Advancing Indigenous economic self-determination is a crucial part of the Government of Canada's commitment to renewing the relationship with Indigenous Peoples. This means supporting the thousands of Indigenous entrepreneurs and small businesses working to create jobs and opportunity in their communities.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, took part in the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business's (CCAB) West Coast Business Forum, where she announced $500,000 for the CCAB to help increase the tools and resources Indigenous small business owners and entrepreneurs need to thrive.
This funding will help the CCAB promote the 50-30 Challenge, with the goal of increasing Indigenous inclusion in the business space. The CCAB will also use the funding to revamp its Tools and Financing for Aboriginal Business website and do a deep dive into the Indigenous business ecosystem to assess what new tools, funding and training Indigenous entrepreneurs need the most and how existing support programs can be improved.
Altogether, this work will help the CCAB strengthen Indigenous entrepreneurship services and supports, help the government develop strong evidence-based programs and policies, and help Indigenous businesses play a greater part in Canada's economy.
The Government of Canada is also investing in Indigenous entrepreneurship through Women Entrepreneurship Strategy programs like the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund. With funding from the Loan Fund, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is providing support through loans to small businesses owned by Indigenous women, helping them access capital.
When we build an inclusive economy, we're building a stronger economy. Access to capital and resources is key to helping businesses start up and scale up, especially for entrepreneurs from communities who have traditionally been overlooked and under-represented. Funding like this supports Indigenous-owned businesses as they create good jobs and drive economic growth.
