The Wave of The Future – Entrenpreneurship

Aboriginal companies are a dynamic and growing presence in Canada’s economy.

There are over 20,000 Aboriginal businesses in Canada, active in every sector of the economy.

Are you ready to be part of this team?

No doubt about it, you got what it takes. Just do it!

These following agencies are there to help you by providing key services and business support.

SOCIÉTÉ DE DÉVELOPPEMENT DE LA BAIE JAMES

SDBJ was created to promote investment and development in the James Bay Territory for both nativesand non-natives. They provide assistance in the creation of new businesses and maintenance ofexisting ones.

Their emphasis is on projects that create harmonious relationships between native and nonnativepopulations.

FINANCIAL AND OTHER SUPPORT

While they provide financial support, they also provide key introductions to other interested parties, for example, other entrepreneurs and investors who could greatly enhance the viability of your proposed business.

PRIORITIES

They are looking to develop businesses in these areas: roads, airports, mines, buildings and tourism. They will also consider other economic development activities that may be beneficial for the betterment of the territory. Please contact the following offices listed below, for further information.

Mr. Alain Coulombe Corporative Development Agent

110 Matagami Blvd., P.O. Box 970 Matagami, Qc. JOY 2A0 Phone: (819)739-4717 Fax: (819) 739-4329

Mrs. Manon Cyr

Mr. Patrick Houle

Economic Development Agent

462, 3rd Street, Suite 10 Chibougamau, Qc. G8P 1N7 Phone: (418) 748-7777 Fax: (418) 748-6868

Radisson Office

P.O. Box 90

Radisson, QC JOY 2X0 Phone: (819) 638-6245 Fax: (819) 638-6449

EEYOU ECONOMIC GROUP / CFDC INC.

As their motto goes: For Crees, By Crees and With Crees for tomorrow. Eeyou Economic Group (EEG) can help you whether you are already on your way or just taking your first tentative steps in the world of business.

TRAINING

They can help you with training to improve your computer skills, bookkeeping skills and in other business-related fields to aid in achieving your goal.

FINANCING

With its investment budget, Eeyou Economic Group CFDC Inc., is able to provide up to amaximum of $75,000 per project. In 1998-99, EEG has $1 million to invest in Cree businesses.They hope to help develop 30 business plans this year. ELIGIBILITY

The promoter must be Cree and beneficiary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement

The project must be realized in Cree territory

The project is supported by a Band Council resolution or by an agreement in principle with the local Band Council.

Must submit a complete business plan

Promoter must provide 20% of the total investment personally.

DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

EEG can help you develop your professional plan in two ways.

1. Call them and purchase their do-it-yourself business starter kit for $40.

2. EEG in conjunction with Haido Kloo, a Native consulting group, is providing technical services to existing and upcoming business ventures in various ways. EEG would also be able to refer individuals, who have made formal requests for assistance, to other consultants who can help develop their business plans. The cost of such a service is the sole responsibility of the individual.

EEG is currently seeking a resource person to help you with your business ideas and to provide expertise in creating your business plan.

AFTER CARE

For those who already run a business, EEG is also currently offering an after-care program, again with the consultants from Haido Kloo. If you have a business but are experiencing some problems, or want to improve your business, you might want this service.

CONTACT

Eeyou Economic Group/CFDC Inc.

3, Highway 113Waswanipi, Qc. JOY 3C0Robert Kitchen, Director GeneralPhone: (819)753-2560Fax: (819)753-2568

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES

A lot of information, financing and support can be provided by your localeconomic development officer, who will do their best to point you in the rightdirection. It’s their business to help you to reach your goals. “So, put thatsledge hammer down and pick up the telephone instead”.

Call your local resource person listed below:

Jimmy A. Fireman, President Wiichihiituun Devel. Corp.

Phone: (819) 855-3380

Lawrence Jimiken Nemaska Band

Phone: (819) 673-2512

Marlene Kitchen Waswanipi Cree First Nation

Phone: (819) 753-2587

Maria Kawapit Whapmagoostui Band

Phone: (819) 929-3384

John Brown Eastmain Band

Phone: (819) 977-0211

Jack Diamond Waskaganish Band

Phone: (819) 895-8843

Bradley Georgekish Wemindji Cree Nation

Phone: (819) 978-0264

Bernie Perlman Ouje-Bougoumou Eeyou Co.

Phone: (819) 745-3906

Donald MacLeod Mistissini Band Council

Phone: (418) 923-3461

CREE REGIONAL AUTHORITY

The economic development division of the CRA plays a supporting role to your local economicdevelopment agencies. For example, the CRA makes sure that your local economic developmentofficers (EDOs) have everything they need, at their fingertips, to support entrepreneursand business development in the communities.

The CRA also helps communities, EDOs and entrepreneurs to access Federal and Provincialgovernment program funding. Although they normally deal with the EDOs (who are workingon your behalf), you are also welcome to call the CRA yourself.

CRA – Economic Development Division

Montreal Offices

514- 861-5837

514- 866-1234

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS CANADA

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) provides business services and support to Aboriginal people.They concentrate on small businesses owned and controlled by Native entrepreneurs.

ELIGIBILITY

Canadian status and non-status Indian, Inuit or Métis.

Association, partnership or other legal entity, wholly, or partly owned and controlled by aboriginalpeople.

3.Business can be on or off reserve.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

1. Developing business plans or undertaking feasibility studies

2. Establishing new businesses or joint ventures

3. Increasing technology use in business

4. Marketing activities designed to increase sales

5. Business support activities such as hiring professionals or management training

6. Advocacy activities which benefit more than one firm and further Aboriginal businesses.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Financial support is available in either repayable or non-repayable loans. Most loans do not have to be re-paid. The maximum contribution is $75,000. You need to personally invest a minimum of 10% or 15 % cash equity in your proposed venture.

PRIORITY AREAS FOR INVESTMENT BY ABC

Youth Entrepreneurs, tourist businesses, innovations to your business, or expansion of your business are priority areas for Aboriginal Business Canada.

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS

Today, some 68 percent of Aboriginal Canadians are under the age of 30. The youth represent an important, growing pool of potential business owners and employees. For this reason, Aboriginal Business Canada is placing priority on supporting initiatives that encourage Aboriginal youth to get into business. This includes financial support, preparing business plans, developing your business idea, developing business skills and other training (with emphasis in the area of applying computer technology skills to business).

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 years are eligible for support. In addition, Aboriginal Business Canada’s support for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards helps to ensure that business

and youth achievements are promoted and celebrated.

TOURISM

In recognition of the booming tourism business, a market in increasing demand, ABD supports individuals and communities in their efforts to develop distinctive Aboriginal cultural tourism and ecotourism businesses that are commercially viable yet remain sensitive to Aboriginal values.

INNOVATIONS

Many Aboriginal firms are being innovative and using new technology to expand. For instance, call them if your business could expand or improve using a new technique or technology.

TRADE AND MARKET EXPANSION

Many Aboriginal firms are already experienced at trading outside of their local markets. Many are expanding their sales into regional, national and even international markets. Is your business ready to expand? Perhaps to other communities, or to the south? This program is for you.

Regional Office Aboriginal Business Canada Montreal, Quebec Phone: (514)283-1828 Fax: (514)283-1843 Contact: Peter Paul

THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has an initiative called “Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business”. The BDC helps to increase acess to capital (ie money) and management support for Aboriginal entrepreneurs.

FINANCING

ABC can provide loans up to $100,000 for existing businesses and up to $25,000 for start-upswith customized management support.

ELIGIBLE FOR THESE ENTREPRENEURS:

1. With a commercially-viable business proposal

2. With management experience

3. Demonstrating a financial commitment

4. Willing to take part in a mentorship program

5. Operating on or off reserve

For more information, please call:

Business Development Bank of Canada

5 Place Ville Marie Montreal, Quebec

(Phone) 1 888 INFO-BDC (1-888-463-6232)