Info-Guide - Aboriginal Entrepreneurs

This document is designed to help aboriginal entrepreneurs navigate through different federal and provincial programs and services available to start or expand a business in Quebec. Although most of the questions will be answered in the Info-Guide, the list is by no means exhaustive. Further information can be obtained by contacting Info entrepreneurs at 514 496-4636 or 1-888-576-4444.

The Aboriginal Business Service Network (ASBN)
The Premier Gateway to Government Information for Aboriginal Business People http://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/rsea_absn

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Financial assistance
    1.1 Financial support and federal programs
    1.2 Financial support and provincial programs
    1.3 Other sources of funding
2. Associations / Organisations
3. Sources of information
4. Management and consulting services
5. Taxation services
6. Regulatory services

1.   Financial assistance

1.1.   Financial support and federal programs

Aboriginal Business Canada – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
Aboriginal Business Canada 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), Métis or Inuit heritage, or majority-owned Aboriginal business and financial organizations or development corporations. For more information, consult the document Aboriginal Business Canada, call 514 283-1828, 418 392-7172 or 1-888-237-3037 or visit http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/home

Growth Capital for Aboriginal Enterprises – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Entrepreneurs with a commercially viable business project, an acceptable degree of management competence and who show proof of financial commitment to the enterprise can be eligible for financial aid. The loan can serve for the purchase of equipment, payment of franchise or start-up costs, opening new markets or as operating capital. For more information, consult the document Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business, call 1-877-BDC-BANX (1-877-232-2269) or visit http://www.bdc.ca/en/i_am/aborigi
nal_entrepreneur/abo_growth_cap.htm

Community Economic Opportunities Program
The Community Economic Opportunities Program provides project-based support to those First Nation and Inuit communities that have the best opportunities for public services in economic development. For more information, consult the document Community Economic Opportunities Program or call 418 648-7551, or 1-800-263-5592, or visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/pas_e.html

Aboriginal Arts Secretariat – Canada Council for the Arts
The Secretariat has the primary responsibility for developing policies, programs, strategic initiatives and budgets to support Aboriginal Peoples artistic practices in all arts disciplines. For more information, call 613 566-4414 or 1-800-263-5588, or visit http://www.canadacouncil.ca/aboriginal/default.htm

Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) – Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC)
This program is designed to promote maximum employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments across Canada and to help employers meet labour and skill shortages through training-to-retention plans. For more information, consult the document Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program (ASEP), contact Ken Donnelly: ken.donnelly@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca or call 819 956-8860. Visit http://srv119.services.gc.ca/AHRDSInt
ernet/general/public/asep/asep_e.asp 

Research program: Aboriginal Research – Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
The goal of this program is to complement existing support for Aboriginal research on issues of concern to Canada's Aboriginal peoples. The goals: is to facilitate research on policy-related issues: urban issues, economic development, the environment, education, intellectual property, etc. and to build up the capacity of the humanities and social science community to participate in this approach to Aboriginal research. For more information, call 613 943-1148 or contact craig.mcnaughton@sshrc.ca or visit http://www.sshrc.ca/web/appl
y/program_descriptions/aboriginal_e.asp

CIDA'S Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS) – Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
This Strategy is an initiative to foster the development of Aboriginal businesses through procurement with CIDA. The strategy consisting of the following three key elements: For CIDA's aid budget: Aboriginal Supplier Incentive, For the operating budget: Voluntary Set-Asides and Information Sessions (for both internal & external). For more information, consult the document CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS), or call 1-800-230-6349, or visit http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/CIDA
WEB/acdicida.nsf/En/REN-218124638-P5F?OpenDocument

Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources – BEAHR Internship Program
The BEAHR Internship Program matches Aboriginal graduates with Canadian employers in the environment sector. Employment opportunities and skill development are created for Aboriginal applicants while qualified employers can access qualified candidates and wage subsidies of up to $8 000. For more information, consult the document Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources - BEAHR Internship Program, call 403 233-0748 or visit http://www.beahr.com/Default.aspx?language=0

First Nations and Inuit Youth Work Experience Program – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
The objectives of this program are to support the provision of opportunities for mentored work experience and support the development and enhancement of essential employability skills, such as communication, problem solving, and working with others. Eligible participants are First Nations and Inuit youth aged 15 to 30 ordinarily resident on reserve or in recognized communities who are out of school, unemployed or underemployed. The non-profit sector is eligible to receive a contribution of up to 100% of the applicable minimum wage plus mandatory employment related costs and the private sector up to 50% of the applicable minimum wage only. For more information, consult the document First Nations and Inuit Youth Work Experience Program, call 1-800-567-9604, or visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ys/yth5_e.html

E-Spirit National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competion – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
The Business Development Bank of Canada sponsors an Internet-based national Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition with online modules, mentoring and business plan template for Aboriginal youth in Grades 10-12. For more information, consult the document E-Spirit National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition, call 1-877-BDC-BANX (1-877-232-2269), or visit http://www.bdc.ca/espirit/en/default.htm

1.2   Financial support and provincial programs

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones (SAA)
The Secrétariat is primarily responsible for maintaining ties between Aboriginal people and the Québec government. It has worked with Native and Inuit groups to facilitate access to various government programs, and in some instances, to adapt government activities to meet their needs. Note that funding for these programs depends on annual budgets. For more information, call 418 643-3166 or visit http://www.autochtones.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp

Fonds de développement pour les Autochtones (FDA) – Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones (SAA)
The purpose of the Fonds de développement pour les Autochtones (FDA) is to establish conditions facilitating the economic development of Aboriginal communities.  The Fonds provides financial support for Aboriginal measures or projects in two categories - economic development and the development of infrastructures - in accordance with the needs and priorities expressed by each community. For more information, call 418 643-3166 or visit http://www.formulaire.gouv.qc.ca/cgi/affiche_doc.cgi?dossier=7490&table=0

Native Radio Support Program – Culture et Communications Québec
This program provides grants (maximum of $10 000), to support local Aboriginal radio stations. A local Aboriginal radio station is a non-profit organization, operating under a board of directors drawn from the community, whose programming, broadcast in an Aboriginal language, reflects the needs and preferences of the community.  The program has three objectives: consolidate local radios stations, promote collaboration among them and encourage the use of Aboriginal languages. Primary clientele eligible are Aboriginal communication companies and local Aboriginal radio stations or their mandatories. For more information, call 514 873-2255, 418 380-2346 or visit http://www.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?id=1541 (In French only)

Aborigianl Funding Tool – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
The Aboriginal Funding Tool is an interactive tool that will help you find different types of funding available specifically for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. For more information, consult the document Aboriginal Funding Tool, or visit http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/ac
p/apps/fundingtool.nsf/index_en.html

1.3 Other sources of funding

Contribution access program – Corporation de développement économique montagnaise (CDEM)
The Corporation is created  with the purpose of increasing the individual and collective autonomy of the Montagnais Nation by fostering the growth and sustainment of Montagnais businesses and job creation. The CDEM offers services related to the financing of Aboriginal businesses. It also ensures access to Aboriginal Business Canada's (ABC) contribution program by acting as an external service delivery agent. For more information, consult the document Contribution access program, call 418 968-1246, 1-800-463-2216 or visit http://www.cdem.ca (In French Only)

First Nations Venture Capital of Québec
The Society is an Aboriginal financial institution at the exclusive service of First Nations of Québec. The mission of the QNVCP is to invest funds in the form of venture capital in businesses that are starting up or expanding, that are controlled by a member or members of the First Nations of Quebec (with the exception of the Inuit) and that are operating as a joint-stock company or corporation.  For more information, call 418 843-7070 or visit http://www.investpn.ca/en/prensentation_/presentation_.htm 

Native Commercial Credit Corporation (NACCC)
NACCC is a non-profit company that plays a role in the economic development of several Québec First Nations. Primary services include commercial loans, venture capital, technical and financial aid program for entrepreneurs under the age of 30 and consulting services in First Nations economic development.  For more information, call 418 842-0972, 1-800-241-0972 or visit http://www.socca.qc.ca/english.html

Waskahegen Fund – Corporation Waskahegen
The mission of the Fund is to create jobs in off-reserve Aboriginal communities by promoting business creation, either by Aboriginal promoters or through partnerships with Non-Aboriginals.  Primary objectives are to invest in enterprises that create jobs, to promote partnerships between off-reserve Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginals, to build a network of business contacts within the Waskahegen Fund, to provide business start-up and entrepreneurial support services for off-reserve Aboriginal people. For  more information, call 418 239-1000, 418 276-7551 or visit http://www.waskahegen.com

National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
Exist throughout Canada providing their market areas with a wide range of small business assistance including business loans. For more information, call 613 688-0894, or visit http://www.nacca.net/

Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument – National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association
The Funds provides Aboriginal entrepreneurs contract guaranties to enable them to be competitive and effective in the marketplace.  For more information, consult the document Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument (ACGI), call 613 688-0894 or visit http://www.nacca.net

Peace Hill Trust
This Trust Company meets the financial needs of First Nations and their members, companies, institutions and associations on and off reserves. It also ensures financial services to a Non-Aboriginal clientele. For more information, call 780 421-1606 or visit http://www.peacehills.com

Several banks offer financial services to aboriginals:

- RBC Royal Bank:  http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/aboriginal
- CIBC: http://www.cibc.com/ca/aboriginal/index.html
- BMO Bank of Montreal: http://www4.bmo.com/autochtones/0,4442,35702_257343,00.html?pChannelId=257335
- ScotiaBank: http://www.scotiabank.com/cda/content/0,1608,CID3206_LIDfr,00.html
- Bank of Canada: http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/fnbank

Aboriginal Language Envelope – Canadian Television Fund
Telefilm Canada supports Aboriginal language programming for television. For more information, call 1-800-567-0890 or visit http://www.canadiantelevisionfund.ca

Carrefour Capital @ autochtones
Carrefour Capital's mission is to promote economic growth by giving entrepreneurs and investors a database that can meet their need for capital or enable them to search for business projects. Carrefour Capital was designed to permit better management of the supply and demand of private venture capital, to help job-creating companies. For more information, call 450 430-6666 or visit http://www.capital-connexion.com/Autochtone

2.   Association / Organisations

Native Investment and Trade Association (NITA)
NITA is a non-profit organization that organizes conferences and events Canada wide. The organization also produces Aboriginal business directories for each region and publishes works on economic development in Aboriginal communities.  For more information, call 1-800-337-7743, 604 275-6670 or visit http://www.native-invest-trade.com

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
The Council is a national non-profit organization that fosters full participation of Aboriginal communities in the Canadian economy.  For more information, call 418 842-0230 or visit http://www.ccab-canada.com

Assembly of First Nations
Presents the views of different First Nations voiced by their leaders on such topics as Aboriginal rights and treaty issues, economic development, education, languages and literacy, health, housing, social development, justice, taxation, land claims, the environment and a wide range of questions of general interest. For more information, call 1-866-869-6789 or visit http://www.afn.ca

First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC)
The Commission is an organization created to provide information and training to local economic development officers. In so doing, it works with all community economic development organizations and economic development officers. The FNQLEDC's mission is to provide liaison, communication and information structures that will support and bring together the main players in economic development in its member communities. For more information, consult the document First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission, call 418 843-1488 or visit http://www.cdepnql.org/eng/home/home.htm

3.   Sources of information

Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
The PSAB helps Aboriginal firms do more contracting with all the federal departments and agencies. To be considered an Aboriginal business at least 51% of the firm must be 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. For more information, consult the document Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business, call 1-800-400-7677 or visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/saea-psab/index_e.html

Aboriginal Business Directory (ABD) – Industry Canada
The Directory is a tool for government buyers and others looking for Aboriginal companies that can provide them with goods and services. A listing in the index gives greater visibility, but does not necessarily guarantee a government contract. For more information, call 1-800-328-6189 or visit http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc_coinf/cc
c/index_gen/company.pl?lang=e&profileId=629_t

Aboriginal Cultural Industries: Market Reports – Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC)
The Canada Trade Commissioner Service produces reports on foreign markets. Market studies on Aboriginal art and handicrafts in the US and Europe are available.  For more information, visit http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/SectorDetail.jsp?nid=562

Aboriginal Canada Portal – Government of Canada
The Portal is your single window  to Canadian Aboriginal on-line resources, contacts, information and government programs and services. For more information, visit http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca

Services for aboriginal businesses – Government of Canada
This reference publication lists a wide range of programs and initiatives offered by the Government of Canada that can assist Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community ventures. http://sab-sea.gc.ca/epic/site/sab-sea.nsf/en/h_np00001e.html 

Aboriginal Planet – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
Aboriginal Planet is an online magazine that provides resources 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, visithttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/aboriginalplanet

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship – Resource Guide
The "Resource Guide" is a database containing information and programs. It is organized under the following categories: Training, Business Plan, Sources of Funds, Business Environment and Help with Running Your Business. For more information, consult the document Aboriginal Resource Guide or visit http://www.aboriginalresourcenet.com

Canada's Virtual Aboriginal Trade Show
Web site designed to promote Canadian export ready Aboriginal firms to the world. The mission is to provide international consumers and buyers with an opportunity to visit the home pages, and do business with Canadian Aboriginal companies active in the cultural, environmental and agricultural industries. For more information, consult the document Canada's Virtual Aboriginal Trade Show, call 1-888-399-0111,  or visit http://www.aboriginalcanada.g
c.ca/abdt/apps/vats2.nsf/splash.html

Journey to success: Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
This guide is the result of the attention paid to the needs of Aboriginal women entrepreneurs by federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders working to strengthen Aboriginal participation in the economy. For more information, consult the document Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide or visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/js/journ_e.html

Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
AWPI seeks to promote the participation of all Aboriginal peoples in the labour market: First Nations, Métis and Inuit.  The AWPI Employer Toolkit has been designed to help employers increase their awareness and understanding of issues related to Aboriginal employment and identify models, tools and resources that can enhance their skills related to the employment of Aboriginal peoples. For more information, consult the document Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) : AWPI Employer Toolkit, call 819 994-5924 or visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/awpi/index_e.html

Métis Business Centre
The Métis Business Centre supports and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit in Métis communities. For more information, call 1-800-928-6330 or visit http://metisnation.ca

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
The Congress Web site offers information to Canadian aboriginals living outside reservations. For more information, call 613 747-6022 or visit http://www.abo-peoples.org

CareerPLACE – Industry Canada
CareerPLACE Web site is a national career and recruitment site developed to assist Aboriginal people in finding meaningful employment and for Canadian businesses to reach qualified and skilled Aboriginal jobseekers. For more information, consult the document CareerPLACE, call 1-800-575-9200, or visit http://www.careerplace.com/splash.jhtml

Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey
In the fall of 2003, Statistics Canada (on behalf of Aboriginal Business Canada) has conducted a survey concerning the Aboriginal entrepreneurs. The topics studied included business performance and objectives, growth expectations, financing and employment. For more information, visit http://www.strategis.gc.ca/ep
ic/site/abc-eac.nsf/en/h_ab00152e.html

Nunavut Business Directory
This free online business directory lists all businesses in Nunavut. http://www.nunavutbusinessdirectory.ca/

4.   Management and consulting services

Canadian Economic Service Organizations (CESO)
The mission is to assist Aboriginal communities and businesses of Canada to achieve greater self-sufficiency and growth.  The objectives are: to transfer skills and knowledge, to best utilize the experience and expertise of CESO Volunteer Advisers (VAs), to develop needed products and services, to accumulate and disseminate knowledge of best practices and to provide accessible and cost-effective services. For more information, call 514 875-7226, 418 660-9640 ext. 286, or 1-800-561-0687 or visit http://www.ceso-saco.com/english/national/aboriginal/index.php

Aboriginal Economic Development Agents Council
The Council supports through networking, sharing information and publications, support services and special projects and initiatives. For more information, call 1-800-463-9300, 780 990-0303 or visit http://www.edo.ca

Aboriginal Entrepreneur – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Business  Banking Unit specializing in loans and consulting services for First Nation businesses. For more information, call 1-877-BDC-BANX (1-877-232-2269) or visit http://www.bdc.ca/en/i_am/aboriginal_entrepreneur/default.htm

Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS)
Their goal is to assist communities both in developing the employability of Aboriginal peoples and in creating meaningful job opportunities for them wherever they may be, on reserves or in rural or urban areas. As a further step in developing the human resources of Aboriginal communities, AHRDS supports a number of programs focusing on youth, working parents, and urban residents. For more information, visit http://srv119.services.gc.ca/AHRDSIntern
et/general/public/thestrategy/thestrategy_e.asp

 5.   Taxation services

Application of the HST/GST for Aboriginal Peoples – Canada Revenue Agency
According to article 87 of the Indian Act, the personal goods of an Indian on a reserve or of an Indian band on a reserve and their interests in reserve lands are tax-exempt. The application of the HST/GST conforms to the provisions of this Act. For more information, consult the document GST/HST and Indians, or call le 1-800-959-5525 or visit http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/

Income Tax Advisory Board  
This board advises and assists First Nations on questions of income tax.  For more information, call 418 842-8268 or visit http://www.itab.ca

Information for Aboriginal Peoples – Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
For information about tax and customs benefits and requirements under the Canadian Indian Act, find out if the tax exemptions are applicable to your business income. A list of potential income sources with explanations is also available. For more information, call 1-800-959-5525 or visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/aboriginals/menu-e.html

6.   Regulatory services

Canadian Bankers Association – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
The Canadian Bankers Association offers a document entitled Understanding the Regulatory Environment for On-Reserve Lending. For more information, visit ttp://www.cba.ca/en/content/consumer/aboriginal_faq.pdf

• Info-Guide – Export
• Info-Guide – Multimedia, Culture and Communications
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean (Region 02)
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Abitibi-Témiscamingue (Region 08)
• Financing a Business
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Montreal (Region 06)
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Mauricie (Region 04)
• Info-Guide – Import
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Laurentides (Region 15)
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Lanaudière (Region 14)
• Social Economy – Financing and Technical Resources
• Info-Guide – Women Entrepreneurs
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Outaouais (Region 07)
• Info-Guide – Cooperatives
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Bas-Saint-Laurent (Region 01)
• Info-Guide – Employment and Training
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Centre-du-Québec (Region 17)
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Laval (Region 13)
• Info-Guide – Innovation / R&D;
• Info-Guide – Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO)
• Info-Guide – Permits and Licences Required for Certain Types of Businesses
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Côte-Nord (Region 09)
• Info-Guide – eBusiness
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Nord-du-Québec (Region 10)
• Info-Guide – Business Start-Up
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Chaudière-Appalaches (Region 12)
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Montérégie (Region 16)
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Estrie (Region 05)
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Region 11)
• Info-Guide – Young Entrepreneurs
• Entrepreneurship Assistance – Capitale-Nationale (Region 03)
• Starting a Bed and Breakfast
• Starting a Convenience Store

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.