INDIGENOUSSME TheCanadian Empowering Canadian Indigenous Small & Medium Businesses ISSUE NO.2 AUG-SEP 2022 BUSINESS MAGAZINE SUSTAINABILITY: A THING OF BEAUTY FounderofCheekboneBeauty Jenn Harper Shippingpartner AllImages, trademarks,service marksand logosreferred to or appearingin this magazineare the property of theirrespective owners.
CONTENTS Sustainability: a thing of beauty06 12 31 The Lesley Hampton Story of Success Meet A Woman Dedicated To Giving Back To Her Indigenous Roots: Carol Anne Hilton 45 By IndigenousSME Here's Why Technology Is So Important for Small Businesses 33 By IndigenousSME The Top 5 Organizations That Are Helping 27 Inclusity A Step Towards Indigenous Diversity and Inclusion in the Workforce. 16 Nehiyaw woman, Holly Atjecoutay, leads Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program 29 Meet the First Nations team behind Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program The changing world of exports: Q&A with UPS Canada Small Business Director, 08 PAUL GASPAR By IndigenousSME
14 Indigenous owned Businesses You Can Support Across Canada 21 The Importance of Marketing Technology for Small Businesses 24 The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Point Of Sale System Top 5 Tips For Growing Your Small Business 5 Essential Social Media Tactics for Small Business Owners The Guide To The Best Indigenous Business Funding Programs 39
OursecondIndigenousissueisfinallyhereandourentireteamis excitedtosharesomeamazingstoriesfeaturingIndigenoussmall businessesandentrepreneursacrossCanadaandhowtheyhave shownexceptionalzealoverthepasttwoyears AtIndigenousSME,wearestrivingtobecomethetopmonthlysmall businessmagazineinCanada Throughourefforts,weendeavourto offerourreadersthebeststrategies,innovativeideas,tipsandtricks forrunningasuccessfulbusiness Ourmissionistoensurethatevery Indigenousentrepreneurhaseasyaccesstoqualityresourcesand information Webelievethatwhetheryoureseekingtostarta company,workinginasocialenterpriseoremployingsolidbusiness tacticswithinanon profitsetting,therightinformationcancontribute toyoursuccess Wealsobelievethatinspiringstoriesandexamplescanhelpothers That’swhyinthisedition,we’vedistinctlyfocusedonshowcasingthe resilienceandadaptabilityofIndigenousentrepreneursthroughout theCOVID19pandemic EveryIndigenousentrepreneurwithin continuestoproduceexceptionalworkwhiledefiningandwalking theirownpathtosuccess ForJennHarper,founderofCheekboneBeauty,puttingherhead downwastheimpetusforcreatingherbusiness ReadSustainability: aThingofBeautytolearnhow Next,learnmoreaboutthechanging worldofexportsinanexclusiveQ&AwithUPSCanada’sSmall BusinessDirector,PaulGaspar DiscoverIndigenoussmallbusinesses andcreatorsonTikTokandIndigenous ownedbusinessesyoucan supportfromcoasttocoast ReadTheLesleyHamptonStoryof SuccessandlearnhowNehiyawwoman,HollyAtjecoutay,leads Futurpreneur’sIndigenousEntrepreneurStartupProgramandby extension,helpschangethelivesofyoungIndigenousinnovators AtIndigenousSME,wearedelightedtohighlighttheeffortsand successstoriesofIndigenousentrepreneursacrossthecountry The folkswe’vefeaturedtackleeachdaywithenthusiasmandstriveto achievetheirbusinessgoalswhilepositivelyimpactingtheir communities Despitethenumerouschallengesthey’vefacedover thelasttwoyears,whilemuchoftheworldwas atastandstilltheydidn’tlosehopeandmovedaheadwith enthusiasm,passion,andpositivity Ihopethatthismonthsissuewillprovideyouwithknowledgeand inspirationtostayaheadofthecurve Don’tforgettosubscribeso you’llnevermissanedition Untilthenextissue,happyreading! DarianKovacs ForAdvertisements info@canadiansmeca CmarketingInc 2800SkymarkAvenue Suite203Mississauga,ON Canada L4W5A6 Callusat1 855 966 2995/+14166550205 Editor DarianKovacs Publisher ShaikKhaleeluddin(SK) CreativeDesign CmarketingInc ClientManager MaheenBari SocialMedia CmarketingInc Sales AbdulSultanShaik Photography Deposit Photos/Canva/123RF/CanadianSME Webdesign CmarketingInc PublishedbyIndigenousSMEInc2800Skymark Avenue,Suite203Mississauga,ON Canada L4W5A6 DarianKovacs IndigenousBusinessLeaderinMarketing,Communications,&PR ThecontentsinTheCanadianIndigenousSME Magazineareforinformationalpurposesonly NeitherCmarketingInc,thepublishersnoranyofits partners,employees,oraffiliatesacceptany liabilitywhatsoeverforanydirectorconsequential lossarisingfromanyuseofitscontents Copyright©2022IndigenousSMEInc Allrights reserved Reproductioninwholeorpartofanytext, photographyorillustrationswithoutwrittenpermission fromthepublisherisprohibited All Images, trademarks, service marks and logos referred to or appearing in thismagazinearethe property of their respective owners. wwwindigenous smeca info@canadiansmeca canadiansme indigenousSME canadiansme canadiansme
Every entrepreneur is driven by the power of a dream.
Since its inception in 2016, Cheekbone Beauty has made it its mission to help Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand, paving the way for sustainable product development and manufacturing As a Certified B Corporation and member of 1% for the Planet, Cheekbone Beauty intertwines its Indigenous roots with westernized science to craft the best product for people and the planet
A T H I N G O F B E A U T Y
“I recall putting my head down on my pillow and having this vivid dream of seeing three native girls covered in lip gloss, with the rosiest little cheeks, and watching their pure joy and laughter,” remembers Harper “I woke up, grabbed my computer, and started writing: Figure out how to make a lip gloss ”
06 IndigenousSME August September2022
For Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, putting her head down was literally and figuratively the impetus for creating the business
“When I look back now, its bananas that someone with no experience in this industry would even think that they have the wherewithal to even begin, but I was really working off passion This whole idea of why isn’t there an Indigenous owned and operated brand that’s bringing our ways of knowing and being into this space? And the more time I spent in the beauty industry, the more I realized, "oh my goodness, there’s so much room for change ”
From the sale of Cheekbone Beauty products throughout June, the beauty retailer will donate all proceeds to Water First, a charitable organization which has collaborated with 60 Indigenous communities while supporting Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science
It has indeed come full circle for the little girl who remembers sitting and smelling her mom ’ s palettes and feeling the powders in her hand and now inspires other young women to dare to dream
“We want to honour the gift that is this planet,” says Harper If you look at nature, it is perfect; everything is used and recycled and repurposed This is the vision for the Cheekbone Beauty brand: Sustainable by Nature ”
Based in St Catharines, ON, Cheekbone’s definition of success is not based on what you attain for yourself but instead on what you give back to your community
For National Indigenous History Month, Cheekbone Beauty partnered with Sephora for its latest philanthropic endeavour (#GlossedOver) to raise awareness about water contamination issues in Indigenous communities, where an estimated 94 or approximately one in six First Nations communities in Canada don’t have access to clean water either intermittently or continuously
As a small business managing exponential growth, the need became much greater for a more sophisticated supply chain and logistics solutions that would make order fulfillment easier and the customer experience more seamless.
07 IndigenousSME August September2022
To date, Cheekbone Beauty has donated more than $150,000 to a wide variety of causes focused on Indigenous youth education
As an Anishinaabe woman who battled alcoholism and has been sober since 2014, Harper expressed her surprise at how far she has come in an interview she gave to Postmedia at the launch of the campaign:
Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Harper is intent on forging a path to true sustainability, in line with the teachings of her Indigenous roots, creating a perfect circular economy in the cosmetics space
“We started working with UPS, and it’s been amazing because you never feel small with UPS and we ’ ve grown so much together,” says Harper But Cheekbone’s growth has been purposeful: it opened its Indigenous Innovation Lab in 2021 and hired an in house chemist to create formulations with local ingredients and by product ingredients from local industries After gaining popularity following an appearance on the hit TV show “Dragons Den,”
“The Cheekbone culture and tone is based on an Indigenous worldview; our customers are our community, and we gather in circles to share what we have,” says Harper.
While Paul has been in his current position since 2011, his career with UPS began in 1991 in operations Through several roles, he discovered a passion for working with small businesses and helping them thrive. He now leverages his growing network of entrepreneurs and the focused learnings of SME supply chains to improve the success rate of small businesses looking to scale and go global. What should Canadian businesses be concerned about in the current export market?
From a macro perspective, market forces are pushing global trade to the forefront, especially at the strategy and planning stage Technology is making it easier to do business around the world, but that also raises customer expectations We continue to see supply chain fallout from COVID 19, with companies looking to diversify risk in their global supply chains and mitigate increased costs and timing Directly within logistics and fulfillment, we ’ re seeing increased urbanization change delivery models, creating both opportunities and challenges Of course, ongoing global impacts like the increase in fuel costs also affect small businesses, often disproportionately
08 IndigenousSME August September2022
Paul Gaspar is director of small business for UPS Canada. His role is to educate and guide small businesses in Canada on ways to better leverage UPS’ tools to help them grow and expand both domestically and internationally. With his team of small business ambassadors, he empowers small business owners to determine the best mix of customized services, technologies and innovations available to them
While challenges are numerous, at UPS, we have support for businesses experiencing issues in many of these areas Our small business solutions can help with optimizing costs, streamlining customs headaches and giving businesses a clear view of where their shipments are at any time
choosing to export
Canadian
goods? Taking your business global is a big undertaking However, the gains are unquestionable We continue to see logistics ranking highly among overall export challenges UPS’s
tariffs Export What are
Q2
What is the benefit to a Canadian company in choosing to export?
Trends
Consumers around the world are choosing to buy more from international retailers, and data shows us that Canadian businesses benefit from entering the global field In Canada, we have 15 free trade agreements in place with countries and groups around the world, reducing the barrier to entry and reducing costs with reduced or eliminated the main challenges for SMBs their SMB Watch report for 2022 showed that expensive shipping rates, long delivery times and the cost and complexity of handling customs are the biggest challenges facing Canadian SMBs.
Where should small businesses focus as they think about developing their export offerings?
It's also important for businesses to consider their value proposition in the global market, and that does include tailoring offerings to what customers want International customers expect speed and convenience when making a purchase, and that includes customs duties Our latest Trends Watch told that the majority (62%) of small businesses offer delivery duty unpaid, whereas customers prefer delivery duty paid Aligning with these preferences can be a key differentiator from your competition.
I think you can tell that I’m a supporter of going global, but my main caution for customers is customs and regulations. It is critical that a business completes its due diligence and gets it right. Before you ship, know what your product is and where it is going, which forms are needed, when it needs to get there and how to prepare your package We always recommend looking into the Canada Border Services Agencys SME toolkit to ensure small businesses have considered all that goes into global shipping
We see investments made into export development pay off in a variety of ways. Export Development Canada highlights seven reasons why Canadian exporters are more successful, including increased revenue, faster growth, diversified risk, better longevity, improved connections, increased competitiveness and more innovation. At UPS, we see the importance of logistics helping small businesses to succeed in these ways, as reducing friction along their supply chains keeps Canadian businesses agile and able to play in the global market successfully.
First, returns are a key area. Consumers increasingly expect a return option, but many businesses don’t have a clear structure Simplifying the process and offering multiple options can build returns on your return policy, so to speak, and make it a competitive advantage
Is there anything else small businesses should consider as they think global?
Export 10 IndigenousSME August September2022
Second, across the board, increasing accessibility by having multiple options available will set your business apart More choices, especially in logistics, improve customer experience Finally, ask for help! Our team of small business ambassadors can help find solutions that are tailored to even unique business needs. We’re here to help businesses with the small stuff so they can stay focused on the bigger picture. You can learn more here.
The birth of a Culture Matriarch Hampton she feels most at home
had a modern nomadic life growing up;
sizes 2 10 for one F The Wo Month Lesley r all h contrib
Third
Hampton's work is a form of ac decision and choice making a s creating a subversion in the fas includes taking in runway mode Indigenous, the collection inclu evoke the memory of dark date the indigenous people and the dress
on a plane Constant 13 IndigenousSME June July2022 Bankingpartner Shippingpartner SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT 2022 26th October, 2022 www.smesummit.ca Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto Embracing Digital Disruption Register Now
Art is political and has always been a means to raise the voice of the unheard However, when art is tapped into a potential commercial endeavour, the reach of the voice becomes wider Among the small businesses, indigenous owned businesses have always taken their community ideas one step closer to the world. Lesley Hampton is one such ent through her role as a fashion d her fabric to represent the spir community's culture and values the stories of the people of the focuses on body positivity, men correct representation of the in community in arts and media.
Lesley
Having a multicultural background of being a child of an Anishinaabe mother and Scottish father, Hampton has faced lateral violence from her community which has only
The Woman of the Month title has been given to Lesley Hampton for all her accomplishments and contributions The Birth of a Third Culture Matriarch
Lesley Hampton is one such entrepreneur who, through her role as a fashion designer, has used her fabric to represent the spirit of her community's culture and values, thereby narrating the stories of the people of the land Her work also focuses on body positivity, mental health and the correct representation of the Indigenous community in arts and media
Hampton's work is a form of activism, with each decision and choice making a statement and creating a subversion in the fashion industry This includes taking in runway models who identify as Indigenous, the collection including works that evoke the memory of dark dates in the history of the Indigenous people and the decision to create dress sizes 2 10 for one Fashion Week
The Lesley Hampton Story of Success
Among the small businesses, Indigenous owned businesses have always taken their community ideas one step closer to the world
Lesley Hampton had a modern nomadic life growing up; she feels most at home on a plane Constant relocation in the early years of her life made her identify as a 'third culture kid' with her memories of growing up spread across Canada's Arctic and Atlantic, Australia, England, Indonesia, and New Caledonia Hampton is a Temagami First Nation of Northern Ontario member and defines herself through the combination of her Anishinaabe indigenous identity and nomadic upbringing
Art is political and has always been a means to raise the voice of the unheard However, when art is tapped into a potential commercial endeavour, the reach of the voice becomes wider
Women Entrepreneurship 13 IndigenousSME August September2022
Hampton brought historical references to the collection by using nude tulle embroidered with red dots to represent the missing and murdered Indigenous women
reconnect with her culture and community roots Through her art and activism, Lesley continues to reclaim her culture and give back to its growth and representation
Lesley Hampton owns a self titled clothing and accessory brand founded in 2016, which is a Indigenous owned, women led, size inclusive fashion brand based in Toronto, Ontario, creating high quality fashion
Each Lesley Hampton Collection narrates a history of oppression, discrimination, cruelty inflicted on the Indigenous community, thereby trying to decolonize the euro centric standards in the fashion industry and create space for empowerment and representation in fashion, film, and media She entered the industry as a game changer wanting to bring visibility to women of all body and skin types in the fashion industry Her youth and idealism thrilled her to bring inclusivity to the industry through her ventures made her realize the struggle behind it
The Fashion Politics
An alumnus of the Department of Arts at the University of Toronto, Lesley went on to pursue fashion at George Brown College. During this period, she began her career in 2016, aged 22.
An exploration of Lesley and her mother's relationship as both grew up as third culture kids and spent a considerable part of their early years outside their own culture and country Creatures of the Present
Lesley Hampton gives each piece in her collection a title that reflects her relations and community bonding
Eighteen Seventy Six
The collection was presented in the Toronto Fashion Week with all indigenous runway models
Through her work, Lesley's career goal is to widen the space available for Indigenous creative voices in Canadian media
The Beginning of a Fabric Activism
Each of her works was a statement which turned her into an important indigenous face in the Canadian fashion industry. She has taken inspiration from her Indigenous background to create her work by emphasizing authentic representation Her efforts to bring in a difference in the fashion industry have reflected in runways being walked by indigenous, plus size, disabled and albino women, exciting discussions on body positivity, the importance of mental health and the value of diversity and inclusivity
The Fall/Winter 2019 collection was dubbed 1876 as a reminder of the passing of the Indian Act, where she incorporated beaded knit, pleated pleather, crepe and cashmere without directly drawing from Indigenous designs
Third Culture Matriarch
The Fall 2021 collection made in Turtle Island was inspired by fellow Temagami First Nation member Benjamin Chee Chee's artwork which was reminiscent of flowing, graceful and minimalist art
Each Raven Reads purchase contributes to amplifying Indigenous voices and brands, giving them a position in the economy and a chance to develop into a healthier community
Indigenous owned businesses are thriving, not just through the Sunday market and other festival sales. They are well established entrepreneurs with their websites, ratings on multiple platforms, and social media fan bases, which helps them expand their reach and improve sales Here are five businesses and their entrepreneurs who are getting recognized for their products and the personal stories they share through it
With cultural tourism being one of the fastest growing tourism industries, Skwachays uses its business to create a space for the urban Indigenous artists to participate in the industry and help them to reclaim their lives and independence
01 Skwachàys Lodge Skwachays Lodge is a hotel that is making a difference.
02 Raven Reads
Economic reconciliation is the best way to promote Indigenous owned businesses and thereby aid in the upliftment of the community In recent years the variety and quality of the products they sell have gained attention Social media, especially Instagram, has helped promote and advertise indigenous products to customers These products include skin care, jewelry and clothing to services like restaurants and lodgings
Along with providing lodging for guests and tourists, Skwachay supports and houses indigenous artists whose works don't get represented or get the market value they deserve
A stay in Skwachays Lodge will surely be a wholesome experience
14 IndigenousSME August September2022
The hotel has a street level art gallery where 24 indigenous artists are housed
The publication aims to raise the community's collective histories and lived experiences by supporting Indigenous authors and entrepreneurs
INDIGENOUS-OWNED Businesses You Can Support Across Canada
Raven Reads is an Indigenous literature and giftware business founded to raise awareness of Indigenous history by Nicole McLaren
The five thriving Indigenous businesses
Indigenous Business 03 Moonstone Creations
Necessity is the mother of invention, and that is how the birth of Satya Organic Skin Care should be described When Patrice Mousseau's daughter was diagnosed with eczema, she took to her own hands to make steroid free soaps by reading into traditional medicines, medical research and academic articles and experimenting with organic ingredients in her kitchen. Satya Organic Skin Care is a must try Indigenous skin care product primarily focusing on eczema curing organic products Why support Indigenous SMEs
04 Salmon n' Bannock
05 Satya Organic Skin Care
Inez Cook, the owner of Salmon n ' Bannock, always knew she would be a restaurant owner to tell the stories of her ancestors Salmon n ' Bannock is the only Indigenous owned and operated restaurant in Vancouver, using only authentic ingredients once prepared by the ancestors to make contemporary cuisine
Moonstone Creations is a gallery that sells various unique handicrafts by 60 Indigenous artisans, including ceremonial drums, jewelry, paintings, leatherwork, sculpture, and beadwork
The products in Moonstone Creations speak a story of their own
Yvonne Jobin, the founder of Moonstone, has strong politics in beginning her venture
She says, "I believe that by sharing the stories, history and unique methods our people used to create beautiful artifacts, we would build bridges and raise awareness and appreciation of Native American culture and the arts "
Each Indigenous small business has a story to tell, a goal to achieve and a community to support, and what they stand for makes them unique Community empowerment takes a front seat before personal profits From supporting the Indigenous artists, raising voices against the past cruelties through literature, passing on the cultural legacy of the Nehiyaw to the descendants, sharing the taste of yesteryears wrapped in modern cuisine to ensuring healthy and safe skin care, there is an ethic these entrepreneurs stand for Many great Indigenous owned businesses across Canada are making a difference in their communities We encourage you to support these businesses by shopping with them and promoting them to your friends and family By supporting Indigenous owned businesses, we can help build a strong economy for all Canadians
McLaren created Raven Reads to educate people worldwide about residential schools' traumatic effect on Indigenous people in Canada. It's a seasonal subscription for children and adults and comes with books and gifts
15 IndigenousSME August September2022
Indigenous resiliency and resurgence: key pillars in the national entrepreneurial ecosystem
Through the IESP, young entrepreneurs can receive up to CAD $60,0000 in capital financing, are matched with an expert mentor for up to two years, and gain access to an array of resources and workshops designed to help them set up their businesses for success Since the program’s launch in 2019, more than 100 young Indigenous entrepreneurs have received financing from Futurpreneur programming to launch various businesses nation wide
16 IndigenousSME August September2022
Nehiyaw entrepreneur, Holly Atjecoutay, has been appointed director of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) at Futurpreneur In her new role, Atjecoutay will oversee the development of a comprehensive program dedicated to empowering and supporting Indigenous youth as they embark on the journey of entrepreneurship
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program is one of several startup programs offered by Futurpreneur It was established to provide tailored support and programming for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada.
Commenting on her recent appointment, Atjecoutay said she was drawn to Futurpreneur because “it is a nationwide initiative, not constricted by provincial borders.” She added, “It presents an opportunity to build a community and to build programming that is specific to our Indigenous entrepreneurs, to our Indigenous communities, and particularly to our Indigenous youth so that they can see themselves as part of the greater national entrepreneurial ecosystem The programs will focus on their specific needs, present solutions to challenges they experience, and will give nuance to their perception of what defines a successful business ”
Director of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) at Futurpreneur
Holly Atjecoutay
First Nations Woman, Holly Atjecoutay, leads Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program
Ultimately, she said, my goal is to “foster collaboration between Indigenous businesses to support one another, which will eventually bolster the economic resurgence that we ' re working toward ” Indigenous owned businesses contribute millions of dollars every year to the Canadian economy and provide thousands of jobs to Indigenous and non Indigenous employees in Canada “Their contributions are an important pillar of the economy, yet there is not enough awareness about the significance of Indigenous owned and operated businesses, which is a huge barrier to success when you ’ re starting a small or medium sized business,” she said “I'm incredibly honoured to take on this new and exciting role, alongside the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program team, to amplify Indigenous resilience and make a tangible difference in the best way that we can, ” said Atjecoutay eur Startup Program team and offering here Join our Facebook group We are always sharing and disseminating useful information for you to take advantage of
Indigenous Entrepreneurs
” According to her, pre contact Nehiyaw peoples lived in egalitarian societies where “people very much took care of one another Everyone held a strong role in society, which nowadays really translates to what we would consider ‘entrepreneurship’ or a ‘business So, that's where I started to draw those finite lines to what our communities can do on a grassroots level, to ensure that we ' re prosperous and that we ' re building a positive and prosperous future for our next generations.”
An entrepreneur herself, Atjecoutay’s side business, Thunderbird Consulting, stemmed from her passion for bringing Indigenous resilience to the forefront of social and corporate conversations in Canada and for raising awareness among Canadians and non Canadians, alike about Indigenous culture, heritage, and history Continuing to develop a robust offering that is Indigenous centric is at the top of Atjecoutay’s plans for the IESP A combination of her lived experience and know how as “ a Nehiyaw woman living within an urban centre,” she said, will guide her next steps in developing programming that addresses the root problems and challenges that young Indigenous entrepreneurs encounter but also highlights the opportunities, networks, and systems in place to support them “There are positive and negative pieces, just like everything else, but we want to focus on the positive and what our young Indigenous entrepreneurs bring That is their value proposition, niche, and unique business models so that we can amplify that and support them in various ways ”
Atjecoutay has long been immersed in the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship and youth empowerment She started her career working for an Indigenous led oil and gas organization in Alberta before shifting her focus to the nonprofit sector With an interest in economic and business development and a hyper focus on entrepreneurship within Indigenous communities, she worked with youth at the Aboriginal Friendship Center in Calgary, developing programs and initiatives for Indigenous youth in that region Subsequently, she joined a Nehiyaw and operated law firm to work with residential school survivors, conducting research and extensive interviews that resulted in compensation being put forth from the federal government for the hardship, abuse, and suffering endured by Nehiyaw people Prior to her joining Futurpreneur, she led the Indigenous Business Development Services Program at Business Link, creating and implementing tools, supports, and programming for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Alberta
As Atjecoutay became more involved in entrepreneurship, her “love truly blossomed and grew for the resurgence of economic resiliency within Indigenous communities
By: Kayla Isabelle, CEO, Startup Canada & Darrell Schuurman, CEO, CGLCC Picture this A game of monopoly has already been going on for three days, and you are asked to join In the past, you haven’t been invited to many games, so you are thrilled at the opportunity of course, you’ll join! But after a short amount of time, you realize all the properties have already been bought and sold, all the resources have been handed out, and you ’ re starting from nothing How can you win? You can’t Well, you can’t unless someone changes the rules, gives each new player a few extra turns or certain resources are removed from the initial players This is the reality for LGBT+ and other marginalized entrepreneurs across Canada While circumstances have improved over the years and that should be celebrated the disparity between the original and new players still exists
18 IndigenousSME August September2022
DON’T ROLL THE DICE: Canada’s Need to Equal the Playing Field for LGBT+ Founders
LGBT+ entrepreneurs in Canada face significant barriers to success, even in 2022 While things have moved in the right direction, issues continue to persist Historic discrimination against LGBT+ individuals is not something of the past, nor does it exist in silos from other axes of oppression and marginalization the hurdles that many LGBT+ founders face today are a result of ongoing systemic and structural inequalities Like an unfair game of monopoly, many from the community and the organizations who work to support them have had to focus on surviving over thriving for far too long The clear gap in tailored and accessible tools, programs, and resources for LGBT+ entrepreneurs only exacerbate these barriers and, as a result, the continued inequity experienced by this community Public and private sector players with the human and financial resources necessary to empower the research, development, implementation, and circulation of these vital resources need to step up and urgently
Until 1990 The World Health Organization (WHO) classified homosexuality as a mental health disorder Until 1996 with the passing of Bill C 33, sexual orientation was not a prohibited ground of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act Until 1992, it was illegal for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military Until 2005 gay marriage was illegal in Canada The Conservative government attempted to reverse this ruling again in 2006 Until 2017 gender identity and gender expression were not prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act Until 2019 WHO deemed transgender individuals as having a mental illness, coined “gender dysphoria” Until 2021 Conversion Therapy was a legal practice in Canada In the case of the LGBT+ community, this also rings true Historical discrimination against this community includes, but certainly isn’t limited to: Similar to the unfair monopoly game, these actions and inactions have resulted in significant disparities and disadvantages for LGBT+ individuals today, including massively disproportionate rates of youth homelessness, large income disparities, and a higher likelihood of mental health challenges and food insecurity Despite more of the population identifying as LGBT+, indicating a more inclusive and accepting societal sentiment, hate crimes against this community have also been on the rise increasing 41 percent from 2009 to 2019 While these are the realities this entire community faces, it is important to also recognize that these inequalities are often compounded for visible minorities, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups
19 IndigenousSME August September2022
Historical Discrimination
Entrepreneurship
The CGLCC and Startup Canada recently experienced this gap firsthand when attempting to curate an all encompassing resource guide for LGBT+ entrepreneurs at the start of Pride Month Of 15+ support organizations reached out to, all saw value in the initiative, yet only three were able to submit resources There is a serious, illuminating problem in that 80 percent of these organizations had no resources prepared to share, or those that did had next to no capacity to be involved. It needs to be clarified that these realities are in no way the fault of these specialized support entities. Despite extreme capacity barriers, understaffing, and underfunding, they work double time to stretch whatever resources they do have financial and human in order to make real, positive impacts for their communities This underserved community of organizations, and those they represent, should be focusing on their mandates, not having to spend their valuable time and energy fighting for the need to be recognized as vital and worthy of external support
Historically, Canada has portrayed itself as a friendly, accepting country Sure, in many ways, we are we like to hold doors open for others, and we say sorry a lot But for many underrepresented and marginalized communities Indigenous Nations, visible minorities, people with disabilities Canada is a place of mistrust and broken promises
Systemic inequalities and baked in structural discrimination do not create an equal playing field for many LGBT+ founders, access to resources, mentorship, and role models plays a role in overall long term chances of success This, in turn, equally impacts the support organizations that exist to serve LGBT+ entrepreneurs In a society which has actively devalued you as a human being and gatekept its institutions, it’s no wonder we are still playing catch up on the journey to true equality.
Specialized LGBT+ support organizations, whether inside or outside of the scope of founder support, exist across the country and do incredible work advocating for LGBT+ individuals These organizations and the people who make up their teams work tirelessly on their mission to support the LGBT+ community each day unfortunately, these organizations are often playing on the same monopoly board as the community they serve.
Our
First Hand Experience
The same study indicated the top five problems LGBT+ founders face: funding, mentorship, discrimination in acquiring suppliers and new customers, difficulty networking in their sector, and, as mentioned above, growing their venture By far, the top pain point for this community was funding, with 70 percent of respondents stating they have never encountered specialized funding programs for LGBT+ owned businesses, despite the definite need for such programs In fact, only 25 percent were able to identify a single specialized funding program for this community and only 13 percent successfully acquired funding
What’s more, 57 percent of respondents have consciously hid their LGBT+ ownership status on at least one occasion, with another 12 percent stating they had done this, but not consciously And unfortunately, these fears are not unfounded
20 IndigenousSME August September2022
According to a Deloitte May, 2021 study commissioned by CGLCC, 62 percent of respondents has chosen not to disclose their LGBT+ identity in official communications of their business
About CGLCC CGLCC, Canadas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, is a national non profit organization representing Canada’s 100,000+ LGBTQ2+ owned businesses Its goal is to create positive social change by economically empowering the LGBT+ community through entrepreneurship CGLCC works to create a truly inclusive economy where all LGBT+ businesses and entrepreneurs have access and the opportunity to actively participate
About Startup Canada Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem that points you in the right direction, eliminates barriers, and champions your needs with private and public sector partners. We connect you with support organizations and peers across the country with industry expertise, regional knowledge, and funding to help you start and build successful businesses
Real Action is Needed Now
From this, we understand there is both a lack of sufficient financial resources for LGBT+ owned ventures, as well as a general gap in knowledge of what is available across the startup ecosystem in Canada
Interestingly, the study also found that most ventures surveyed are classified as small businesses and are not expected to scale as much or as quickly as other non LGBT+ owned businesses In fact, 37 percent of respondents indicated they are unsure of the future of their company, so they are avoiding hiring.
The 100,000+ LGBT+ owned businesses across the country account for $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 435,000 Canadians Throughout Canada’s startup landscape, it is clear that businesses owned by LGBT+ founders continuously push the limits delivering incredible ideas, undisputable quality, and inspiring innovation. There is no lack of passion and dedication from LGBT+ entrepreneurship organizations and those they support, but debilitating capacity issues as a result of insufficient, short term funding are all too common It is vital for the startup support ecosystem to come together and work to create real, tangible change for this community of founders and fight for true economic inclusion in Canada today
Entrepreneurship 2SLGBTQ+ Entrepreneurship & Support
According to CGLCC, more than a third of LGBT+ entrepreneurs have lost opportunities due to being a part of this community
It is a set of software solutions and tools that marketing teams use to support and achieve the company ' s business objectives and drive innovation These software technologies are mostly used to optimize digital marketing and help the company effectively acquire new customers and retain existing ones
Marketing technology, also known as MarTech, is the clearest and most concise opportunity for SMBs to seek to find a solution to this concern
Why is marketing technology important.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARKETING TECHNOLOGY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
1 Marketing technology improves the efficiency and effectiveness of businesses The digitalization and automation of tedious marketing tasks reduce the execution time required for marketing strategies, allowing businesses to attain more results with fewer resources
Affordable marketing technologies that SMBs can adopt. Every innovation and business strategy in the 21st century is focused on digital technology The promotion of the digital trend is primarily motivated by the trend's optimal and cost effective output generation With small businesses exploring the online platforms for business and sales, these enterprises should gain a broad knowledge of how to increase their reach to customers and improve sales But in the vast maze called digital space, how can a small business ensure that it stands out from the crowd?
When there is an option to finish a seemingly taxing job in an easy, time saving and cost effective way, isn't it better to choose that path? Here are some other valid reasons to prove the importance of marketing technology
2. Digital space gives a transparent reflection of any effort you invest in it. Hence, marketing technology provides actionable insights into the rate of return of the marketing efforts, allowing you to scale up or down various initiatives to optimize cost per acquisition
3. MarTech is a smarter option as it allows the marketing team to evaluate the process, automate the efficiency and streamline data to ensure customer satisfaction at a quicker pace 4 MarTech facilitates improved communication and collaboration with the customers Through their analytic work, marketing technologies evaluate customer satisfaction, loyalty, and profitability to ensure their retention
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Content Marketing03
Here are some useful technologies that SMBs can implement to improve their operations
Marketing Technologies for SMBs
Google’s analytics solution’s free version is best suited for SMBs
Content marketing is a collection of ideas and hacks to boost marketing strategies
Everything is self explanatory on Facebook
Facebook is ideal for direct to consumer marketing because it has the largest user base. In addition to having over a billion users, the majority of businesses hold an account there
Facebook is easy to advertise on Although the programmatic options are extensive, they can be narrowed down into extremely fine detail based on user preferences and behaviours; it is straightforward to publish and target an audience.
The Content Marketing Institute (CMI) was founded by Joe Pulizzi, one of the creators of Content Marketing, and it helps to advance the practice of content marketing through online education and in person and digital events They create and curate content experiences that teach marketers and creators from enterprise brands, small businesses, and agencies how to attract and retain customers through compelling, multichannel storytelling. Their site is packed with practical, how to guidance, insight, and advice from content marketing experts, plus comments and contributions from an active community of content practitioners at brands and agencies
Social media02 Facebook With billions of potential customers using various platforms daily, social media is a powerful business tool Social media marketing can help you engage with potential customers, build brand awareness, and promote your products
The expansive Facebook network enables the advertisement to appear on a large number of other websites in addition to Facebook itself
Analytics01 Google Analytics
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Marketing Technology
With their multifaceted contribution to boosting sales, SMBs should consider the adoption of marketing technologies to ensure a profitable and successful business. A marketing strategy can be divided into 5 components analytics, content marketing, advertising, CRMs, and social media
Content Marketing Institute
The best tool depends on which network is best for your particular audience
These features include machine learning, integrations with other Google products, user friendly interfaces, analytics intelligence, data collection, data management, shareable reports, and predictive analysis, among others
The web analytics service, Google Analytics, monitors and reports website traffic It is a component of the Google Marketing Platform that provides users with the ability to evaluate their content, products, and marketing performance
With a plethora of digital technology options available for small business enterprises, nothing is stopping them from growing to be a brand with trusted customer backing The point is to identify where opportunities lie and tap them to their maximum usefulness
To read more on marketing technologies and strategies to improve your small business enterprise, visit our website https://canadiansme ca/ and to get the latest updates, visit our Twitter page Canadian sme
Marketing Technology Customer Relationship Management05
Less Annoying CRM With a motto to help small businesses succeed, Less Annoying CRM offers their services in affordable packages to small businesses with no complicated price tiers With a monthly charge of $15 per user, it has no contracts, upsells, set up fees, features hidden behind the "professional" tier, and no new price changes every year
Brothers Tyler and Bracken King founded Less Annoying CRM in 2009 with the mission to help small businesses succeed To accomplish this, they developed a new breed of CRM software that prioritized providing customers with only what they required Less Annoying CRM was designed by considering the needs of small businesses and catering to their requirements.
Marketing technologies are readily available for utilization at free or affordable prices and offer maximum output through an increase in customer numbers and sales As a need of the hour, SMBs should be eager enough to employ such technological aids in their business
04 Email
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Advertising marketing Email marketing is a critical part of the marketing toolkit as most millennials prefer communications from businesses to come via email This strategy is an easy, free, and scalable way to communicate with new and existing customers Email marketing, which is mostly inexpensive or free, experiments with e mailing newsletters and other promotions to the customer’s database Marketing automation makes emailing easier as most small business owners dont have free time to devote to digital marketing.
02 Software
Depending upon the business model, the software choice for POS may vary This software can be installed on premise at the POS terminal or downloaded from the cloud to the POS system
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Originally, these came as separate parts, but with modern all in one POS systems, an integrated POS tablet/iPad, iPad/tablet stand, cash drawer, receipt printer, and customer facing display are integrated into one machine
The specifications can vary depending on the store's requirements, type of transaction, and size of the business
The point of sale is the hardware, software, and location of a retail transaction
It can accept all types of payments, including cash, credit and debit cards, mobile payments like Google Pay, and gift cards
01 THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE PERFECT POINT OF SALE SYSTEM
The point of sale is where you check out customers, calculate and display the purchase amount, prepare an invoice, and make payments by showing the available payment options
Originally, POS referred to the cash register However, with the introduction of POS applications on mobile devices, customers are now able to check out wherever they choose It eases keeping track of the in store sales and online and in person payments and reduces the time spent on administrative tasks such as inventory management Hardware and software are the key components of a point of sale system
Depending upon the requirements, the price of the software varies Modern POS software, such as Shopify POS, support online and in person transactions by providing unified multi channel sales reports, customer purchase history, inventory management, and order fulfilment. Less expensive software plans include everything you need to sell in person.
POS hardware is required to accept the payment, which consists of a cash register, tap and chip card reader, cash drawer, and bar code scanner
Hardware
Eliminate human errors: Automated POS systems can handle large transactions accurately by consuming less time The point of sale system stores all sales order data, making it easier to review the information if necessary
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Sale System
Quick checkout process: In a fast paced life where customers dont prefer waiting a long time to pay POS system with a barcode scanner makes the checkout process quick and accurate Multiple payment options: The Canadian Payment Methods and Trends Report 2021 shows that the COVID 19 pandemic accelerated the decline in cash usage, with 58 percent of Canadians using less cash during the pandemic and 40 percent indicating they were uncomfortable even handling it
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Advanced POS systems have the ability to set up and apply promotions based on items, orders, membership, and other factors
5. Reduction of losses: A POS system keeps track of the transactions and documents the inventory data to help you keep track of the finances, understand where expenses happen and reduce the chances of loss
A POS system can offer flexibility in payment options by accepting payment in cash, card and e wallet to business owners by upgrading their software on a regular basis to keep the changing trends Calculate discounts and offers: A POS system collects data on sales, inventory, and customers, which can be used to calculate and execute marketing campaigns designed to encourage customers to shop
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6. Workplace management: The POS system keeps track of each employee's shift at the checkout counter Advanced POS systems can even function as workplace management to check employee productivity and performance It monitors each employee's progress towards their goals and determines how to assist or reward them
Features of POS
Installation of a POS system offers multifaceted features as benefits for the business
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When a customer purchases, returns, or exchanges a product in store or online, the system logs each transaction and stores important product information, such as its wholesale price, retail price, and gross profit margin, and updates the inventory levels and sales data
The software and hardware options and specifications can influence the choice of POS by each business Here are a few factors that influence the purchase:
1 Cost:
Customer support: While choosing a POS system for your business, a manufacturer that provides good and quick maintenance service should be selected Sale System
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Factors for POS purchase
This data is stored in reports and analytics and improves business decision making.
From base to advanced options available in software and hardware that go into the POS system, it is very important to draw an expenditure before looking for the POS With affordable options available in the market, it will be easy to find a POS that suits your requirements and specifications.
The advancements in the retail landscape are rapid, and small businesses should not become obsolete due to manual and outdated systems Only by assimilating timely upgrades in business operations like the POS system can small businesses keep up with the rising competition and digitalization
Small businesses should keep themselves updated on the latest technology that can improve profits cost effectively To read more about the digital changes and their application in your operations, visit our website at https://canadiansme ca/ To get the latest developments, visit our Twitter page at Canadian sme
3 Ease of use: The choice of a suitable POS should also be influenced by a user friendly interface, meaning it should be easy for the employee to use daily and help increase the employee's productivity and the customer's checkout experience
The benefits of a POS system are numerous, including facilitating in person payments, aiding in sales tracking, and supporting inventory management
4 Scalability: Most POS software is downloaded from the Cloud, making it easy to upgrade with the business's changing requirements by paying a fee for the updating process
2. Functionality: The POS specification for a restaurant and a cosmetic store might be different A proper understanding of the features and functionalities that suit your business requirements should be selected
A Step Towards Indigenous Diversity and Inclusion in the Workforce.
Statistics Canada reported at the end of 2021 that the unemployment rate among Indigenous people in the three months ending in August 2021 was 11 6 percent, which was higher than the pre pandemic rate of 10 3 percent As the economy gradually recovers from the pandemic, Indigenous people must be reintegrated into the forefront of the labour market The pandemic has compelled Indigenous people to reconsider their employment options and job search strategies The pandemic was a time that led to the exploration of the potential and possibilities of digital space Even in the job market, digital platforms serve as a resource for professional development and job search Given the availability of such opportunities, the indigenous labour force should search digital platforms for training and employment opportunities
In response to the TRC's Call to Action #92, which calls on the Canadian corporate sector to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources; Inclusivity assist Indigenous people in gaining equal access to employment, training, and educational opportunities; They acknowledge that a lack of opportunities to learn, share knowledge, and connect meaningfully with communities and Indigenous Peoples is the cause of the gap in the workforce industry Inclusivity is trying to bridge this through its executive team, comprised of seasoned event producers with 30 years of industry experience, to bring about social change and motivation to do better
I N C L U S I T Y
Inclusivity is an Indigenous hiring hub that prioritizes Indigenous employment, inclusion, and retention in the workplace. Inclusivity is a term that describes the combined act of Indigenous diversity and inclusion in the workforce It offers regular virtual job fairs and an impressive job board with thousands of opportunities across Western Canada Inclusivity facilitates the recruitment and placement of Indigenous talent by progressive companies Their job board and virtual job fairs provide access to Indigenous job seekers and assist in connecting qualified applicants with the appropriate employers
They have extensive networks with thought leaders and industries that help connect people, ideas, and learning, and contribute to Indigenous economic reconciliation, technology, and health and wellness
Inclusivity was created to solve the problem of establishing new connections and assist Indigenous People in overcoming employment obstacles
Inclusity worked to develop a successful platform for Virtual Job Fairs for First Nations and Métis Communities throughout the pandemic. They have created a hub where registered job seekers and recruiters can connect with each other It allows Indigenous candidates to register free to connect with hiring companies, participate in skill development and resume writing workshops, and schedule one on one interviews with recruiters
By creating a profile and uploading a resume, Inclusity will help job seekers get noticed by recruiting companies and provide features such as job alert notifications, algorithm based suggested jobs, and an extensive resource library Employers will benefit from a feature that allows them to showcase their company ' s culture, process, and benefits to potential candidates using a resume database that is stacked and perfectly organized within a dashboard
Employers can meet candidates across western Canada, schedule on the spot interviews from their offices, and use the chat function to prequalify them
HR Inclusion Strategies Conference) During the pandemic, they encouraged their partners to replace in person Indigenous job fairs with digital technologies, resulting in the launch of inclusivity. Their portfolio of events aims to transform, educate, foster meaningful relationships, and advocate for truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and communities In addition, they work to adhere to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action for Indigenous and non Indigenous Canadians to come together in a concerted effort to help repair the harm caused by residential schools and move reconciliation forward As a result of the pandemic, people could not meet in person and had to rely on technology to make connections, particularly in the employment sector
The Indigenous Virtual Job Fair is currently running till October 19th, 2022 and will help job seekers make new connections, grab new opportunities, and gain new knowledge
Inclusity is an Indigenous Hiring Hub, and its Indigenous Job Board feature helps connect job seekers to employment opportunities and provides helpful tools for growth and development
Indigenous job seekers should keep themselves up to date with the knowledge and skills required in their field to present themselves as the best and first candidate for selection by a prospective employer in these changing times, especially with the pandemic's devastating impact on the economy
Inclusity ca is a hub for Indigenous employment related resources and collaborative partners To know more about them, visit their official page https://inclusity ca/ Several companies provide opportunities for candidates to upskill their potential To read more on this topic, visit our website http://www indigenous sme ca/ and for the latest updates, check out our Twitter page
Diversity and Inclusion
Indigenous Virtual Job Fair
The Job Board features job postings from various industries, such as Oil and Gas, Construction, Industrial, Health Care, Hospitality, Administration, and Non Profit organizations, and will find a match for your profile
Employment is challenging for both hiring companies and Indigenous job seekers This challenge motivated Inclusivity to assist Indigenous people and develop a platform that could connect thousands of Indigenous people with the appropriate employers
Indigenous Job Board
Inclusity’s desire to make changes and connect people in meaningful ways resulted in the formation of The Connect Partnership Group They formed an Indigenous leadership council to guide their work, including Forward Summit (Indigenous Economic Reconciliation) and Workforce Forward (Indigenous
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“Understanding and respecting the importance of how both can affect each other and how being
Under the direction of a Cree Saulteaux woman, Holly Atjecoutay, and supported by a group of business development managers Jason McDonald, Melissa Gladue, and Noah Wilson the team works closely with the entrepreneurs to help them navigate the startup journey Jason McDonald – a member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, where he also currently resides – spent most of his professional career assisting Indigenous people with disabilities, helping them secure employment or pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Today, he is a business development manager with IESP, where he continues to employ his skills working with budding entrepreneurs.
Commenting on what entrepreneurship means to him, Jason explained the entrepreneurial spirit has always been an integral part of Indigenous community life and that he’s grateful to Futurpreneur for continuing this tradition “Our culture will show entrepreneurship is not new to Indigenous people,” Jason said, “I am proud to say my grandmother was Mary Adams from Akwesasne She was a world renowned basket maker Her baskets are sitting in the Smithsonian institute, the Vatican, in the New York State Governor's office to name a few places ”
Nearly three years since its establishment, this vision has been realized, with more than 100 entrepreneurs enrolled in the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) across Canada The program is curated and led by a team of ambitious entrepreneurial minded Indigenous professionals with lived experience and a genuine passion for empowering others to reach their full potential
To Melissa, Indigenous entrepreneurship is a mutually beneficial relationship between the community and the environment
Jason is also the treasurer of the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department In his free time, he enjoys camping or watching motorsports In 2019 and 2022, he volunteered for the Montreal Formula 1 Grand Prix as a firefighter Melissa Gladue is nêhiyaw iskwêw (Cree woman) and a proud member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation in northern Alberta. Her mother is of Métis heritage, and her father is Plains Cree Melissa was raised in a small rural farming community in northern Alberta and brought up with the traditional knowledge and lived experience of the local Cree people Outside of her volunteer activity, Melissa likes to spend a lot of time travelling in Alberta by exploring new lakes for kayaking, fishing, and finding new hiking trails A fun fact, Melissa is also a plant mom to over 200 tropical house plants, a love she feels is inherently Indigenous
When Futurpreneur launched its tailored programming to support budding Indigenous entrepreneurs, its vision was to streamline the startup process, address community specific challenges and help break down barriers that prevent Indigenous youth from starting their own businesses.
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To learn more about IESP and register for upcoming webinars and events, visit our website: futurpreneur.ca/indigenous
“Our youth are our future we need to target them at an early age and teach them about the importance of finances so that when they are ready to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours, they are not being discouraged about how tedious the process is and how difficult it can be to rebuild credit to meet lenders’ requirements for capital,” Melissa said.
Indigenous Entrepreneurs
environmentally responsible is taking care of my community, and being community orientated means taking care of the land we call home for my generation and the generations to come, ” she said When joining Futurpreneur, Melissa was most excited to play a first hand role in bridging the gap of economic resiliency within the Indigenous population, specifically among the youth Reflecting on what changes she would like to see being made to empower the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs, she said the introduction of “economic education to youth.”
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“I believe in the importance of lived experience, especially when talking about my Indigenous Culture I am the second generation removed from the residential school, but I was blessed to have still been raised in the traditional cultural ways of my people Having qualifications and education is great, but nothing replaces lived experience First hand knowledge and experience are what will equip you and give you the necessary means to be successful in a role,” Melissa said She added, “It is through my lived experience I can relate and empathize with others, and it is through my career and educational experience that I can walk dual worlds working in tandem for the betterment of my people.”
Noah Wilson, a Cree man with French/Ukrainian heritage on his mother's side of the family, is also a community member of Peguis First Nation which is the largest Treaty 1(1871) community located in the province of Manitoba
Commenting on what continues to fuel their passion for supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, Noah explained that “two of the biggest barriers facing Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island is access to capital and the lack of access to mentorship and peer groups that help in growing their business ” Through his role at Futurpreneur, Noah is working directly to resolve these issues and equip entrepreneurs with the skills and tools they need to succeed He added, “The most exciting part of my role is being able to work solely with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Entrepreneurs and Potential Entrepreneurs to smash through these barriers with our financing and mentorship program by helping them build their business plans and connecting them with the larger Indigenous business development ecosystem It is exciting to be able to help build an Indigenous business community with every Indigenous entrepreneur who goes through our program, as well as watch their business grow as they get off the ground and the countless accolades our Indigenous entrepreneurs receive as they inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs ”
CEOandFounderof
TheIndigenomicsInstitute
MeetAWoman DedicatedToGivingBack ToHerIndigenousRoots:
Carol Anne Hilton holds an international MBA from the University of Hertfordshire, England With an extensive business career, Carol Anne is the CEO and founder of The Indigenomics Institute Her contributions to business and economics, especially the creation of value in Indigenous economies, have earned her recognition as a dynamic national leader and First Nation business leader.
Carol Anne was the only Indigenous person appointed as a senior advisor to the federal Finance Minister on the Canadian Economic Growth Council Most recently, Carol Anne served on the BC Emerging Economy Taskforce, providing advice to the Ministry of Jobs, Trade, and Technology and the BC Indigenous Business and Investment Council Currently the CEO of the Indigenomics Institute and, most recently, the Global Center of Indigenomics She has served as the Director of the McGill University Institute for the Study of Canada She is an adjunct professor at the School of Business at Royal Roads University and a director of the BC Digital Supercluster Carol Anne was an instructor in the Community Economic Development Program at Simon Fraser University and a faculty lead in the Indigenous Business Program at the Banff Center, where she was also a Fleck Fellow Carol Anne's work in Canada is driving the Indigenous economic target by bringing together the tools, leadership, resources, partnerships, institutions, and investment to build meaningful innovations in designing and expanding Indigenous economies in order to create a sustained national and global impact
Born as a descendant of Nuu chah nulth from the Hesquiaht Nation on Vancouver Island, Carol Anne Hilton is an international Indigenous business leader, speaker, advisor, facilitator, and author, multi award winner with an extensive background in community social and economic development
Carol Anne Hilton
In 2012, Carol Anne Hilton initiated a movement with a single hashtag that has resulted in the establishment of a school of thought that focuses on rebuilding and strengthening Indigenous economies #indigenomic is a wave redefining the definition of economic reconciliation and contribution to the Canadian economy
Through her initiatives, Carol Anne Hilton is committed to enhancing Indigenous businesses' global visibility and inclusion, thus contributing to economic growth To achieve her target of multigenerational development of Indigenous wealth, Carol Anne is focusing her two decades of experience in community, business development, and economical design and streamlining the expertise, skills, and strategic insights she gained from a broad range of social, ecological, and economic projects to drive an impact nationally and globally
Women Entrepreneurship
Economic policy/research/analysis/planning education/ Training Partnership development Indigenomics respects Indigenous peoples' profound understanding of the local economy, relationships, and human values and seeks to increase their role and visibility in the new economy Indigenomics draws on ancient principles that have supported indigenous economies for centuries and aim to implement them as modern practices by understanding the Indigenous ways of being and worldviews
Carol Anne Hilton's work, contributions, and accomplishments have accompanied recognitions and awards Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table by Carol Anne Hilton was the recipient of the 2022 Nautilus Book Award, winning Silver in the category World Cultures' Transformational Growth & Development, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Donner Prize
She also received recognition with the 2020 BC Achievement Foundation’s Award of Distinction in Indigenous Business and the 2018 National Excellence in Aboriginal Relations Award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Indigenous entrepreneurship and changemakers are making a wave in the Canadian economy. To get inspired by such success stories, visit our website http://www.indigenous sme.ca/ and for the latest updates, check out our Twitter page @IndigenousSme.
According to Carol Anne, the inclusion and revaluation of Indigenous worldview and knowledge in economics and business are crucial to resolving the global economic identity crisis. In her book Indigenomics: Taking a Seat at the Economic Table, to solve this economic crisis, she calls for increased visibility, role, and responsibility of the emerging modern Indigenous economy and the people This is the foundation of economic reconciliation, which she terms "Indigenomics " The book critiques the common rhetoric and perception among non Indigenous individuals that Indigenous people are recipients of government financial support, along with the "economic displacement" they have had to undergo The book was praised as a manifesto of economic reconciliation and a revelation to non Indigenous readers about the systematic exclusion of Indigenous peoples from the nation's economic life. The book reveals the court cases that challenge Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples and exposes the media's false portrayal of Indigenous dependence It produces reports and examples of the ongoing power shift and rise of the modern Indigenous economy, shares the opinions of eminent Indigenous business leaders, and creates a new narrative based on the reality on the ground that Indigenous people are economic powerhouses It establishes the foundational principles of an emerging Indigenous economy based on relationships and cares for all Indigenomics calls for a new model of development that promotes Indigenous self determination, collective well being, and reconciliation and is considered a must read for business leaders and entrepreneurs, Indigenous organizations and nations, governments and policymakers, and economists
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Carol Anne was awarded the BC Aboriginal Outstanding Business Achievement Award, Creating Wealth Award by the National Indigenous Council of Elders, and the Business of the Year Award by the Nuu chah nulth Economic Development Corporation for her work
The Indigenous Institute focuses on four core areas for overcoming Indigenous economic barriers, such as Dialogue platform for Indigenous economic solutions
The Indigenomics Institute is an initiative of Carol Anne Hilton that promotes positive leadership and relationships for the growth and development of Indigenous economies and offers Indigenous economic advisory services to public governments, Indigenous communities, and the private sector
Futurpreneur works with various partners to support young Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada. Some of these organizations are National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA), Nuu chah nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF), and Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (AIIC) Furturpreneur offers tools and resources like Business Plan Writer, library and entrepreneurship pathway to help young entrepreneurs in their business venture
The program was renewed when an additional $117 million was allotted by Budget 2021
The pandemic has had a devastating impact, particularly on Indigenous small scale businesses Proper financial aid and training are necessary for most Indigenous businesses to recover from its effects Government and non profit organizations offer vast opportunities for growth and development that can assist Indigenous businesses in reopening sales and achieving profitability Here are five organizations that are helping Indigenous businesses and enterprises
To bring the business plan to life, Futurpreneur provides up to $60,000* in financing, an expert mentor for up to two years, and access to resources
Indigenous Community Business Fund is a program that funds $117 million in non repayable financial contributions to help support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and collective owned businesses whose revenues were affected by COVID 19
TheTop5OrganizationsThatAreHelping Indigenous Businesses And Entrepreneurs
The Business Plan Writer is a dynamic tool designed to simplify business planning by allowing you to customize your plan, providing tips and examples, and guiding you through the writing process
Futurpreneur offers programs to support young enterprises in Canada by providing financing, mentoring, and support tools to passionate and aspiring business owners between the ages of 18 39 Their internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,400 volunteer mentors Their Indigenous program offers to finance and mentor the Indigenous entrepreneurs and helps them launch or buy their own businesses
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The Library provides articles, guides, tips, tools, and crash courses on topics like working with a mentor, sales and marketing skills, social purpose business, etc
Entrepreneurship Pathway is a recommended route to success; from developing a business idea to launching it, Futurpreneur provides resources for each stage of a startup's lifecycle, which is organized into four key stages: develop, explore, build, and launch It is not necessary to move through the Entrepreneurship path sequentially; you may return to a previous stage whenever necessary based on your business's needs
The fund has been allocated by the following two streams of operations through which Indigenous businesses fulfilling a set of criteria are entitled to monetarily support The first offers funding that will be transferred directly to communities and collectives to immediately support their COVID 19 economic priorities without the requirement of applications
SEED Winnipeg was formed in the late 1980s as a result of a major study into the economic development needs of Winnipegs inner city After several years of searching for resources, SEED opened its doors in January 1993 and continues to work on five pillars of financial empowerment, which include 1
SEED Winnipeg Inc is a non profit agency that works to reduce poverty and help renew Winnipeg’s inner city by helping people start small businesses and save money for future goals With a vision to create a world where opportunities exist for all people and communities to realize their hopes, SEED works to build strong communities and increase opportunities for people through financial empowerment programs and services
2 3 4 5
It seeks to assist businesses that do not qualify for other government COVID 19 relief measures It aims to alleviate financial pressure and permit these businesses and micro businesses to strengthen operations and ensure their continued viability during the pandemic, positioning them for recovery
National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association is a network of more than fifty Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) dedicated to strengthening the economy for all Indigenous people in Canada NACCA's support of the AFI network, which has provided 50,000 loans totalling $3 billion to businesses owned by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, fosters the development of Indigenous businesses Its mission is to serve as a national advocate for Aboriginal business development and as the voice of Aboriginal Financial Institutions
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SEED collaborates with more than one hundred organizations in Manitoba to deliver customized financial empowerment programs and has a solid, diverse funding base that enables long term planning and continuity in programme delivery The ability to operate programs over an extended time frame also allows the evaluation of program impacts over a longer period.
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Financial information, education, and counselling Helps to access income boosting benefits and tax credits Safe and affordable financial products and services
SEED provides resourceful financial support and guidance to Indigenous businesses They receive funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada for programs, services, and initiatives supporting First Nation, Inuit, and Northern communities, as well as Aboriginal and Métis organizations, governments, and individuals SEED provides guidance on the filing of taxes by small business owners and introduces Indigenous businesses to banks and funding organizations like First Nations Bank and First Peoples Economic Growth Fund to ease their financial needs
Access to savings and asset building opportunities, including business ownership Consumer awareness and protection
The second will be proposal based The community or collectives must submit applications on behalf of the business, following which funding will be transferred directly to communities and collectives For First Nations and Inuit community owned businesses, the funding will be administered by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regional offices For Métis collectively owned businesses, funding will be administered by Métis organizations listed in the "Métis businesses" section The application follows a set of criteria that should be fulfilled by the Indigenous businesses
The fund supports costs associated with their operations, adaptation, planning, and reopening of business
NAACA maintains a Quality Management System that guides the provision of financial assistance programming and advocacy support to the Canadian Aboriginal Financial Institutions network
These efforts enhance the social and economic independence and sustainability of Indigenous peoples and communities across the nation NACCA promotes Indigenous economic development by representing the unified voice of AFIs, publishing national and regional results of AFI work, fostering partnerships and building capacity, and providing the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) products and services to AFIs In addition to developmental lending, AFIs provide support services such as business loans, nonrepayable contributions, financial and management consulting, and business start up and aftercare services
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) builds bridges between Indigenous and non Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programs, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events, thus, fostering an equitable and sustainable economy across Canada. These include programs that position Indigenous businesses at the focal point for strengthening Indigenous communities, promoting progressive and prosperous relationships, and growing a new economy based on mutual respect and shared prosperity
The latest initiative of CCAB is the Indigenous Business Support Fund, in collaboration with Facebook Canada With changing business scenarios where that two thirds of Indigenous businesses do not use a traditional financial institution, increasing the burden of accessing capital, CCAB offers training along with cash grants to help business owners learn how they can build their brand online and cover membership fees to ensure the program can support these businesses
Indigenous Entrepreneurs
CCAB provides an array of business development offerings, including certification for Aboriginal owned businesses (CAB) and companies with Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Tools and Financing for Aboriginal Business (TFAB) connect Indigenous entrepreneurs with tools, training, and networks to strengthen and scale their businesses
To ensure this,
Ontario registered businesses that are 51 percent owned and controlled by Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit) persons or persons with for profit sales are eligible to apply For individuals with multiple businesses, only one business application with supporting documents will be accepted Indigenous businesses should take advantage of the government and non profit organizations' readiness to assist, train, and guide them in order to recover from the financial setbacks caused by the pandemic and other economic changes Indigenous businesses should not remain silent while support systems wait to assist in their revitalization
Indigenous businesses are the backbone of the economy, and numerous programs and initiatives work for their betterment To read more on more Indigenous business aids, visit our website http://www indigenous sme ca/ and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme
The goal of NACCA is to provide opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and increase the prosperity of Indigenous Canadians
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The past few years have seen a proliferation of social media users It has become inevitable and irreplaceable in everyday life as people use it to keep in touch with friends and family, stay updated about current affairs, for entertainment, and to share photos and videos
Social media has become an online market where small businesses can promote their products and services and even directly sell to customers. Social media can also help build a community where small businesses can connect with their customers directly and gain feedback on their products and services.
5EssentialSocialMedia TacticsforSmallBusinessOwners
According to The Global Statistics, Canadians spent an average of 1 hour 53 minutes on social media. Small businesses should utilize this increased social media engagement to promote their business and target potential customers It offers a marketing platform where small businesses can build brand awareness and develop customer relationships cost effectively
Social media's opportunities are immense, but strategic planning to use it effectively will help save time and effort invested in it The objectives you wish to achieve through social media should be marked by following the S M A R T framework S M A R T stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound, giving a systematic and step by step approach to social media marketing. Small businesses should focus more on how they show their presence on social media platforms than on simply having a presence on them Here are five social media strategies for small businesses to improve their presence, attract more customers, and increase sales
While posting content on social media, knowing what audience you are catering to is very important Their age, gender, values, habits, education, profession, interests, and preferences make a huge difference in the digital world This will help you create content that will attract the attention of the audience that will follow your content and use your products and services. Social media for small businesses is all about knowing your clients and posting valuable content about what matters to them.
Tracking customers using data analytics is important as it provides a better understanding of your customer's online behaviour This helps in both potential targeting customers and retaining the existing ones Looking at things from the customers perspective and thinking like them is very important while creating and sharing content on social media
The best way to understand your customers' perspectives, thoughts, and behaviour is simply by listening to them Social media offers an option to create a connection with your audience through feedback, conversation, and creating content that is relatable to them
There is always room for creativity and experimentation in social media, which is constantly evolving and adding new features daily to adapt to user behaviour changes This means that what was a trend yesterday may no longer be relevant today, but brands tend to repeatedly implement successful strategies
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Social Media
The Global Statistics reports that the most popular social media platform in Canada for the year 2022 is Facebook, with 76 90% of the internet users (28 37 million) having an account One reason for its popularity might be its variety of options and formats Facebook allows its users to share images and videos, stream live, and even conduct polls This diversity is what attracts users to social media
Small businesses must clearly understand which age group utilizes which social media platform the most This facilitates streamlining their social media strategy, creating content that appeals to their customer age demographic and selecting social media platforms where they are most present Customers have accounts on multiple social media platforms as opposed to a single platform As each platform is designed differently, the marketing strategy should consider connecting with customers on each platform in a unique way After mapping down your customer demographic and where to find them, start engaging in conversation Listening to customers' feedback is crucial as it helps improve and develop the brand Along with the customer conversation, keeping in touch and collaborating with others in your industry is important Building relationships and mutual growth help create a healthy competition that benefits both parties Customers like it when their feedback is taken into consideration It is important to ask them questions and make suggestions to get their opinion through Facebook posts asking for comments, LinkedIn polls, and Twitter threads It helps with customer retention and new customer acquisitions Small businesses should make this a practice to create a community that feels like a part of the brand, supporting their growth and success by contributing to the improvement of the business. When such direct communication is available, small businesses should engage their customers with organic content that helps build their trust As more people learn what the brand stands for, the audience is guaranteed to respond, thereby increasing web traffic and the social media algorithm
Social Media
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Small businesses should also track popular social media while considering platforms to run their marketing strategies. This includes knowing the trending aspects of the platform For example, people prefer shorter content these days, be it written text, audio, or video Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram have taken the steps of TikTok to provide users with short videos Hence, when small businesses choose a promotion on any social media platform, they should go for smaller content which can inform the customers crisply and clearly
Small businesses should educate themselves on paid promotions, collaborations, social media markets, and small and large social media platforms in order to keep themselves updated and improve their advertising and marketing strategies
It would be appreciated if small businesses shared posts at regular intervals However, in the haste to increase the frequency and quantity of shared content, quality should not be compromised. When interacting with social media content, there must be an added value for the brand and the customer Consideration should be given to which posts are shared on which platforms Managing an account on all social media is not affordable for a small business enterprise Your presence should be prioritized on your target audience's most frequently utilized social media platform With the age and preferences of the customer base and the product or service you sell, decide whether Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn is the best platform for sharing high quality content in a manageable manner
Small businesses should ensure that the content they share is of quality to draw the audience's attention, get them to participate, and facilitate the improvement of the business Rather than simply persuading the audience to purchase in each social media post, quality content results from being honest, building trust, and cultivating relationships with customers through these posts
A social media presence is inevitable for small businesses in the changing business scenario. Marketing strategies apply a lot on social media to build a brand name and customer relationships, receive customer feedback and suggestions and create a connection and trust in them. Small businesses should ensure consistent customer engagement by providing quality content at regular intervals. These connections and engagements are the means by which brands and businesses remain relevant in the face of rising market competition, ensuring their long term success. Small businesses should participate in these changing trends, monitor the shifting customer behaviour, and implement more effective marketing strategies.
Business and marketing strategies are rapidly changing daily. To learn more about these developments and keep your small businesses updated, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine For the latest updates, visit our Twitter page at @canadian_sme.
While considering this suggestion to follow trends, small businesses should know that not all trends are suitable for all products A judicious decision and a clear understanding of which trend is suitable for their product or service and their audience should be made at all times But it is necessary to monitor these changes and shifts in order to remain current with market strategies and trends
With an agenda to bring the Indigenous community to the forefront of the economy and enjoy equal privilege in society, many funding and investment projects have been initiated by the government and non government institutions that call for cooperative work to empower the Indigenous community.
Here are five Indigenous business funding programs that boost the Indigenous business economy and help them attain sustainable growth.
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NaturalResourceCanada
The Government of Canada recognizes the unique opportunity clean fuels present for Indigenous businesses and communities and encourages Indigenous participation in all projects They have designed Natural Resource Canada as a measure to increase funding for Indigenous led clean production capacity projects in Canada
Applicants can also apply for an End to End project via a single application
Natural Resource Canada is a funding program for Indigenous led clean production capacity projects.
The program has called for proposals from February 11th, 2022, and the submission process is ongoing After the submission deadline, the proposal will undergo multiple review processes before making the final project decision After clearing these steps, the project will initiate contribution agreements with the successful applicants The program is scheduled to be completed on March 31, 2026
TheGuideToTheBest Indigenous Business Funding Programs
For profit or registered Indigenous organizations or businesses or communities, including not for profit or for profit organizations demonstrating a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership, can apply for the program.
The eligibility criteria for the program include any project with a proposal to produce clean capital fuel that uses fuel production technologies in advanced stages of technological readiness, and that is designed for commercial deployment. Applicants should keep notes to apply for a feasibility study, front end engineering design study, or production project as separate applications
The Program intends to provide funding benefits for Indigenous led clean production capacity projects that support Indigenous led production capacity projects that will help grow the domestic production
Indigenous Businesses capacity for clean fuels, including clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, renewable natural gas, and sustainable aviation fuel, across Canada and offers new opportunities for Canada’s energy sector in the transition to producing cleaner sources of energy. It aims to support Canada’s efforts to reach net zero by 2050 and position Canada globally to reap the economic, environmental, and social benefits of the energy transition
The project proposal should have both the long term viability of the business opportunity and the potential to generate spin off business opportunities
The funding program will put the project proposal under a competitive review process and decide based on Indigenous relations The proposal should thus demonstrate community support, generate net economic benefits like jobs and community revenue, and demonstrate management capacity and business expertise
ABIF provides funding between $150,000 and $500,000 to support an Indigenous community owned economic development project, which could be up to 100% of eligible project costs or stacked with other government and industry funding sources
Indigenous Engagement Charter is an initiative by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce to fully engage the Indigenous peoples in the economy To bridge the Indigenous education gap and bring the Saskatchewan Indigenous population to the same economic level beyond any social or moral purpose, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) formed the Indigenous Engagement Charter that is specifically designed for Saskatchewan businesses
Only Indigenous communities in Alberta or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities located in Alberta are eligible to apply for the fund Communities must own and control 51% or more of the proposed business or joint venture, and corporate entities must be in good standing 03
The Charter has been developed with expertise and cultural sensitivity The Charter serves as a roadmap to provide businesses with the tools to achieve engagement and assists the business community in demonstrating the role it must play in reconciliation.
The charter also has The Indigenous Business Directory that aims to ensure that more Indigenous businesses can participate in the Saskatchewan supply chain and will allow for increased engagement between members of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and Indigenous owned businesses in the province The Indigenous Business Directory focuses on Indigenous owned businesses, defined as 51%+ Indigenous owned, and allows businesses to set up a profile and provide additional information such as locations, services offered, and contact details
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An initiative by the Government of Alberta to create a meaningful step toward stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples and a commitment to walking a path to reconciliation together, the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund aims to help Indigenous community owned businesses capitalize on business development opportunities to improve socio economic outcomes
Aimed to improve the social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples and their communities, the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) partially or completely funds capital costs for Indigenous community owned economic development projects
The investment fund expects the applicants to create a long term effect that increases the number of Indigenous community owned businesses, employment opportunities for Indigenous people, and local revenue streams for Indigenous communities by strengthening the economies of Indigenous communities
Under the Indigenous Engagement Charter, Indigenous Awareness Training webinars are designed to inform the business community about the culture and history of Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan
It helps Indigenous tourism businesses adapt to public health measures and position themselves for future growth Contributions to Indigenous non profit entities could be non repayable.
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is the first choice for Aboriginal business and economic development in Northern Ontario It is a not for profit Aboriginal financial institution serving entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities in Northern Ontario They offer various services to support Aboriginal business and economic development, including financing, business support, community planning, workshops, and bookkeeping training
Northern Ontario Development Program invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation, and self reliant communities in Northern Ontario through community economic development priority and community investment initiative Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
NADF has tools to fund business growth, support community building capacity, or provide professional business advice
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FedNor is the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) and is the Government of Canada's economic development organization for Northern Ontario Through its programs and services and through its financial support of projects that lead to job creation and economic growth, FedNor works with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario
Indigenous businesses and organizations play a vital role in strengthening the economy of Northern Ontario and Canada as a whole Acknowledging their importance, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario has organized additional support to help Indigenous communities grow their economies and create good jobs
Helps Indigenous entrepreneurs start and grow a business in Northern Ontario Community Futures Program (CFP) Through CFP, FedNor supports 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located in Northern Ontario Jobs and Growth Fund helps businesses or communities create jobs, support the local economy for long term growth, and contribute up to 100% of eligible costs for projects with Indigenous clients Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
Indigenous Businesses
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NADF has an initiative for Indigenous women wishing to start or grow their business called the Women in Business Program (WiB), which provides financing and online and in person business training for Indigenous women entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs who own a start up or have an existing business and would like to grow their business can utilize the WiB programs that will provide ongoing support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
The WiB aims to assist Northern Ontario Indigenous women to start or grow a business by overcoming barriers and accessing funding to build their credit and leverage financing and support services
The WiB is a micro-finance program designed for part-time and/or home-based Indigenous women-led businesses requiring smaller loans and who may lack access to conventional financing.
An Indigenous woman over the age of 18 years who runs a women led business that is wholly owned or majority owned (51% ) by Indigenous women and located and operating in NADF’s service area is eligible for the funding.
Under the Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada emphasizes the requirement for financial relationships developed in collaboration with Indigenous nations. These funding programs can also be seen as one such fiscal relationship that helps create a mutual and supportive climate that ensures the growth of indigenous communities while contributing to the country's development Government and non government institutions provide many projects and funding for the indigenous community To read more on the related topic, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine lnkd in/gBMWGCHX, and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme
The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation adhere to the sustainability philosophy of taking only what is necessary, giving in order to receive and be grateful for it, recognizing ones place in the universe, and establishing a personal relationship with the Creator When the human food market resulted in a large amount of waste animal meat being discarded, which violated the heritage philosophy of using all of an animal's sacrifice, Keri Gray stepped in to make a difference, beginning a journey that was rooted in her cultural identity as a First Nation woman and a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan The result of it was Shades of Gray Heritage Keri was raised on a farm in Lakefield, Ontario, where she helped her parents run a butcher shop Throughout high school, she worked both on the farm and in the shop She attended the University of Manitoba, graduated with a degree in Agriculture, and completed a business program at Red River College before returning to Ontario. Back home, she worked for nine years as an administrator for the Indigenous Studies Department at the Metis Nation of Ontario in Toronto at Trent University
Founder,ShadesofGray IndigenousPetTreatsCo.
Following her children's birth, Keri changed jobs and took the Learning Coordinator position on the Alderville First Nation reserve Meanwhile, she also got involved with her partner, Brian, in establishing their farm Her daughters' medical conditions compelled her to learn organic and high quality healthy food growing techniques and methods for raising meat that they could eat
The amount of animal meat waste generated by this business was excessive, and Keri knew that it violated her hereditary principles This prompted her to consider making pet treats from this discarded meat Keri conducted research and attended classes to become a Certified Raw Nutrition Specialist, initially testing the market at events like local dog shows
In 2012, Shades of Gray Rabbitry was established for the Gray family Over the years, it expanded and served local chefs, grocery stores, butcher shops, and friends who wished to eat more healthily or offered such options to their customers
TheSustainableHeritage ofShadesofGray
People soon became interested in the humane, animal wellness centred approach to farming and the superior quality of treats
Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats Co. was registered in 2019 to provide healthy treats to pets across Canada that are of high quality and federally inspected with no antibiotics. and adheres to the core Aboriginal principles Keri holds so dearly.
Along with her business, Keri is also a part of many initiatives committed to furthering her heritage and is passionate about supporting the youth and education to foster employment opportunities that can help in empowerment Keri believes that every difficulty one faces should be viewed as an opportunity to learn something new and to repay the community for the resources it has provided. She also believes in the transformative power of education in empowering women and youth and encourages farming and eco friendly sustainable practices
To read more Indigenous success stories featuring sustainability and growth, visit Indigenous-SME.ca or follow @IndigenousSME on Twitter.
Shades of Gray is a healthy treat for both your pet and Mother Nature, as it ensures that your pet receives a nutritious diet by repurposing animal products that would otherwise be wasted Keri Gray effectively utilizes the cultural values she was taught to make significant changes through small initiatives Seeing a problem with meat being wasted after being used in the human food industry and finding an ingenious way to reuse it to benefit another creature was a brilliant step from Keri, making her a socially responsible entrepreneur who gives back to society
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The Canadian Council on Aboriginal Business has certified Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats Co as an Indigenous Canadian business 100 percent owned and operated by women and engaged in First Nation business Their gluten free, antibiotic free, and preservative free pet treats are made from the single ingredients of various free range animals, such as rabbits, beavers, and bison The natural pet treats to improve the pets' health and dental hygiene, promote healthier coats, reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions, and keep them hydrated and energized
Keri continues to be a leader and innovator in Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and for First Nations entrepreneurs in general
The pandemic has been overly cited as the threshold before which the world functioned in a set of systems and after which a new normal has been established. It has been a revelation to open up to the digital world and technology's possibilities, especially for small businesses
Each year, the pace at which technological trends change is beyond our prediction Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the most invested in technology worldwide, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook competing to invest in its development. Though the pandemic did not change the priority of AI investments, companies have begun to look at how AI and similar technological advancements can be incorporated to support their new normal working culture
The pandemic made small businesses realize that technological incorporation is inevitable in creating internal coordination of employees and external communication access to customers This was just the tip of the iceberg that needed to be tackled as a result of the paradigm shift that increased software development and the proliferation of online platforms had brought about in the modes of shopping, customer behaviour and preferences, payments, and invoices
IsSoImportantfor SmallBusinesses Here'sWhy Technology
The time for technological incorporation and advancement has passed Small businesses have no choice but to become digital, offering various services that can attract customers and meet their current needs Small business owners should adopt digital technology that uniquely offers quick and innovative solutions in all areas of business management, including workplace administration, marketing strategy, customer relations, and sales Only a business willing to transform anything physical in a business environment to digital can survive the present competition
Why technological solutions in small businesses?
Adopting technology solutions in the business allows small enterprises to efficiently run their businesses by creating coordinated teamwork and improved communication With remote working in the new work culture, the use of communication technologies like Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex makes it easy for Technology makes it easy to calculate what once was considered unmeasurable With workplace management software, employees' productivity and strategic input results can be calculated This allows small businesses to identify which employees contribute most to the business, which areas require better handling of vital tasks, and how business can be improved It also allows the company to receive feedback in the form of data that provides insight for better decision making
The incorporated technology also allows small businesses to work from anywhere while increasing their customer base
Technology
Adopting marketing technologies quickens the team's execution of plans and strategies to attain the company ' s goal and target It also provides rapid feedback on how the market and customers respond to the strategy. By incorporating data analytics and CRM tracking, it is possible to generate a clear picture of prospective customers and the behaviour of existing customers Technology also improves your digital presence and customer engagement
Businesses to stay connected with their team while producing high quality work in the comfort of their houses
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Utilizing the benefits of high speed internet and automation software, small and medium sized businesses can operate more efficiently and perform vital tasks more effectively Adoption of administrative tools will help better manage the workforce by keeping a check on each employee’s punctuality and productivity
Technology enables small businesses to be aware of the most recent market innovations, to react quickly to these changes, to adopt if appropriate, and to adapt to achieve greater business flexibility The incorporation of technological solutions will help small businesses stay updated on market trends, improve business strategies and ensure an optimum result
Thus, technology is a key factor in the expansion of small businesses It improves the production processes, creates value, and reduces operational expenses Newer inventions create a one of a kind digital experience that has a significant impact on productivity and sales
The proliferation of data in the digital space and constant cyberattacks by hackers from worldwide creates a huge threat
With technological advancement, small businesses can now take the lead in protecting their data from cyberattacks by installing firewalls, anti virus software, and data encryption
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Customers increasingly prefer to conduct business online. It is essential for small businesses to establish a web presence by developing customer friendly websites and social media platforms that foster a sense of connection with the brand
Most of the time, small businesses fall prey to such fraud games as they demand hefty ransoms for the recovery of hacked data
The digital platforms should be user friendly with the right design and functionality that makes it easy for customers to navigate through the site The website should be responsive and have mobile support as most customers use the web on their smartphones rather than PCs Technology is easing off every tedious task that business once posed as a hurdle Small business enterprises can be supported by technological aids throughout their business operations, from pitching an idea to generating profit
The inevitability and potential of technology aid in business should be taken up seriously by small business owners and timely invest in digital solutions to reap the multifaceted benefits it has to offer
To know more about the recent technological trends and their importance in small businesses, subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine https://lnkd.in/dbqmSKN.
The judicious incorporation of various business software solutions, digital marketing strategies, and customer relationship management technologies can help boost the small business's ability to reach a wider customer pool to improve sales
Protection of data is a serious responsibility of any business
Technology
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Growth can be measured by the increase in the number of customers, improved sales and profit, and a strong brand name. With so many options for expansion, small businesses should not be afraid of competition. But entering the competition without preparation is unwise. Here are five tips to help small businesses prepare for business expansion.
For a business to succeed, it is essential to assemble a strong team Good teamwork of diverse voices, backgrounds, and opinions that can provide fresh perspectives and positive criticism is required for the company ' s development
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The functioning of a small business market is unique, and those features and characteristics that constitute the market trend should be understood while planning to grow a business
For business growth, it is crucial to build a brand that consumers will be able to recognize the company based on the logo, advertising campaign, and product packaging
Thorough research into everything that is part of the market that you are part of is important before taking the steps for growth and expansion
Top 5 Tips
Small businesses should be ambitious enough to plan for growth and expansion, franchise the business, and increase the reach of the brand While planning such a business scale up, a strategic approach with no room for hasty decisions is required Success depends upon the market choice and strategy, along with the selection of the appropriate combination of technologies
If the foundational aspects are not given priority, then further development might not be lasting
Create a strong foundation for your business01
ForGrowingYourSmallBusiness
In the market analysis, customers and competitors come first Targeting new customers while maintaining the satisfaction of existing customers is important The competitors create the momentum of the business Their presence is vital to the growth of your business as it creates healthy competition that influences the scaling up decision
Small businesses should invest in the development of websites and online stores to expand their reach and visibility while reducing the cost of maintaining their physical stores
Positive or negative, consumers today are quick to provide feedback, which must be addressed expeditiously
Small businesses should always be on the lookout for technological advancements that can facilitate work and boost sales Technology enables small businesses to function remotely, allowing employees to work from home, the office, or any other convenient location It allows business owners to hire globally based on the performance and talent of employees This dispersed workforce is easily traceable with the support of workplace management tools that quantify employee output Blogs, social media, and email technology help maintain customer connections
Maintain constant customer communication through your social media presence
Be socially responsible04
There is an increasing number of customers willing to spend more on businesses with a social conscience and stay loyal to them These customers' word of mouth advertising can provide small businesses with numerous expansion opportunities
Financially, retaining customers is simpler than acquiring new ones
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Small businesses should always prioritize customer service by providing discounts, offers, and quick and effective services to make them feel valued Optimal use of customer relationship management solutions to keep track of customer information and data that can later be used for sales opportunities
Regularly conducting surveys to gain insights into customer preferences and feedback for improvement will contribute while planning for a business expansion No advertisement is equivalent to the word of mouth publicity of a loyal customer Adopt technology to ease the work03
With customer demand for socially responsible products, most small businesses have taken measures to be organic, ethically sourced, eco friendly, and cruelty free Social responsibility is a part of the value you add to your product or service, which can enhance your brand's reputation It creates a positive impression of the company and generates media coverage, which functions as advertising and raises awareness of the company ' s commitment to the cause Businesses use this as a marketing strategy, as they can earn profits from investing time and money in actions that benefit the community Choosing sustainable, eco friendly, and recycled resources, treating stakeholders with respect and paying them their rightful earnings, and donating to charity are some of the CSR activities that can facilitate the company ' s growth
Small Business Expand customer base with satisfaction
Customer service success requires expanding your customer base while maintaining the satisfaction of your current clientele Customer retention is an indicator of customer loyalty, which impacts sales
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Small businesses should take advantage of this to establish a more personal connection with their customers for growth
Small business enterprises should set expansion goals beyond what they think they are capable of achieving and devise strategies for attaining them.
Small Business Export the products and services05
Exporting is one of the most effective means of expanding a business by entering the international market, which exposes the company to new customers and opportunities while enhancing its competitiveness and boosting its bottom line Export Development Canada (EDC), a Canadian government enterprise that promotes and develops trade between Canada and other nations, offers a project titled The Export Impact
It recognizes that many Canadian businesses are already well positioned to expand into international markets and helps companies get more international orders, sign new contracts, and make global connections
If proper planning is conducted, the execution of business expansion is considerably easier, Waiting for the right moment to seize an opportunity is an exciting process that requires patience Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) should cease operating within their comfort zones and begin exploring the frontiers awaiting them To read more on business growth and strategies, subscribe to Indigenous SME and Canadian SME magazines. https://lnkd.in/dbqmSKN. For updates, follow @Canadian SME and @IndigenousSME on Twitter.
Consistent growth is required for any business at all stages, and small businesses should always keep looking for opportunities that help them to be competitive with the changing market trends.
Small businesses should make use of such project funding and programs to enter the overseas market, which can help them increase their customer base, brand reach, and revenue
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