BC is home to the second largest number of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada, with over 2,000 Indigenous-owned businesses located across the province. By becoming an Indigenous entrepreneur you will not only create economic and job opportunities for yourself and others, but you will also become an important role model for your family, community, and Indigenous youth.

As Indigenous communities continue to advance self-determination and sovereignty, economic growth and entrepreneurial activity are essential to the vibrancy of future generations. In this article, find business resources and support for Indigenous peoples and get your business started on the right track.

A Rich History of Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Commerce

Indigenous peoples have produced and traded goods since time immemorial. Oolichan grease trails – complex trading routes formed through territories where the valuable fish oil was moved – formed a network that ran from the Yukon to northern California.

Pre-contact economic activity went beyond trade – it was ceremonial. Many coastal nations are rooted in potlatch culture. The potlatch served many social, cultural, and economic purposes. The gift-giving feast has been described as a form of taxation, a formalized system of wealth distribution.

Colonization brought the reserve system and the federal passing of the Indian Act, transferring land ownership to the Crown. This, along with the banning of ceremonies like the potlatch, disrupted not only Indigenous people’s cultural identity but entrepreneurial spirit as well.

Fortunately, the process of reconciliation has brought about some change. A 2018 survey from Vancity reported that 48 percent of Indigenous entrepreneurs say they experienced systemic barriers five years ago, compared to just 21 percent now. Non-Indigenous Canadians and businesses are also starting to recognize and acknowledge the historic and legal challenges confronting Indigenous communities.

Efforts are being made to address these challenges and right historical wrongs. But for real change to occur, Indigenous skills and entrepreneurial expertise must continue to be unlocked. Small Business BC is proud to be an active participant in the journey of reconciliation.

Support and Resources

Canadian Council for Indigenous Businesses

CCAB builds bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events.

• View CCAB’s Tools and Financing for Aboriginal Businesses
• Discover the CCAB Awards Program

Animikii Indigenous Technology

Animikii is an Indigenous-owned digital agency. They are a team of experts in different areas all working towards the same goal: social innovation through Indigenous technology. They work in four main areas – website design, custom software, design & branding, and digital communications.

• Check out their Indigenous Innovators Podcast
• View some of their Featured Projects

Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship

The Canadian Center for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship is dedicated to the promotion and growth of Aboriginal Entrepreneurship in Canada.

They provide the following support for Indigenous entrepreneurs:

• Project management
• Entrepreneurship training
• Speaking and writing services, and
• Consulting to government and Aboriginal businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Indigenous Tourism BC

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, Stakeholder-based organization committed to the continued growth of a sustainable, authentic, and culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry in British Columbia.

Tourism is the second highest earning industry in BC, giving Indigenous tourism outfitters new opportunities for economic development and the chance to share living Indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions. Authentic Indigenous tourism experiences top the list for visitors to Canada and offer ways to learn about Indigenous cultures in BC, contribute to vibrant, healthy Indigenous economies and communities, and gain intimate experiences that deepen your connection to people, land, and wildlife.

Indigenous Business Development Services

Indigenous Business Development Services was established in 2017 to expand resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs in BC. IBDS works directly with organizations in BC that operate in or near Indigenous communities and are interested in hosting business development programming in their community.

Check out their Programs which include the Indigenous Awareness Grant for BC Businesses, Business Training and Capacity Building, and Indigenous Internships.

Native Women’s Association of Canada

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization representing the political voice of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people in Canada, inclusive of First Nations on and off reserve, status and non-status, disenfranchised, Métis and Inuit.

NWAC works on a variety of issues such as employment, labour and business, health, violence prevention and safety, justice and human rights, environment, early learning childcare, and international affairs.

Advanced Business Match

Advanced Business Match (ABM) is the most powerful Aboriginal-driven business event in Canada. ABM connects Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal decision-makers to create business opportunities. ABM Delegates choose to meet one-on-one through the selection of potential business matches using profile information.

BC Achievement Indigenous Business Awards

The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) honours excellence while focusing on the success of Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. The program offers awardees and their supporters an authentic space to showcase their achievements, build bridges between BC’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies, and celebrate success, diversity, and inclusion.

Inuit Women in Business Network

The purpose of the IWBN is to connect Inuit women across Inuit Nunangat who own a business or are interested in starting one – no experience required. The Network was built to support and assist all Inuit businesswomen at any stage of business development by finding mentors, providing easy-to-read resources, and having a community that will encourage you. The IWBN is made by Inuit businesswomen for Inuit businesswomen and anyone is welcome to join!

Funding and Financing

BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur Banking

BDC is the only financial institution in Canada dedicated to entrepreneurs. They offer a unique Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan of up to $350,000 to start or grow a business, whether you operate on or off reserve.

Vancity Startup Loans for Indigenous Entrepreneurs

These startup loans help support entrepreneurs who have completed the Aboriginal BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) program and are ready to start a business in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Regional District, Greater Victoria, or the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.

Vancity’s Startup Loans for Indigenous Entrepreneurs fills the gap between traditional bank lending and the availability of venture capital. Unlike traditional small business loans that are based on business history and collateral, these are based on the character of the owner and the strength of the business plan.

Loan Details

• Size: Up to $50,000
• Type: Term loan or combination of term loan and operating line of credit
• Interest Charged: Prime plus 3 percent
• Repayment Period: Within 5 years

Government of Canada Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital

This program promotes entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities and seeks to increase the number of viable Indigenous-owned businesses. The program has two components: access to capital and business opportunities.