Indigenous Economic Development
The Desautels Business Law Accelerator is fostering Indigenous economic development in Manitoba.
Across the province and country, Indigenous governments, entrepreneurs, and communities are building self-determined economies through partnerships, resource management, renewable energy projects, and innovative enterprises. Knowing business law plays a vital role in supporting this growth.
The Accelerator contributes to this field through research, such as employing a dedicated Indigenous economic development research assistant, student engagement, such as with the Business Law Group, and collaboration with leaders in Indigenous governance and business. By advancing understanding of Indigenous rights, economic reconciliation, and community-driven enterprise, the Accelerator helps foster sustainable prosperity that benefits both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Manitobans.
Resources for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business provides tools, training, networking opportunities, awards, and national events for Indigenous business owners. They also host an Indigenous Business Directory.
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program is a federal program that provides access to capital and business opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.
Indigenous Business Navigator Service
The Indigenous Business Navigator Service is a federal program that connects Indigenous businesses to Government of Canada programs and services for businesses.
Pauktuutit Inuit Women in Business Network
The Inuit Women in Business Network is a platform dedicated to supporting Inuit women entrepreneurs. They provide essential resources, practical guides, and a rotating feature of business owners.
The Indigenous Business Directory
The Indigenous Business Directory is a public directory and the primary source used by the federal government to find Indigenous businesses to fulfill federal contracts. Business owners can register their business in the directory to increase visibility.
Indigenous Chamber of Commerce MB
The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce of Manitoba creates partnerships for growth and development of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous businesses and organizations. Members gain networking opportunities, business opportunities, sponsorship, promotion, group lobbying efforts and more.
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba highlights Indigenous businesses, artists, and experiences through an online database. Businesses can become members and gain access to development support, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and marketing through the Indigenous Tourism Manitoba website.
The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA)
NACCA is a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions that advocate for economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada. They host an Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program and have many other resources for Indigenous business owners.
Southern First Nation Business Directory
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) hosts a directory for businesses owned by citizens of SCO First Nations.