Aboriginal Business Info-Guide

This guide will help navigate through the federal and provincial government resources that would be of interest to Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Ontario looking for information on starting a business.

This guide has been prepared by Canada Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), a single point of access to information on federal and provincial government programs, services, and regulations.

1. Overview

Aboriginal business owners are a growing segment of Canadian entrepreneurs.

This Info-Guide provides information on a variety of resources for Aboriginal entrepreneurs; including tax and employment information, financing, as well as on various associations and online publications.

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents (PIPED) Act sets out ground rules for how private sector organizations may collect, use or disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. As of January 1, 2002, the personal health information collected, used or disclosed by these organizations is also covered.

For further information:
please call 1-800-282-1376
visit these Web sites:
A Guide for Businesses and Organizations
http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp
Information and Privacy Commissioner
http://www.ipc.on.ca/
see the document Protection of Personal Information - Your Responsibilities

2. Programs and Services for Aboriginal Businesses

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC)

Thousands of Aboriginal entrepreneurs got their start or expanded their operations with help from ABC. First Nations, Métis and Inuit businesses and financial institutions have also established services, and developed and strengthened their networks to create a driving force in the economy of Canada's First Peoples.

ABC is an Industry Canada program which promotes the growth of commerce as one means towards economic self-sufficiency for Aboriginal people.

Canadian Status Indians and Non-Status Indians, Métis and Inuit entrepreneurs are eligible for this program, as are corporations, partnerships, associations, and other entities that are majority-owned or controlled by Aboriginal peoples.

For eligible applicants, ABC provides financial assistance, information, resource materials and referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support.

ABC also works in partnership with Aboriginal financial and business institutions, and with a range of other agencies, boards, and departments, on initiatives that are helping to strengthen business skills and promote greater awareness of Aboriginal business achievement.

In this way, ABC is working towards the shared goal of an inclusive and prosperous economy for all Canadians.

Where and How to Apply

Interested persons should begin by contacting the nearest ABC regional office to discuss their project with an officer. They will be asked to complete a Statement of Intent that the department will use to determine if proceeding to a full business plan is appropriate. The following factors are taken into consideration:

amount of client equity;
management experience;
markets;
viability/profitability; and
other sources of financing.

For further information:
please call (613) 954-4064
visit the Web site:
Aboriginal Business Canada
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/home

Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative - AWPI: AWPI Employer Toolkit

The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) is a national initiative designed to help employers recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees. The AWPI Employer Toolkit has been designed to help employers:

increase their awareness and understanding of issues related to Aboriginal employment;
identify models, tools and resources that can enhance their skills related to the employment of Aboriginal peoples;
find those models, tools and resources more easily.

For further information:
please call (416) 973-6234 or (819) 994-5924
visit the Web site:
Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative
http://www.inac.gc.ca/ai/awpi/ini_e.html
see the document Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) : AWPI Employer Toolkit

Aboriginal Canada Portal

The Aboriginal Canada Portal is your single window to Canadian Aboriginal on-line resources, contacts, information and government programs and services. The portal offers ease of access and navigation to listings of Aboriginal associations, businesses, organizations, bands, communities, groups, news and peoples ( http://aboriginalcanada.gc.ca).

Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)

Aboriginal entrepreneurs need information and resources to improve their access to capital and to establish or develop their businesses. Therefore, under the Aboriginal Business Services Network (ABSN), $6.4 million will be invested over the next four years to address these needs. This network is being established, using information and Internet technologies, where possible, to provide a range of business products and services.

For further information:
please call 1-877-699-5559
visit the Web site:
Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)
http://www.cbsc.org/ontario/absn/
see the document Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)

3. Financing

Access to capital is one of the most challenging aspects of business ownership for any entrepreneurs, there are a variety of programs and organizations that can help Aboriginal business owners secure start up financing as well as development capital. Below are some of the programs and services available to Aboriginal business owners.

Aboriginal Financial Institutions

Aboriginal Business Canada and the Aboriginal business community have worked together to create a network of loan corporations, structured as non-governmental financial institutions, initially capitalized by Industry Canada, but owned and controlled by Aboriginal people. These "Aboriginal Capital Corporations" concentrate on providing developmental loans, to small and medium size organizations which are not yet ready to secure business loans from banks.

For further information
visit the Web site:
Aboriginal Financial Institutions
http://strategis.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/h_ab00155e.html

Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business

BDC's Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business increases access to capital for Aboriginal entrepreneurs wanting to expand an existing business or start a new one, on or off a reserve in Canada.

This product is suitable for entrepreneurs:

with a commercially viable business proposal;
with an acceptable level of management expertise;
demonstrating financial commitment;
willing to take part in a mentorship program; and
operating on or off reserve in all areas of Canada.

For further information:
please call 1-877-232-2269
visit the Web site:
Business Development Bank of Canada
http://www.bdc.ca/en/home.htm
see the document Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business

Aboriginal Procurement Strategy

The Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS) is an initiative aimed at promoting Aboriginal business development through the procurement process at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Aboriginal suppliers (organizations and individuals) are eligible. The Aboriginal Procurement Strategy consists of the following three key elements:

The Aboriginal Supplier Incentive. This will provide Aboriginal organizations and individuals with opportunities to participate in programs and projects financed by CIDA's aid budget.
Voluntary Set-Asides. Set-asides will restrict the bidding process for certain operating requirements at CIDA to Aboriginal suppliers.
Information Sessions. CIDA will use a variety of means to inform its staff, existing suppliers, and Aboriginal suppliers about CAPS.

For further information:
visit the Web site CIDA'S Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS)
see the document CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS)

Funding for the Arts and Cultural Industries

There are programs available through the Canadian Heritage and the Arts and Cultural Industries Promotion Division of the Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) to support various activities in this area.

For information on culture related funding programs:
please call (Canada Council for the Arts) 1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414
visit the Web site:
Grant Programs for Aboriginal Artists and Arts Organizations
http://www.conseildesarts.ca/grants/aboriginal/ku127916832520671530.htm?colour=teal

please call (Canada Heritage) 1-800-811-0055 or (416) 954-0395
visit the Website:
Financial Support Programs
http://www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/financ/index_e.cfm

please call (Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (613) 995-0674 or 1-888-757-7752
visit the Website:
Arts and Cultural Industries
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/arts/menu-en.asp

National Aboriginal Capital Corporation of Canada (NACCA)

NACCA is present throughout Canada, providing its market areas with a wide range of small business assistance including business loans.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
National Aboriginal Capital Corporation of Canada (NACCA)
http://www.nacca.net/home_e.php

Federal Government Business Opportunities

The federal government launched the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) to help Aboriginal firms do more contracting with all the federal departments and agencies. The PSAB is open to all Aboriginal businesses. To be considered an Aboriginal business, a firm must meet the following criteria:

at least 51% of the firm is owned and controlled by Aboriginal people, and
at least one third of the firm's employees, if it has six or more full-time staff, must be Aboriginal.

The first step is to register your business on the Aboriginal Business Directory (ABD) by visiting the Aboriginal Business Directory database or call 1-800-328-6189 for more information.

For further information:
please call 1-800-400-7677
visit the Web site:
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/saea-psab/index_e.html
see the document Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Business Financing Program can assist new and existing small businesses with annual gross revenues not exceeding $5 million (excluding farming and charitable or religious enterprises) in obtaining term loans and capital leases of up to $250 000 to help finance fixed asset needs.

For further information :
please call (613) 954-5540
visit the Web site:
Canada Small Business Financing Program
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/Home
see these documents:
Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program
Sources of Financing
Sources of Micro-credit Financing

4. Regulations

For regulatory or legal questions, it may be useful to contact a lawyer through the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service.

For further information:
please call (416) 947-3300 or 1-800-668-7380
visit the Web site:
Law Society of Upper Canada
http://www.lsuc.on.ca
see the document Selecting Professional Services

Depending on what your product or service you are supplying, different regulations will apply. Below are some basic governmental regulations that apply to all businesses in Ontario.

The Pay Equity Act

The Pay Equity Act requires that different jobs be evaluated and work mostly or traditionally done by women be compared to work mostly and traditionally done by men. An employer could, for example, compare the value of the work of a secretary, a traditionally female job, to the value of a shipper, a traditionally male job. If the value to the organization is equal or comparable, the secretary must receive at least the same job rate as the shipper.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-8813 or (416) 314-1896
visit the Web site:
PAY EQUITY AND EQUAL PAY; What is the Difference?
http://www.payequity.gov.on.ca/peo/english/pubs/difference.html
The Pay Equity Commission
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/pec/index_pec.html
see the document: Employer’s Introduction to Pay Equity

Ontario Human Rights Code

All employers in Ontario must adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code. The code states that all Employment decisions should be based on the applicant's ability to do the job and not on factors that are unrelated to the job.

For further information
please call 1-800-387-9080 or (416) 326-9511
visit the Web site:
Hiring : Your rights and responsibilities
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/guides/hiring.shtml

Employment Standards Act

The Employment Standards Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Employment Standards Act, which provides for minimum terms and conditions of employment in most industries.

For further information:
please call (416) 326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551
visit the Web site:
What You Should Know About The Ontario Employment Standards Act
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/poster.html
Form: Employment Standards Claim
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/claim/index.html
Employee Self Help Kit
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/selfhelp/index.html
see the documents:
Employment Regulations Info-Guide
Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide
Are You an Employee or Self-Employed?

Related Legislation

Employment Standards Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/00e41_e.htm

5. Taxation

Dealing with Business Taxes

All businesses must be aware of the various taxes that may apply to their product or service. Depending on the type and location of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
Provincial Tax Forms and Publications
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_158_1.html
Small Business Tax Help
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_160_1.html
CRA Business Tax Web Page
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html
see the document: Taxation Info-Guide

Income Tax Information

Business owners must be aware of the requirements of Income tax that may apply to their product or service. There are different tax implications for incorporated and non-incorporated businesses. For information specific to your organization you should consult an accountant or financial professional.

For further information:
please call 1-800-959-5525
visit the Web site:
Ontario Income Tax
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_2447_1.html
Canada Revenue Taxes Menu
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Below are links to publications that cover some of the general tax requirements for business owners in Ontario.

Ontario Small Business Guide
This booklet will guide you through various aspects of Retail Sales Tax, Corporations Tax and Employer Health Tax. This booklet also answers some of the frequently asked questions of small business owners regarding tax obligations.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_24414_1.html

Employer Health Tax (EHT)
Describes the main features of the EHT, including taxpayer rights and responsibilities under the Employer Health Tax Act
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_2697_1.html

For further information:
see the document Employer Health Tax - EHT

Retention/Destruction of Books & Records
Explains the retention period required for Ontario tax purposes, before books and records can be destroyed.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_20001_1.html

Voluntary Disclosure
Explains what voluntary compliance is and the basic principles under which Ontario's tax system operates.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_19999_1.html

6. Resources and Web Sites of Interest

AboriNews
http://www.aborinews.com/

Aboriginal-Corporate Partnerships
The Aboriginal partnership development resource kit is designed to promote mutually beneficial partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations in Ontario.
http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/obc/english/59XKKT.htm

Guide to Federal Initiatives for Urban Aboriginal People
http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/default.asp?Language=E&page=publications&sub=aborguide_archive&doc=toc_e.htm

For further information:
please call 613-957-5153

Aboriginal Resource Guide
This user-friendly tool is designed to help Aboriginal people search for information they require to develop or enhance administrative and financial skills in order to increase their capacity to use the services of financial institutions successfully.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Aboriginal Resource Guide
http://www.aboriginalresourcenet.com/Eng/index.htm
see the document Aboriginal Resource Guide

Aboriginal Business Directory
The Aboriginal Business Directory is an online listing of Aboriginal businesses in Canada.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Aboriginal Business Directory
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc_coinf/ccc/index_gen/company.pl?lang=e&profileId=629_t
see the document Aboriginal Business Directory

CMCH - Housing Quality Matters
A comprehensive series of information and training sessions having the objective of enhancing skills and knowledge with respect to housing quality. It reaches all audiences involved with or impacted by housing and who can influence the quality and durability of housing e.g. Chief and Council; housing department staff; inspectors, builders and renovators and home occupants. CMHC is also supporting the development of Aboriginal trainers to deliver the suite of sessions. The development and delivery of this initiative is supported by Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Housing Quality Matters
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/ab/onre/onre_020.cfm
see the document Aboriginal Housing Programs and Services

Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Statistics Canada maintains files from 1991 that provide a social and economic profile of Aboriginal people. Topics include: data by Aboriginal group (i.e. North American Indian, Métis and Inuit); data for Aboriginal persons living both on and off Indian reserves and settlements; data about Aboriginal people which describe the demographic breakdown, household, labour force, employment, education, disability, housing conditions and participation in traditional activities.

For further information:
please call 1-800-263-1136
see the document Aboriginal Peoples Survey
visit the Web site:
Aboriginal Peoples Survey
http://www.statcan.ca/cgi-bin/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=3250&lang=en&db=IMDB&dbg=f&adm=8&dis=2

Directory of Aboriginal Exporters
The Directory of Aboriginal Exporters is a publication that contains Aboriginal small and medium enterprises that are exporting, export-ready or export-oriented.
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/aboriginalplanet/750/business/directory2002-en.asp

Aboriginal Planet
Aboriginal Planet is an online magazine that provides resources for people to learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada's international relations. The site also provides tools for Aboriginal Canadians to get onto the world stage with its "International Opportunities" and the "Business Centre" sections.
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/aboriginalplanet/

Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey, 2002: Regional and Thematic Fact Sheets
These regional and thematic fact sheets provide information on the characteristics of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and their businesses based on 2001 Census data and findings from the Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey, 2002.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/ab00426e.html

Web Sites of Interest

Chiefs of Ontario
http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/

Assembly of First Nations
http://www.afn.ca/

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
http://www.inac.gc.ca/index_e.html

Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/onas.htm

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.

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