Aboriginal Business

1.  Aboriginal Business Programs and Services

1.1  Aboriginal Business Canada
Aboriginal Business Canada is an Industry Canada program which promotes the growth of commerce as one means towards economic self-sufficiency for Aboriginal people. Clients must be individuals of Canadian Indian (on or off-reserve), Métis or Inuit heritage, or majority-owned Aboriginal organizations or development corporations. Aboriginal Business Canada provides financial assistance, information, resource materials and referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support.

For further information, see the document Aboriginal Business Canada, contact Aboriginal Business Canada at 902-426-2018 or visit them on the Web at http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/home.

1.2  Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business
Aims to increase access to capital for Aboriginal entrepreneurs who want to start a small business or expand an existing business operating on or off a reserve in Canada. BDC's program offers financing of up to $100 000 for existing businesses and up to $25 000 for start-ups.

For further information, see the document Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business, contact the Business Development Bank of Canada at 1-877-232-2269 or visit them on the Internet at http://www.bdc.ca/en/home.htm.

1.3  Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)
The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a tripartite process implemented by Aboriginal communities and federal and provincial governments to identify and encourage undertakings designed to stimulate economic development in Aboriginal communities within New Brunswick.  

JEDI objectives:  to increase entrepreneurship, small business development and employment, and pursue opportunities for increasing employment and income among Aboriginal communities; to facilitate the administrative process of Aboriginal projects submitted to governments for financial consideration; to foster a long-term government commitment towards the economic development of Aboriginal communities; and to be sensitive to the needs of Aboriginal communities in carrying out strategic planning exercises and increase Aboriginal presence in economic development.

For additional information on the JEDI initiative, visit the Web site:  http://www.jedinb.ca or call the JEDI Manager at 506-452-3763, toll-free 1-800-561-4030.

1.4   Ulnooweg Development Group Inc.
Ulnooweg Development Group is an Aboriginal Capital Corporation which provides commercial lending and business services to new and existing businesses. Ulnooweg provides loans to status Indian entrepreneurs and assists in the development of native people living both on and off reserve in Atlantic Canada.

For additional information, visit the Ulnooweg Development Group Inc Web site at: http://www.ulnooweg.ca  or call toll-free: 1-888-766-2376.

1.5   Young Entrepreneurs (between the ages of 18 - 35)
In partnership with Aboriginal Business Canada, Ulnooweg provides loans to youth up to a maximum of $15,000, at an interest rate of 8.5%, which upon repayment of 75%, 25% is forgivable (subject to conditions).  

For additional information, contact the Ulnooweg Development Group at 1-888-766-2376 or visit their Web site at:  http://www.ulnooweg.ca.

1.6  National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
The National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA) has a membership of 59 Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs). AFIs are community owned and controlled by Aboriginal boards drawn from the areas the AFI serves. These institutions provide customized financial products and services in their respective communities.

For additional information on the NACCA, visit this Web site:  http://www.nacca.net.

1.7  Community Economic Development Program
The Community Economic Development Program (CEDP) provides long-term employment and business development opportunities to First Nations and Inuit by helping them manage skill development programs, economic institutions and business enterprises. This is achieved by forging partnerships among Aboriginal peoples, various levels of government and the private sector.

For additional information on the CEDP, see the document Community Economic Development Program, or call Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Atlantic Regional Office at 902-661-6200.

1.8  Peace Hill Trust
Peace Hill Trust serves the financial needs of the First Nations and their members, corporations, institutions, and associations both on and off reserve and also provides financial services to non-native clientele.          

For additional information, visit the Web site at: http://www.peacehills.com or call 506-455-3430.

1.9  Employer Wage Reimbursement
The Employer Wage Subsidy is a component of the PSETL-Workforce Expansion . The hiring of new employees can be expensive for new and expanding businesses. Because of this, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Laabour has in place a wage subsidy component that helps employers create new and additional permanent year-round and seasonal jobs.

For further information, see the document PSETL-Employer Wage Reimbursement or contact the provincial Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Employment Programs Branch at 506-453-3818 or the nearest regional office.

You can also visit their Web site at http://www.gnb.ca/0311/3ae.htm.

1.10  Aboriginal Housing Program and Services
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) works with Aboriginal groups to respond, where possible, with information, new financing, skill development and other initiatives that will encourage investment and solutions to housing challenges faced by Aboriginal communities across Canada.

For further information, see the document Aboriginal Housing Programs and Services, call 1-800-668-2642 or visit the CMHC Web site at: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/ab/index.cfm.

1.11  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). The main key elements are to provide Aboriginal organizations and individuals with opportunities to participate in programs and projects financed by CIDA's aid budget, to use set-asides that will restrict the bidding process for certain operating requirements at CIDA to Aboriginal suppliers, and to inform staff, existing and Aboriginal suppliers about the strategy.

For more detailed information, see the document CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS) , call the Public Service Inquiries Service toll free 1-800-230-6349, visit the Web site at: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/cidaweb/acdicida.nsf/En/Home.

1.12  Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)
The ABSN will build on the structure of existing Canada Business Service Centres (CBSC) located across the country which provide free-of-charge access to government information on business programs, services and regulations. These resources will be tailored to meet unique requirements of Aboriginal clients and will be accessible by phone, fax, e-mail, the World Wide Web and walk-in sites.

For more information, see the document N. B. Aboriginal Business Service Network, call the Canada / New Brunswick Business Service Centre (CBSC) at 1-800-668-1010 , visit the C/NB BSC Web site at:  http://www.cbsc.org/nb or visit the ABSN Web site at: http://www.cbsc.org/nb/absn/.

1.13  CareerPLACE
CareerPLACE is a national career and recruitment Web site that helps Aboriginal job seekers, Canadian employers, Aboriginal organizations and educational institutions connect to each other online. It also contains a wealth of tips and information for job seekers and employer.

For more information, see the document CareerPLACE or visit the Web site:  http://careerplace.com/index.jhtml?lang=eng.

1.14  Aboriginal Business Development Fund
This initiative provides unsecured loans to Aboriginal entrepreneurs at an interest rate of Prime plus 2%, to a maximum of $150 000 for a period of up to five years.

For additional information, visit the Ulnooweg Development Group Inc Web site at: http://www.ulnooweg.ca or call toll-free: 1-888-766-2376.

2.  Information Sources for Aboriginal Business

2.1  Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business
The government launched the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) to help Aboriginal firms do more contracting with all the federal departments and agencies.  

For more information, see the document Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business, contact Indian and Northern Affairs Canada at 1-800-400-7677 or visit them on the Web at: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/saea-psab/index_e.html

2.2  Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) - Employer Toolkit
The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative is a national initiative designed to help employers recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees. The toolkit is designed to provide quick access to information geared to Aboriginal employment.

For more information, see the document Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) : AWPI Employer Toolkit , or visit the Web site at:  http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/awpi/index_e.html.

2.3  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, see the document Aboriginal Resource Guide or visit the web site at:   http://www.aboriginalresourcenet.com/Eng/index.htm.

2.4  Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Statistics Canada maintains files from 1991 that provide a social and economic profile of aboriginal people.

Topics included in these files are: 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, see the document Aboriginal Peoples Survey, contact Statistics Canada at 1-800-263-1136, or visit them on the Internet at http://www.statcan.ca/start.html.

2.5  Directory of Aboriginal Exporters
A directory of Aboriginal small and medium enterprises that are:

• exporting;
• export-prepared; or
• export-oriented.

For further information, see the document Directory of Aboriginal Exporters. Copies of the directory are available from the Enquiries Service of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) at 1-800-267-8376 or at:  http://www.international.gc.ca/aboriginalplanet/750/business/directory2002-en.asp.

2.6 National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA)
The overall goal of this organization is to promote and support increased Aboriginal involvement in forest management and related commercial opportunities.  

For further information, contact the National Aboriginal Forestry Association at 613-233-5563 or visit their Web site at http://nafaforestry.org.

2.7  Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
Provides information about Aboriginal peoples across Canada who live in a non-reserve setting whether urban, rural or wilderness.

For more information, please visit the following Web site:   http://www.abo-peoples.org  or call 613-747-6022.

2.8  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.

For further information, see the document Aboriginal Planet or visit the Web site at: http://www.international.gc.ca/planeteautochtone/archives/august2005/cover-en.asp.

2.9  Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide
This guide reflects input from Aboriginal women across the country, individual entrepreneurs and representatives of Aboriginal women's organizations. Their ideas and advice have been included into this practical and easy-to-use tool for Aboriginal women who are thinking of going into business.

For more information, see the document Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide , call toll-free 1-800-567-9604 or visit the Web site:   http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/js/journ_e.html.

2.10  Metis National Council
Promotes and encourages entrepreneurship within Métis communities.  

For more information, visit the Web site:   http://metisnation.ca or call 1-800-928-6330.

2.11  Aboriginal Links
These are useful links to both Canadian and U.S. sources.    

For more information, visit the Web site:   http://www.bloorstreet.com/300block/aborcan.htm#1.

2.12  Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business connects Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and companies with the opportunities they require to achieve personal and business success.  

For additional information, visit the Web site at:   http://www.ccab.com or call  416-961-8663.

2.13   Assembly of First Nations
The Assembly of First Nations presents the views of the various First Nations through their leaders in areas such as: Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, Economic Development, Education, Languages and Literacy, Health, Housing, Social Development, Justice, Taxation Land Claims, Environment, and a whole array of issues that are of common concern which arise from time to time.

For additional information, visit the Web site at: http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=3 or call 1-866-864-6789.

2.14   Aboriginal Business Directory
The Aboriginal Business Directory is an online listing of Aboriginal businesses in Canada. It is available to all Canadian status and non-status Indians, Inuit and Métis businesses, associations, partnerships or other legal entities, on or off reserve.

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

3.  Management

3.1  CESO Aboriginal Services
CESO has volunteer advisers for Aboriginal businesses, communities and organizations.

For additional information, visit the Web site at:  http://www.ceso-saco.com/english//index.php   or call 1-877-795-4876.

3.2  Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO)
CANDO supports Aboriginal economic development officers (EDOs) through networking, information, publications, support services and special initiatives or projects.

For additional information, visit the Web site at:  http://www.edo.ca or call 1-800-463-9300.

4.  Taxation

4.1  GST/HST and Native Peoples
Under section 87 of the Indian Act, the personal property of an Indian or Indian band situated on a reserve and their interests in reserve lands are not subject to tax. The application of the GST/HST is consistent with the provisions of that Act.

For further information, see the document GST/HST and Indians, or contact Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525 .

4.2  Indian Taxation Advisory Board (ITAB)
ITAB provides advice and assistance to First Nations.

For more information, visit the Web site at: http://www.itab.ca/english/home/default.asp  or call 506-273-6071.

4.3  Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - Information for Aboriginals
Please visit this Canada Revenue Agency's Web site for information specific to Aboriginals:   http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/aboriginals/menu-e.html.

5.  Regulations

5.1  Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)
CBA has a document entitled Understanding the Regulatory Environment for  On-Reserve Lending.

For information, visit the Web site : http://www.cba.ca/en/viewdocument.asp?fl=3&sl=89&tl=90&docid=450&pg=1 or contact the CBA at 1-800-263-0231.

5.2  Protection of Personal Information: Your Responsibilities
The Guide to Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act  (PIPEDA) helps businesses understand their obligations and comply to the Act. Since January 1, 2004, the PIPED Act covers the collection, use or disclosure of personal information in the course of all commercial activities in Canada, except in provinces which have enacted legislation that is deemed to be substantially similar to the federal law.

For more information, see the document Protection of Personal Information - Your Responsibilities, call toll-free 1-800-282-1376 or visit the Web site: www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp.

6.  Canada / New Brunswick Business Service Centre

The Canada / New Brunswick Business Service Centre is an innovative partnership of federal and provincial government departments. Both levels of government work with key private-sector organizations to create a seamless information network for entrepreneurs.

Our mission is to improve the start-up, survival and growth rates of small and medium sized enterprises by giving business people in every part of New Brunswick access to accurate, timely and relevant information and referrals.

What can we do for you? We can guide you in the right direction! We can give you the information you need! We are your best source of comprehensive business information!

The Canada / New Brunswick Business Service Centre is accessible province-wide and free of charge. You may reach us through our toll-free number or visit us with your questions. Our office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. We also provide a 24-hour business information service, seven days a week, through our Web site.

Here's how to reach us:  

Canada/New Brunswick Business Service Centre
Ground Floor, Barker House
570 Queen Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick  E3B 6Z6
Telephone: 506-444-6140
Fax: 506-444-6172
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010 (Atlantic region only)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: cbscnb@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cbsc.org/nb
Hours of operation: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday - except Government holidays