THUNDER BAY -- The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission announced a new initiative for the Starter Company Plus program.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade, and Indigenous Affairs Ontario, the CEDC, has opened a new Indigenous funding stream for the “Starter Company Plus” program known as: Miinikaanan Badakidoon-which means “to plant the seeds” in Anishnaabe from the Lake Nipigon dialect.
As part of the process of planning and announcing this new funding component, the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, recognized that Indigenous-led consultation would be an important step to this process.
Subsequently, the CEDC, worked alongside Ingaged Creative Productions, a regional Indigenous communications & design firm, and Elders & language-speakers. This was to ensure this new program would reflect stories and imagery associated with many Anishnawbe communities in the regions for which this program would be of service.
During the Elder consultation period, the idea of “sowing seeds” emerged very strongly, emphasizing the action of planting and fostering growth which the program aims to do as well as the imagery of planting and nurturing a business idea. Based on this theme, the Elders shared the following recommendations and potential images:
- Nothing grows by itself. Even in adversity, a seed needs water, soil, and sun.
- The illustration of growth from seedling to tree or plan
Additionally, local creators were solicited for original Woodland Art to provide unique and authentic regional and cultural representation.
This Miinikaanen Badakidoon funding will support Indigenous lead business and entrepreneurs across the Northwest region.
Its focus is to also provide business training, mentoring, and grant funding specific to Indigenous entrepreneurs.
“The Thunder Bay CEDC recognizes the importance of supporting and growing Indigenous based businesses. Providing a new stream of funding that furthers our support of Indigenous owned and operated business is crucial to bolstering the strength and diversity of our economy.” states Eric Zakrewski, CEO, Thunder Bay CEDC. “The Starter Company Plus program has been around since 2014, and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs in our region, covering areas from Atikokan to Greenstone. The new funding stream is a source of new potential, reflecting both entrepreneurship and growth.”
Application for this program opened Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 and close January 7, 2022. One can apply at www.gotothunderbay.ca/startercompanyplus with program delivery expected to begin in the New Year.
“Ontario recognizes the critical role that Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses play in creating lasting economic prosperity for Indigenous people and communities and supporting COVID-19 response and recovery efforts,” states Robert Derbyshire, Manager, Strategic Planning and Economic Policy Branch, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. “Funding for this program will support important entrepreneurship and employment skills training to meet the unique needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs and employees in Northwestern Ontario.”
The $50,000 in grants are available through the program, which the CEDC indicating will assist 10 entrepreneurs launching their business, expanding operations, or purchasing an existing business.
Interested applicants can refer to the following other contact information provided by the CEDC.
Contact: Ryan Moore, Development Officer, Thunder Bay CEDC, Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre, email: [email protected], phone: 807-621-7131.
