Are you an Indigenous entrepreneur looking to grow or start your business? We’re here to support you!

Join Innovation Canada and other government representatives for a free webinar designed to help Indigenous business owners navigate programs and resources tailored to your [or their] unique needs.

Register Here.

The post Finding the Right Government Support for Your Indigenous-led Business appeared first on WeBC.

We will have 16 business pitches during the mornings of May 21st and 22nd. In the afternoons Indigenous and Industry delegates will be able to network together as well as visit the diverse range of exhibitors and also meet with senior federal government buyers.

Register here

The post NABOC Vancouver 2025 | Government Buyers Expo appeared first on WeBC.

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we’re hosting four inspiring women leaders who will share their stories of community, innovation, and resilience:

• Jessie Williams is a citizen of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the Dean of Indigenous Initiatives at Vancouver Community College. She received an Emerging Leader Achievement Award from her Nation in 2023.

• Alissa Assu is a member of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation and belongs to the Laksamshu (Fireweed and Owl) Clan and Nisga’a. She is the Owner of RavenSong Soap & Candle, Bear Essential Oils and West Coast Wildflowers. She is a supportive partner for the National Indigenous Renal Transplant Research Project: BRIDGE and has contributed to organizations such as the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the Urban Native Youth Association, and Gathering our Voices.

• Sharon Bond is a member of the Nooaitch First Nation and she is the visionary Founder of Kekuli Cafe, a unique establishment that celebrates Indigenous cuisine and culture. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Sharon plays a significant role in various organizations. She serves as Vice Chair for Indigenous Tourism BC, a Director for the Westbank First Nation Economic Development Commission and  her involvement with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology board of Education. She was honored with the the title of Business Woman of the Year in 2020 by National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Associations (NACCA).

• Patrice Mousseau is an Anishinaabe member of the Fort William First Nation and the Founder of Satya Organic Skin Care. She was named Indigenous Exporter of the Year in 2023, and has previously won the Indigenous Entrepreneur Award from Startup Canada.

We’re delighted to host this conversation to foster a spirit of reconciliation and encourage everyone to elevate Indigenous entrepreneurs through community, collaborations, procurement and beyond!

Wednesday, September 25 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual WeCafé

Free and open to everyone

Facilitator: Jessie Williams, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives, Vancouver Community College

Panelists:

• Alissa Assu, Owner, RavenSong Soap & Candle, Bear Essential Oils and West Coast Wildflowers, Campbell River
• Sharon Bond, Founder, Kekuli Café, West Kelowna
• Patrice Mousseau, Founder, Satya Organic Skincare, Vancouver

Register Here >>>

The post Reconciliation and Resilience: A Conversation with Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs appeared first on WeBC.

The post Native Women’s Association of Canada Info session appeared first on WeBC.

The event will focus On Resiliency, Personal Growth And Healing Communities.

• Dinner & Comedy Show
• Bannock & Jam Session
• Traditional Medicines
• Smudging Tent
• Healing Circles
• Blanket Ceremonies
• Snacks & Refreshments
• Artisan Market & Crafts
• Door Prizes & More

Register Here >>>

The post Healing the Hoop: McLeod Lake Indian Band and Lheidli T’enneh’s Health and Wellness Conference 2023 appeared first on WeBC.

Application Deadline: February 8, 2023

Just six months after graduating the program:

•On average, export revenue increased by 18%

•Participants forecast their export sales to grow 47% over the next 5 years

By enrolling in TAP Canada,you can:

•Navigate complexities of the global trade ecosystem

•Leverage Canada’s deep trade and investment resources

•Access tailored, face-to-face coaching and advice

•Learn about international best practices

•Accelerate export readiness

•Develop and implement a new market entry plan

•Expand your global trade footprint and increase revenue

This program is run over five days, with the following schedule:

Workshop Days-In Person (9:00a.m. –4:30p.m.)

1. February 22

2. February 23

3. February 2

Application Deadline –February 8, 2023

Mentorship Days–Virtual (8:30a.m. –12:30p.m.)

4. March 29

5. March 30

Application Deadline –February 8, 2023

*Bursary available for qualified companies

Apply Today

The post Trade Accelerator Program: Indigenous Cohort appeared first on WeBC.

How to Incorporate First Nations Art in Branding

• Length: 2 hours
• Language: English

Course Description

Presented By:

Patrick Shannon

Register Here>>>

The post Marketing and Branding for Indigenous Businesses appeared first on WeBC.

Ta7talíya comes from an entrepreneurial family. Her grandmother was a weaver, baker and gardener. Her father ran a construction company. Ta7talíya says that some of her fondest memories of the family business are from the 1970s when her family ran a salmon BBQ and cultural pavilion at the PNE in Vancouver. She knew her family to be “creative, determined and tightly woven together.”

When Ta7talíya first started in business she tried to turn herself into what she thought a leader should look like, rather than nurturing her own leadership style.

As part of her work, she consciously considers how to break down the external, colonial narratives that encumber her from being who she is as an intense creative introvert, who happens to have a stutter.

Decolonizing the narrative that labels her as having a speech impediment, instead of celebrating her true gift to share, which includes her own way of seeing and being in the world. She believes that “Sharing my cultural teachings, fused with my lived experiences is now the foundation of my very successful business.”

Ta7talíya has been working with WeBC to become “more creditworthy and be in better relation with spreadsheets. Like many Indigenous People, I don’t own property so do not have intergenerational financial equity as a safety net or to borrow from. I also made some early mistakes with credit because I didn’t have access to money strategies beyond survival.”

She has a two-year plan that she says will “bring me back to WeBC to access financing and advising for a future product line.” 

Nahanee Creative has developed a workbook called: “Decolonize First: A liberating guide and workbook for peeling back the layers of neocolonialism.” The first page holds a message from Ta7talíya and her team that says:

“Decolonizing is a lot like the word healing. It is different for everybody everyday, there is no final end point, and it’s not easy. Nobody knows exactly what it looks like but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t work towards achieving it.”

Decolonize First: A liberating guide and workbook for peeling back the layers of neocolonialism

Where to find Nahanee Creative

www.NahaneeCreative.com

Facebook – @nahaneecreative

Instagram – @decolonizefirst

LinkedIn – @nahaneecreative

Twitter – @ta7taliya

The post Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee, Nahanee Creative appeared first on WeBC.