THUNDER BAY - The pilot program successfully saw six entrepreneurs complete the program, with each recipient obtaining $5,000 in funding. The Miinikaanan Badakidoon funding will support Indigenous lead businesses and entrepreneurs across the Northwest region.
Miinikaanan Badakidoon, which means “to plant the seeds” in Anishnaawbe from the Lake Nipigon dialect, launched in December 2021 as a new Indigenous funding stream of the Starter Company Plus program. The project aimed to provide extra incentives, training and grants to aid entrepreneurs in creating a business plan and financial projections for their start-ups, purchases and expansions.
Supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade and Indigenous Affairs Ontario, led locally by the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre, part of the Thunder Bay CEDC, the pilot program had additional support for entrepreneurs participating in the program provided by Anishinabek Employment and Training Services.
“The Thunder Bay CEDC recognizes the immense value Indigenous-owned and operated businesses bring to our local and regional economy. With support from Indigenous Affairs Ontario, the Miinikaanan Badakidoon program has allowed us the opportunity to build a program to support Indigenous Entrepreneurs directly, “states Eric Zakrewski, chief executive officer, Thunder Bay CEDC. “This program was built off the foundation of the Starter Company Plus program that has a proven track record of supporting growth and prosperity for small businesses in Northwestern Ontario. We hope to support Indigenous-owned businesses further and continue to provide funding, training and mentoring through the Miinikaanan Badakidoon program.”
The six new successful participants for the program are as follows:
- Evolv Consulting Services
- Sister Bear Designs
- Big Water Beads
- Tea Horse
- Biigtig Consulting
- Scout Healthcare Recruiting
Participants include three start-ups and three expansion projects.
“The Miinikaanan Badakidoon - Starter Company Plus Program hit all of the important aspects of preparing a solid business plan that allowed me to assess my current operations and to set a course for taking my business to the next level,” dtates Denise Atkinson, co-founder of Tea Horse. “The tools, presentations by industry experts, and mentorship opportunities have been extremely beneficial for the continued growth of my business and my brand. The content was comprehensive yet very accessible and well organized. I would highly recommend this Program to Indigenous entrepreneurs interested in starting or growing their business.”
Visit www.gotothunderbay.ca/startercompanyplus for more information about the program.
