Aboriginal Business Info-Guide

The following Aboriginal Business Info-Guide is a document designed to help you navigate through the different government programs, services and regulations and identify those of interest. Although most of the questions will be answered in an Info-Guide, the list is, by no means, exhaustive.  For further information on any of the programs or services in this document can be obtained by calling the numbers listed with each program or by calling Canada Business NWT.  This document is only meant as a guide and should not be considered all-inclusive; therefore, Canada Business NWT will not accept responsibility for business decisions made with the information provided.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS CANADA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OFCANADA

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES METIS DENE DEVELOPMENT FUND

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ABORIGINAL BUSINESSCANADA
Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) provides financial assistance, information, resource materials and referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support. Clients must be individuals of Canadian Indian (on or off-reserve), Mètis or Inuit heritage, or a majority-owned Aboriginal business, financial organization or development corporation.

ABC supports Aboriginal entrepreneurs who would like to start or acquire a business; who already operate a business; who are Aboriginal youth entrepreneurs.  Support is also offered to Aboriginal business organizations.

For information on the Aboriginal Business Canada program contact:

     Aboriginal Business Canada
        Industry Canada
        9700 Jasper Avenue
        Room 725, Canada Place
        Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4C3
        Tel. (780) 495-2954        Fax (780) 495-4507
        E-mail: abc.edmonton@ic.gc.ca
        Web site: http://abc-eac.ic.gc.ca

or in the NWT contact the:
       Development Officer
       (867) 766-8420
       5101 - 50th Ave.
       Yellowknife, NT  X1A 2P3

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OFCANADA
Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business
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 .  Financing of up to $100 000 is available for existing businesses and up to $25 000 for start-ups.        
     
For information on Business Development Bank of Canada programs contact:

       Business Development Bank of Canada
       4912 - 49th Street
       Yellowknife , NT  X1A 1P3
       Toll-free 1-877-232-2269
       Tel. (867) 873-3565       Fax (867) 873-3501
       Web site: http://www.bdc.ca

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES METIS DENE DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Northwest Territories Metis Dene Development Fund provides financial services and business assistance service to Metis and Dene people of the Northwest Territories in order to stimulate the growth and development of aboriginal entrepreneurship.

Eligible applicants must be of Métis or Dene origin and a member of the Métis locals or Dene Bands of the Northwest Territories and are resident in the Northwest Territories .  In addition, they must be of the legal age of majority.

For more information contact:

NWT Metis-Dene Development Fund                        
       P.O. Box 1805                                                
       5125 - 50th Street                                        
       Yellowknife, NT  X1A 2P4                     
       Toll-free 1-888-554-6333                                
       Tel. 867) 873-9341    Fax (867) 766-3745             
       E-mail: admin@nwtmddf.com
       Web site: www.nwtmddf.com

First Nations and Inuit Youth Business Program
The First Nations and Inuit Youth Business Program is a new program designed by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA) with the assistance of Indian and Northern Affairs.

The program is in five parts corresponding to the various stages involved in launching an enterprise or starting a business:  assessment of entrepreneurial potential, summary of the business project, starting a business, project financing, and post startup follow-up.  First Nations and Inuit youth of 30 years or under can apply for this program.
 
For more information on these programs contact the NWT Metis-Dene Development Fund.

INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA (DIAND)

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. Aboriginal businesses are also encouraged to compete for federal contracts which are open to all qualified suppliers.

For answers to questions about the Procurement Strategy please call the toll free number 1-800-400-7677 or visit their website at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/saea-psab/index_e.html .

Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative
The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) is a national initiative designed to help employers recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees. The toolkit is designed to help employers increase their awareness and understanding of issues related to Aboriginal employment.

For further information, see the document Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative - AWPI : AWPI Employer Toolkit, contact AWPI at (867) 669-2623 or visit their website at http://www.inac.gc.ca/ai/awpi/index_e.html

Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide              A practical and easy-to-use tool for Aboriginal women who are thinking of going into business. 

For more information call 1-800-567-9604 or visit their website  at http://,ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/js/journ_e.html

5.   CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

 The Council offers many types of grants to professional artists, groups and arts organizations (Aboriginals included).  Furthermore, the programs listed below describe some of the grants available specifically to Aboriginal artists
Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange
Aboriginal Peoples Music Program
Annual Support and Production Project Grants to Aboriginal Peoples
Grants to Aboriginal Writers Storytellers and Publishers
Developmental Support to Aboriginal Theatre Organizations
Aboriginal Media Arts Program
Assistance to Aboriginal Curators for Residencies in Visual Arts

For further information, contact the  Canada Council for the Arts at 1-8000-263-5588 or visit their website at http://wwwcanadacouncil.ca
              

CANADA REVENUE AGENCY

GST/HST and the Indian Act
The Indian Act provides the structure for the relationship between Indians and the federal government. 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 more infomation, call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525, see the document GST/HST and Indians  or visit the website http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca

Infomation for Aboriginal People

• For information about tax and customs benefits and requirments under the Canadian Indian Act, see Information for Status Indians.
• Find out if the tax exemptions are applicable to your business income.  A list of potential income sourcws with explanations is also available.
• For examples of how the Indian Act exemption apples to employement income and other related income, see the Indian Act Exemption for Employment Income Guidelines.
  

For more information, call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525, see the document GST/HST and Indians  or visit the website http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca

 INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR ABORIGINAL BUSINESS

Aboriginal Resource Guide
Thisuser-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 more information, see the document Aboriginal Resource Guide or visit the website http://www.aboriginalresourcenet.com

Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Statistics Canada maintains files from 1991 that provide a social and economic profile of aboriginal people.
For more information, you may visit Statistics Canada Web site at the following address:http://www.statcan.ca 
or call 1-800-263-1136

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 more information, see the document Aboriginal Planet or visit the website at http://www.aboriginalplanet.gc.ca

Directory of Aboriginal Exporters
A directory of Aboriginal small and medium enterprises that are exporting; export-prepared or export-oriented.
For more information, see the document Directory of Aboriginal Exporters.  Copies of the directory are available from International Trade Canada at 1-800-267-8376 or at http:www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/aboriginalplanet/750/business/directory2002-en.asp

Aboriginal Cultural Industries - Market Reports
Each report contains a market overview, a section on customers and distribution channels, an analysis of the principal market access issues, and a  listing of key promotional venues, such as trade fairs.
For more information, see the document Aboriginal Cultural Industries - Market Reports or visit the website http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/SectorDetail.jsp?nid=562

The Aboriginal Procurement Strategy
The Strategy is an initiative aimed at promoting Aboriginal business development through the procurement process at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
For more information, call the Public Inquiries Service at 1-800-230-6349, see the document Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS), or visit the website at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/index.htm

Métis National Council - Business Section
Promotes and encourages entrepreneurship within Métis communities.
For more information, call 1-800-928-6330 or visit the website at http://metisnation.ca/MBC/home.html

Native Investment and Trade Association
This site has Aboriginal business directories for each region as well as the document called The Road Less Travelled: Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Building Economic Independence for the New Millennium.
For more information, call 1-800-337-7743 or visit the website at http://www.native-invest-trade.com 

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 more information, call (416) 961-8663 or visit the website http://www.ccab-canada.com

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.
For more information, call (613) 241-6789 for visit the website http://www.afn.ca

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, call (613) 747-6022 or visit the website http://www.abo-peoples.org

CESO Aboriginal Services
Has volunteer advisers for Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit businesses, comunities and organizations.
For more information call 1-800-268-9052 or visit the website at http://www.ceso-saco.com/ab_services.htm

Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO)
Supports Aboriginal Economic Development Officers (EDOs) through networking, information, publications, support services and special initiatives or projects.
For more information, call 1-800-463-9300 or visit the website at http://www.edo.ca

Indian Taxation Advisory Board (ITAB)
Provides advice and assistance to First Nations considering real property taxation.
For more information, call (250) 828-9857 or visit the website http://www.itab.ca

Aboriginal Tourism Canada
Aboriginal Tourism Canada is a national Aboriginal tourism association.  It is a partnership of business and government whose goal is to create opportunities for the growth of aboriginal tourism.
For more information, call 1-800-724-7872 or visit the website http://www.aboriginaltourism.ca

 

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.