succeed Theseinitiativesareaboutmorethanjust business it’saboutbuildingcommunity,empowering youngpeople,andgivingthemthetoolstobuildafuture thatreflectswhotheyareandwheretheycomefrom

IenvisionafuturewhereIndigenousbusinesseshavethe resources,networks,andopportunitiestoflourish,where ourvoicesareheardineveryindustry,andwherewe’re leadingthechargeinsectorsliketechnology,green energy,andsocialenterprises Bears'Lairwillcontinueto playacrucialroleinthisjourneybyproviding mentorship,resources,andplatformsforemerging entrepreneurstoshine

ThefutureofIndigenousbusinessisbright,andinitiatives likeBears'Lairwillbekeytoshapingthatfuture.We’re notjustteachingbusiness;we’reteachingleadership, resilience,andtheimportanceofcommunity-driven success ByprovidingthespaceforIndigenousyouthto exploretheirentrepreneurialdreams,we’rehelpingto buildafuturewhereIndigenousbusinessisnotjusta partoftheeconomy itisacornerstoneofit.

An Interview with Longhouse CEO

Grow Your Business: Keenan Beavis

FounderofLonghouseBranding&Marketing

In an exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Keenan Beavis, founder of Longhouse Branding & Marketing, shares his journey of building one of the largest Indigenous-owned marketing agencies globally With a deep passion for empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, Keenan discusses the challenges and opportunities in business, how his BJJ philosophy shapes his leadership style, and the importance of blending traditional storytelling with modern marketing strategies Recognized as one of Canada’s top young Indigenous entrepreneurs, Keenan’s insights are invaluable for those looking to make a lasting impact in the business world.

Keenan Beavis is the founder of Longhouse Branding & Marketing, one of the largest Indigenous-owned marketing agencies in the world A proud Métis entrepreneur, Keenan has helped over 850 businesses generate more than $335 million in revenue by combining timeless business principles with modern marketing innovations Recognized as a 30 Under 30 honoree, and the National CCIB Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year, he is passionate about helping businesses grow, empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Outside of business, Keenan is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete and advocate for economic development through entrepreneurship

As the founder of one of the world's largest Indigenous-owned marketing agencies, what do you believe are the most critical challenges facing business leaders today, and how does Longhouse address these?

There’salotofchallenges,buttheoneIseemostis business&communityleadersgettingstuckwearingtoo manyhats Often,theyendupexhaustedinsteadof focusingonthepartsoftheirjobthatthey’rebestat

Gettingstuckwithaneverendingto-dolistisatrap.Its keepinghighlycompetentleadersfrommakingthe impacttheyknowtheycouldifonlytheyhadmoretime

Theseleadersaresosuccessfulbutoftenwon'tbeable torelaxandenjoyitbecausethey'resimplytoobusy

Ilovetheprincipleofjobspecialization Whensomeone triestodoeverything,nothinggetsdonewell Imagineif GordonRamseywasdoinghisownwebdesign ordoing thebookkeepingforeachrestaurant…

AtLonghouseBranding&Marketing,wehelpbusiness leadersgetoutoftheto-dolisttrap OurGrowth Consultantswillask,“Whatarethetasksonyourto-dolist thatonlyyoucando?”Thenwehelpdelegatetherest

Bytakingmarketingandbrandingofftheirminds,wefree themtofocusonwhattheydobest,whetherthat’sleading theirteam,refiningtheirproduct,orhavingmoretimewith family

That’sretargeting AlloverplatformslikeFacebook, InstagramandGoogleyou’llseereviews,peoplewearing them,andcontentexplaininghowthesweatpantswill benefityou That’spowerful Butwemixthatwith storytellinganditbecomesevenstronger.

Growingabusinessisn'taboutworkingharder;itsabout focusingonwhatyoudobest.

Longhouse has helped over 850 business leaders generate more than $335 million in revenue. What's your secret to consistently delivering such impressive results across diverse industries?

Growingabusinesstakesbothtimelessprinciplesand moderninnovations It’slikeyinandyang Ononeside,you havethefundamentalsthatneverchange.Ontheother, youhavenewstrategiesthatkeepbusinessesahead The realpowercomesfromwalkingthemiddle,‘serpentine’ pathwherebothareinbalance Nomattertheindustry, havingabalancebetweentheseconceptsiswhatwillget results

AtLonghouse,westayontopofmarketingtrendsanduse thelatesttools,likeofferingretargetingadvertising You knowwhenyouvisitasite,likeLululemon,anddon’tbuy anything,butthenthosesweatpantsfollowyou everywhere?

Iwasluckytogrowupwithaccesstocomputers,data, andWi-Fi ManyIndigenousyouthdon’thavethatsame access That’swhyit’scriticalweactivelyinvestindigital skillsandknowledge-sharing WhenIndigenous entrepreneurscombinetraditionalprincipleslike storytellingwithmodernmarketingmethods,theydon’t juststandout.Theywin.

As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete, how do you apply the principles of martial arts to your business strategy and leadership style?

I'vebeentrainingBrazilianJiu-Jitsu(BJJ)forover15 years Itstaughtmealotaboutbusiness TogrowinBJJ,youneedstrongtrainingpartners That meanssharingyourbestmovesandinvestinginthe peoplearoundyou Thebettertheyget,thebetteryou get Bygivingback,yougrowmore Asaleaderyou needtosharewhatyouknowwithyourteam Evenif theyendupgoingtoworksomewhereelse,bybeing giving,youstrengthenyourtrustwithyourteamandthat culturewillweaveitswaythroughoutyourentire business Marketingworksbestwhenit’sclear,notjustclever That’swhereIndigenousbusinesseshaveanedge Storytellingisalreadyacorepartofourculture,andit’s themosteffectivewaytoberemembered Thekeyis pairingthatstrengthwithinnovativestrategies

BJJhasalsoreinforcedtheimportanceofconsistency Therearedaysyoudon’twanttotrain,butshowingup andimprovingevenonethingcompoundsovertime That’showyoubreakthroughplateaus,whetherinJiuJitsuorbusiness

Plateausarecommoninbothbusiness&jiu-jitsu WhenI wasabluebelt,Ihita2-yearlongwall Ikeptrelyingon thesametechniques,andeventhoughItrainedthree timesaweek,Iwasn’timproving Thebreakthrough camewhenIstartedputtingmyselfinbadpositionson purpose,lettingmypartnerstartinanadvantageous spotorforcingmyselftoavoidmyfavoritemoveslike theguillotineortrianglechoke

Inbusiness,breakingthroughaplateauoftenmeans doingsomethinguncomfortable,likedelegating.Fora longtime,Iheldontoprojectmanagement,andit severelylimitedourgrowth OnceIletgoandbuilta teamoffiveprojectmanagers,wewereabletohelp10 timesmoreorganizationsthanIevercouldalone Sometimes,thekeytolevelingupistrustingothersand steppingintodiscomfort Notably,you’llseethemathof 5managersincreasingourcapacityby10.Duetojob specialization,there’slessstress,allowingeachteam membertofocusontheirkeyfunctioninLonghouse

As we conclude, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from Indigenous backgrounds, looking to make their mark in business?

Takeachanceonyourselfandalwayskeepyour promises Whetherthepromiseistosomeoneelseorto yourself,whenyoudowhatyousay,goodthingswill happen

Everywallthatwe’vegrownpastatLonghousehasbeen aresultofmyself-promisetoeverydaydoingatleast onethingthatmakesthebusiness1%better.

Disclaimer:

Theviewsandopinionsexpressedinthisinterviewarethoseof theintervieweeanddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsof Indigenous-SMESmallBusinessMagazine Thecontent providedisforinformationalpurposesonlyanddoesnot constituteprofessionalorlegaladvice

Increasing Indigenous Representation in Tech

In this exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Denis Villeneuve, Cybersecurity & Resilience Practice Leader for Kyndryl Canada, and Mark Matheson, Executive Sponsor of Kyndryl Canada's Indigenous Working Group, share their insights on fostering Indigenous representation and economic empowerment in the tech sector With years of experience in technology and cybersecurity, Denis and Mark discuss the significant role of digital literacy, IT training, and strategic partnerships in bridging the digital divide. They highlight Kyndryl Foundation’s impactful initiatives, like its work with JEDI, and the importance of supporting Indigenous talent, as well as Kyndryl's commitment to inclusive procurement and workforce development. This conversation delves into the steps needed to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and increase diversity within the tech ecosystem, creating pathways for future generations of leaders

Mark Matheson, as the Vice President of Complex Solutioning Unit and Sales Acceleration, leads a team of dedicated Complex Solution Executive, Solution Managers, and Proposal Writers that drive innovative solutions to design, build, and run Canada’s mission critical IT environments With over twenty-five years experience in the IT industry, Mark is a trusted advisor to his customers and takes great pride in how his solutions help Canadians He is innovative and analytical and is actively involved in modernizing the public sector procurement process through his position on the National Board of Technation.

Denis Villeneuve (pronounced “vil nuv”) is the Cybersecurity & Resilience Practice Leader for Canada at Kyndryl He has worked in the security industry for over 15 years, delivering complex, multi-year security solutions and services for some of the largest and most diverse clients in Canada Denis is also the Co-Chair of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous Working Group and is a passionate advocate for advancing Indigenous representation in the Canadian tech and cybersecurity sectors.

Executive sponsor of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous Working Group

Cybersecurity & Resilience Practice Leader for Canada at Kyndryl

Could you elaborate on Kyndryl Foundation's mission and vision, and how its grant programs support communities globally, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and AI skills development?

DenisVilleneuve,Co-ChairofKyndrylCanada’s Indigenousemployeeresourcegroup,Security& ResiliencePracticeLeader-Canada:KyndrylFoundation isthephilanthropicarmofKyndryl,theworldslargestIT infrastructureservicesprovider,andsupportsthe communitieswherewedobusinessbyaddressingcritical societalissuesthroughlocalgrantfunding,volunteerism andinvestments Weinvestinpeople,ideasand organizationstobuildabrighterfutureforcommunities. Ourmissionistoenvisionaworldinwhicheveryperson hastheresourcesandopportunitiesneededtothrive

BothcybersecurityandAIhaveahugeimpacton organizationsandindividuals TheKyndrylReadinessReport showsthatthereisasignificantgapbetween organizationalintentandactualreadinesstomitigaterisk inbothcybersecurityandAI Akeycontributortothisgapis theshortageofskilledresources TheKyndrylFoundation grantsaimtohelpaddressthetalentgapintheseareas bydrivingskillsdevelopmentinitiativesincollaborationwith granteenonprofits

Wewanttocreateamoreinclusiveandskilledworkforce, whileaddressingthecriticalshortageofcybersecurityand AIprofessionals

Twelvenonprofitorganizationsfrom11countrieshavebeen awardedgrantsthisyear,includinginCanada The programisexpectedtotouchthelivesofmorethan 55,000peopleoverthenexttwoyearsthroughskills development,awarenessandjobplacementactivities

How does the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) align with Kyndryl Foundation's goals, and what specific impact do you envision this grant will have on JEDI's efforts to enhance Indigenous representation in the tech sector? (up to 200 words only)

MarkMatheson,ExecutivesponsorofKyndrylCanada’s IndigenousWorkingGroup:JEDIembodiesthetypeof organizationthatwewanttosupportaswecollectively worktobuildamoreinclusiveeconomy JEDIempowers IndigenouscommunitiesthroughdigitalliteracyandIT training,andtheyhelpbridgethegapinruraland underrepresentedcommunities JEDIiscreating sustainablevaluewithinIndigenouscommunities,andwe areexcitedtodrivepositivesocialimpacttogether

JEDIisdedicatedtoworkingwithpartnerstofoster economicself-sufficiencyandworkforcedevelopmentfor allIndigenousPeoplesandcommunitiesinNewBrunswick byprovidingaccesstotraining,businessdevelopment,and ITservices,ensuringmeaningfulparticipationinthe workforceandeconomy Theprogramutilizesexperienced ITinstructorsandIndigenousKnowledgekeepersand Elderstoensuretheeducationalandculturalbalance neededforcontinuedsuccess

Todate,JEDI’sworkforcedevelopmentinitiativeshave resultedinanimpressive30%increaseinIndigenous employmentinparticipatingsectors,includingIT The KyndrylFoundationgrantwillenableJEDItogrowand enhanceitsCybersecurityandITprogram,andweaimto helpthemincreaseIndigenousrepresentationintecheven further

As Executive Sponsor of Kyndryl Canada’s Indigenous Working Group, what strategies do you believe are most effective in increasing Indigenous participation in the Canadian cybersecurity and tech industries, and how can other organizations support this initiative?

Mark:Iencourageeveryonetoreadthestrategies laidoutintheTruthandReconciliation Commission’scalltoaction#92 Itlaysoutaclear andconciseframeworkthatallorganizationsshould embrace Thesecallstoactioninclude:

1.Committingtomeaningfulconsultationswith Indigenouscommunities;

2EnsuringthatIndigenouspeopleshaveequitable accesstojobs,training,andeducation;and

3Providingeducationtoallstaffonthehistoryof indigenouspeoples

Iinternalizetheseasfollows: Throughmeaningfulconsultations,wecanbetter understandthebarrierstoentryforIndigenous resources Wecanthenadaptinternshipand earlyprofessionalhiringprogramstobetter supportandmentorthisnewworkforce ByworkingwithIndigenousleaderslikeJEDIand otherpost-secondaryeducationinstitutions,we canensurewecontinuetodevelopapipelineof skillstogrowtheCanadiantalentbase Byeducatingmanagementandstaffonthe historyofIndigenousPeoples,wecanfostera moreinclusiveworkforceandaccelerate innovationbyembracingthisdiversityof experiences Bybeingavoiceforchangeforprocurement modernization,wecansupportIndigenous socio-economicandbusinessdevelopment withinourownorganizationsandwithinour supplychains.

ImageCourtesy:Canva

How do you see digital literacy and IT training programs like those supported by Kyndryl Foundation contributing to the broader goal of economic empowerment for Indigenous communities, and what role do you believe these programs play in bridging the digital divide?

Denis:DigitalliteracyandITtrainingprograms,suchas thosesupportedbytheKyndrylFoundation,playacrucial roleinempoweringIndigenouscommunitieseconomically Theseprogramsprovideessentialskillsthatenable individualstoparticipateinthedigitaleconomy,thereby enhancingtheiremploymentprospectsandeconomicselfsufficiency

JEDI’sprogramistrulyspecial It’saccessible,withnoupfrontcostsforstudents It’spractical,withstudents participatinginaco-opmodelwithpaidinternships And uponcompletingthefullthree-tieredprogram,students earnatwo-yearcollegediplomafromCCNB,alocalcollege inNewBrunswick It’srelevant,withcurriculumdevelopedin collaborationwithkeyindustryleaders,IndigenousIT companies,CCNB,andMi'kmaq/WolastoqiyikEldersand KnowledgeKeepers Infact,theprogramintegratesspiritual andculturalteachingsalongsidetechtraining

ProgramslikeJEDI’sarevitalforempoweringIndigenous communities,enhancingtheireconomicopportunities,and bridgingthedigitaldivide Theyneedthesupportfromthe techindustrytoensuremoreIndigenousstudentshave accesstothisimportanttrainingthatwillhaveaprofound impactbothintheirpersonalandprofessionallives

ChiefClarenceLouieoftheOsoyoosechoedtheimportance offocusingontheeconomyforIndigenouscommunitiesin hisbookRezRules IndigenouscommunitiesarethefastestgrowingpopulationinCanada,withmostindividualsunder theageof18 Buildingpathwaystoenablethemforabright futureisessentialfortheireconomicempowermentand bridgingthedigitaldivide

What advice or insights would you like to share with small and medium-sized businesses looking to support Indigenous skills training and increase diversity in their own organizations, and how can they contribute to creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem?

Denis:Smallandmedium-sizedbusinesses(SMBs) lookingtosupportIndigenousskillstrainingand increasediversitycantakeseveralimpactfulsteps Firstly,partneringwithIndigenouseducational institutionsandorganizations,suchasJEDI,tooffer scholarships,internships,andmentorshipprograms cansignificantlyenhanceIndigenoustalent development Businessescanalsocreateinclusive hiringpracticesthatprioritizediversityandactively seektoemployIndigenousindividuals Providing ongoingculturalcompetencytrainingforemployees canalsofosteramoreinclusiveworkplace environmentthatisfueledbyknowledgeand understanding.

IalsoencouragecompaniestocreateEmployee ResourceGroups,aswe’vedoneatKyndryl,tosupport Indigenousandotherunderrepresentedgroupswithin theorganization,providingaplatformfornetworking, mentorship,andadvocacy Recently,ourIndigenous andWomen’sgroupscametogethertocelebrate InternationalWomen’sDay Weheardfromprominent CanadianfemaleIndigenousleaders,sharingtheir livedexperiencesofbeingIndigenouswomeninthe workplace Thissolidarityandshowofsupportfor eachotherwaspowerful

TheseeffortsnotonlybenefitIndigenouscommunities butalsobringdiverseperspectivesandinnovationto thebusinessesthemselves,drivinggrowthand successinthelongterm

ImageCourtesy:Kyndryl

Shaping Canada's Innovation Landscape

Jennifer Flanagan Joel Gamache CEO,Actua SeniorManager, InSTEMProgram, Actua

In this exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Jennifer Flanagan, Cofounder and CEO of Actua, and Joel Gamache, Actua's Indigenous Youth in STEM Program Sr Manager, share their vision for transforming STEM education for Indigenous youth Through their innovative InSTEM program, they break down barriers and provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage with STEM, offering mentorship, leadership opportunities, and landbased learning experiences. Their work is helping shape Canada's future workforce by fostering inclusivity, diversity, and leadership in the sciences, with a particular focus on empowering youth from underrepresented communities

Jennifer Flanagan, Actua's Co-founder and CEO, is a visionary leader transforming Canada's STEM education landscape. A trailblazer in technology equity, STEM education, diversity and inclusion, Jennifer's expertise has propelled Actua's growth, helping the organization engage 500 000 youth annually and dismantling systemic barriers to STEM engagement. Actua’s programs focus on girls, Indigenous youth, Black Youth, youth in rural and remote communities including in the North, and youth experiencing socio-economic challenges

Joel Gamache is a proud Red River Métis man and passionate educator and is Actua's Indigenous Youth in STEM Program Sr Manager Joel has previously served as a learning support facilitator, Administrator and Divisional Supervisor Joel and his family have always been connected to the land Those lessons and experiences carry and guide him through his life as a Michif person

How does Actua's InSTEM program uniquely address the barriers Indigenous youth face in STEM education, and what impact have you seen on participants' confidence and career aspirations?

Actua’sIndigenousYouthinSTEM(InSTEM)programis centeredonrecognizing,articulatinganddemonstrating thatIndigenousknowledgeisSTEMknowledge Weinvite youthtolearningexperiencesonthelandandongoing mentorshipwithpractitionersthrougharelationaland strength-basedapproach.Actuaworkstocreatenextstepopportunitiesandpathwayswhereyouthcansee themselvesrepresentedineachstepahead–from elementaryschool,throughhighschoolandintopostsecondaryeducation Weidentifyourpriorities collaborativelywithcommunities,youthandElders This approachrespondstothelocalneedsofnotonlyour humanrelativesandtheirancestralknowledgebutalso thatofourfirstteacher,theland Thisland-based approachbraidsthetraditionalknowledgeofthearea andtheculturalcommunitypriorities Werecognizethis isanon-linearprocess,withmanyentrypointswhere youthcanfindcommunityanddon’tneedtochoose betweenIndigenousknowledgeandSTEM Supporting theirsenseofbelongingisanimportantelementofour programmingandcriticaltosustainingengagement throughouttheireducationaljourney

Can you share a success story that exemplifies how the InSTEM model has transformed a young person ' s life or career trajectory?

Itischallengingtoshareonlyonesuccessstory,butour currentInSTEMintern,whoisafirst-yearundergraduate student,isagoodexample BenjibegantheirInSTEM journeythreeyearsago,whentheyconnectedwith Actuaatoneofourhigh-schoollandcamps Benjiwas inspiredbytheexperienceandElderguidanceto continueconnectingwithIndigenousknowledgeand STEM Later,theyjoinedtheActuaInSTEMYouthCouncil, returnedtothelandcampasecondtime,andwere recognizedbytheirhighschoolfortheirleadership They foundthecouragethroughActua’sInSTEMYouth Delegationtopursuepost-secondaryeducationdespite describingacademiaasunattainableintheirhighschool graduatingyear AsanActuaintern,Benjiisnowactively mentoringandsupportingwithinourInSTEMprograms, developingopportunitiesforotheryouthtofindtheir voiceandoffertheiruniqueperspectives Theyare leadingconversationswithinournetwork,speakingat nationalconferencesandofferingtheirwisdomonhow toengageandinspireIndigenousyouthinSTEM.Benjiwill alsoworkasanActuaoutreachinstructorthissummer, deliveringSTEMoutreachprogrammingintheNorthwith thehopeofinspiringthenextgenerationofyouth

How do you see Actua's work contributing to Canada's innovation future, and what role do you believe early STEM engagement plays in shaping the country's workforce?

Canadahasanopportunitytotakeonglobal leadershipinareaslikeAIinnovationandscientific discovery,butweneedastrong,skilledandpassionate STEMworkforcetodothat Actuaisproudtobepartof ensuringthatthenextgenerationisnotonlyreadyfor thejobsofthefuturebutalsoinspiredtoleadinthem

Webuildin-demandskillsforyouthinSTEM Canadais facingacriticalworkforceshortageinSTEMfieldsand buildingthatworkforcestartsnow.Fromelementary schoolthroughhighschoolandintopost-secondary education,Actuahelpsyouthseetheopportunities withinSTEMfields Youthneedtoknowtheybelongand thattheskillstheydevelopwillunlocktheirleadership potential

Beyondcareers,sparkingscientificcuriosityisalso important Kidsarenaturallycurious,andwewantto nurturethatcuriositytogetthemexcited,notjustabout sciencebutalsotheirabilitytoshapetheworldaround them

In what ways does Actua's approach to STEM education differ from traditional methods, particularly in engaging underrepresented groups like girls, Black youth, and those in remote communities?

ManyyouthacrossCanada–especiallythosefrom groupstraditionallyunderrepresentedand underemployedinSTEM–aretellingusthattheydon’t seethemselvesinthesefields Theylovebuilding, designing,problem-solvingandscientificdiscovery,but theydon’tseehowtheiridentityconnectswith“STEM” That’saproblemwe’reactivelyworkingtosolve.

InadditiontoSTEMengagement,Actuaworkstobreak downthesystemicbarrierspreventingyouthfrom engaginginthefirstplace,includingfinancial, geographical,institutionalandsocietalones Wedothis bypartneringwithschoolboards,educators,parents, communityorganizationsandIndigenousleaders.

Beyondaccess,weknowthatSTEMhastofeel approachable,funandsafeforyouthtotrulyengage Our networkof40+university-andcollege-basedmembers deliversculturallyrelevantprogramming,connecting STEMtoreal-lifeexperiencesinwaysthatfeelmeaningful toyouth Wealsohaveprogramsdesignedspecifically forBlackyouth,girls,Indigenousyouthandthosefacing socio-economicbarriersorlivinginremotecommunities

As we conclude, what advice would you offer to small and medium-sized businesses looking to support STEM education and diversity in their local communities?

Oneofthemostvaluablewaysforabusinesstomakean impactisthroughrepresentation Whenyoungpeople seeprofessionalswholookliketheminSTEMcareers,it helpsthemenvisionthemselvestheretoo Beyond visibility,offeringinternships,summerjobsand mentorshipprogramscangivestudentshands-on experienceandtheconfidencetopursuetheircareer goals Businessescanalsoworkdirectlywith organizationslikeActuatosupporthands-onSTEM engagementwithyouth

Disclaimer:

Theviewsandopinionsexpressedinthisinterviewarethoseof theintervieweeanddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsof Indigenous-SMESmallBusinessMagazine Thecontentprovided isforinformationalpurposesonlyanddoesnotconstitute professionalorlegaladvice