June is Indigenous History month dedicated to honoring, celebrating and furthering our understanding of Indigenous histories, heritage, diversity, cultures and people.
Below you will find a list of resources, entrepreneurial centres and community centres specifically designed to support our Indigenous entrepreneurial community.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESOURCES
Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program by ICUBE, University of Toronto Mississauga, in partnership with RedBird Circle Inc.
Based on traditional knowledge and created collaboratively with Indigenous experts, this program aims to build career competencies, eliminate barriers, facilitate partnerships and mentorships, and build pathways to success for Indigenous entrepreneurs and change-makers.
Learn more: icubeutm.ca/indigenous
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program provides access to capital and business opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.
Learn more: isc-sac.g.ca
Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship
The Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship supports and prospers aboriginal entrepreneurs by facilitating trainings, entrepreneurial programs and other opportunities.
Learn more: ccae.ca
Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) positions Aboriginal business at the focal point for strengthening Aboriginal communities, promoting progressive and prosperous relationships, and growing a new economy based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Learn more: www.ccab.com
Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur Canada, supports Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 18-39, helping them launch or buy their own business. With up to $60,000* in financing, an expert mentor for up to two years, and access to resources, to help young entrepreneurs bring their business plan to life.
Learn more: www.futurpreneur.ca/en/indigenous
Indigenous Business Directory
The Indigenous Business Directory is designed to assist and support Indigenous businesses in the pursuit of business opportunities, including federal procurement. This directory is a resource available to all levels of government, as well as the private sector to identify Indigenous businesses.
Learn more: services.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/IndigenousBusinessDirectory
Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)
An aggregate of Indigenous women’s organizations from across the country, NWAC was founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of Indigenous women within their respective communities and Canada societies.
Learn more: www.nwac.ca
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
The Mississaugas of the Credit are the treaty holders with the City of Mississauga for the lands along the Credit River. MCFN now makes their home in Hagersville, but their ancestors thrived on the banks of the Credit River. The City of Mississauga is named in their sake.
Learn more: mncfn.ca
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Peel Indigenous Network
Friendship Centres are places for community members and Indigenous people living in urban spaces to gather, connect with one another and receive culturally based services. Friendship Centres improve the lives of urban Indigenous people by supporting self-determined activities which encourage equal access to, and participation in, Canadian society while respecting Indigenous cultural distinctiveness. The Peel Indigenous Network is the local Friendship Centre, located in Mississauga.
Learn more: ofifc.org/friendship-centre/the-indigenous-network
The Mississauga Business Entrepreneur Centre (MBEC), Economic Development, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Division, City of Mississauga, is your central source for small business information, resources and guidance.
