A second round of funding is open for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Applications are being accepted now until September 22, 2022, and will be accepted from Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario looking to start up, expand, or buy an existing business.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) will have upwards of $5,000 available in funding for each approved plan. An independent grant committee comprised of Thunder Bay and regional Indigenous business professionals provide feedback and evaluate the applications. If successful in receiving the funding the entrepreneurs complete a three-month mentorship with experienced professionals that help them in executing their business plans.
“I would like to thank Impala Canada for their financial contribution to further leverage available funds to support Indigenous businesses in Northwestern Ontario. Both the CEDC and Impala Canada recognize the importance of supporting and growing Indigenous based businesses as they are crucial to bolstering the strength and diversity of our economy.” Eric Zakrewski, CEO, said in a written statement.
“We are thrilled to be able to run this program for another year. The Starter Company Plus program, on which Miinikaanan Badakidoon was founded, has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs in our region. Through this program, the CEDC is able to further support Indigenous owned and operated businesses. We hope to see more programs like the Mikknikaanan Badakidoon come to life in the coming years as Indigenous business is a key element in our evolving strategic plans”
The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade provided financial support for the program, along with a generous private sector investment from Impala Canada, a major industrial employer in the Thunder Bay mining sector.
Visit www.gotothunderbay.ca/miinikaananbadakidoon for more information about the program.
