Aboriginal Business Info-Guide

What is an Info-Guide?

The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre created Info-Guides to help you navigate through the wide range of programs and services in a specific area as well as related regulations that may affect your business venture. Info-Guides featuring other topics of interest are also available by contacting the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre at 204-984-2272 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2019 (toll free in Canada) or by e-mail at manitoba@canadabusiness.ca.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Business Financing
• Taxation
• Business Services
• Online Information Sources

Business Financing

Aboriginal Arts - Grant Programs
Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, Aboriginal Arts Coordinator
Aboriginal Arts Secretariat
Canada Council for the Arts
Phone - Toll free: 1-800-263-5588
E-mail: profeit-leblanc.louise@canadacouncil.ca
Internet: Canada Council for the Arts - Aboriginal Grant Programs

Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange - National and International Project Grants
- Assists individual artists or artistic groups from Aboriginal communities to travel to other Aboriginal communities to share traditional and/or contemporary knowledge or practices that will foster the development of their artistic practice.

Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange - National and International - Travel Grant
- Assists with Travel Costs.

For detailed information about application procedures, eligibility criteria and deadlines for the above programs or other funding programs available from Canada Council for the Arts, please contact them directly at the number listed above.

Aboriginal Business Canada
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 204-983-7316
Fax: 204-983-4107
E-mail: abc-winnipeg@ic.gc.ca
Internet: Aboriginal Business Canada

Aborginal Business Canada (ABC) provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs for a range of activities including business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing. They provide financial assistance, business information and resource materials and referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support.

Aboriginal Funding Tool
Aboriginal Canada Portal
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 1-888-399-0111
E-mail: ACP@inac.gc.ca
Internet: Aboriginal Funding Tool

The Aboriginal Funding Tool is an interactive tool that will help you find different types of funding available specifically for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

Aboriginal Housing Programs and Services
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - CMHC
Phone: 204-983-5600 or Toll free 1-888-841-4975
Internet: Aboriginal Housing Program and Services

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.

Anishinabe Mazaska Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-940-5000 or Toll free 1-800-665-8935
Fax: 204-940-5003
E-mail: info.amcc@shawcable.com
Internet: Anishinabe Mazaska Capital Corporation

Loans (up to $200,000) available to any treaty or status Indian, or person eligible under Bill C31, from the First Nations of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council or the Southeast Resource Development Council who wishes to start, expand or acquire a commercial business, either on or off reserve. Types of loans include term loans, working capital loans, bridging loans and joint loans with other lenders. All eligible projects must demonstrate financial viability, and are subject to a minimum applicant equity contribution of 20% of the total project costs, made up of unencumbered cash or with pledged assets integral to the business.

Commercial Lending Program
Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-943-0888 or Toll free 1-800-568-8488
Fax: 204-946-5318
E-mail: info@twcc.mb.ca
Internet: Commercial Lending Program

Provides loans (up to $175,000) for the establishment, expansion or diversification of self-sustaining Aboriginal businesses in Manitoba. Direct term loans are provided for the purpose of acquiring fixed assets to be used for business purposes. Working capital loans are provided for the purpose of improving the working capital position of a business where there is securable equity in the fixed assets of the business. Bridging loans may be made available to provide bridge financing while the borrower is awaiting payment or funding from a third party. All loan applications must be accompanied by a business plan, market study (for new ventures). All loan applicants must have at least a 10% equity in the respective project.

First Nations Farm Credit Program
Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-943-0888 or Toll free 1-800-568-8488
Fax: 204-946-5318
E-mail: info@twcc.mb.ca
Internet: First Nations Farm Credit Program

To provide loans (to a maximum of $175,000) to any member of a First Nations in Manitoba wishing to start, expand or acquire a viable farm unit in Manitoba. Minimum equity required is 10%. Administration fee will be charged (minimum $200 up to 1% of the loan).

Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business
Business Development Bank of Canada - BDC
Phone: 1-877-232-2269
E-mail: info@bdc.ca
Internet: Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business

Offers financing of up to $100,000 for existing businesses and $25,000 for start-ups to Aboriginal business people who want to start a small business or expand an existing business either on or off reserve. Loan repayments will be flexible. To be eligible, applicants must provide a solid business plan and demonstrate strong management capability, financial commitment to the business, and evidence of strong earning potential. Participants must be willing to participate in a Mentorship Program.

Louis Riel Capital Corporation
Phone: 204-589-0772 or Toll free 1-800-387-6004
Fax: 204-589-0791
E-mail: info@lrcc.mb.ca
Internet: Louis Riel Capital Corporation

The Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC) is a Manitoba Metis-owned lending institution created to finance the start-up, acquisition and/or expansion of viable Metis and Non-Status Indian controlled small businesses based in Manitoba. Their services/programs include: Direct Capital Loans; Bridge Financing; Youth Business Loan Fund; Letter of Credit and Business Advisory Services

Peace Hills Trust Company
Phone: 204-943-8093
Fax: 204-943-8251
E-mail: Winnipeg@peacehills.com
Internet:  Peace Hills Trust Company

Serves the financial needs of the First Nations and their members, corporations, institutions, and associations both on and off reserve.

Taxation

Tax Information for Status Indians
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Phone: Toll free 1-800-959-5525
Internet: Tax Information for Status Indians

An online reference for Status Indians. Information on: Benefit Programs, Business Income, Corporations and Trusts, Employment Income, Employment-Related Income, Employer source deductions, Federal Excise Duty and Tax, GST/HST, Interest and Investment Income, Other Income and Tax Exemption.

GST/HST and Indians
Canada Revenue Agency - CRA
Phone: Toll free 1-800-959-5525
Internet: GST/HST and the Indian Act

Under the Indian Act, the GST does not apply to certain goods and services.

Business Services

Aboriginal Business and International Trade
Government of Canada
Internet: Aboriginal Business and International Trade

This Web site provides information for Aboriginal companies and entrepreneurs looking to export their products and services abroad. It is also a resource for international clients looking for Aboriginal products, services and expertise.

Aboriginal Business Service Network - ABSN
c/o Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
Phone: 204-984-2272 or Toll free 1-800-665-2019
Internet: Aboriginal Business Service Network

The Aboriginal Business Service Network (delivered through the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre) is committed to providing the Aboriginal business community with a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations that are relevant, up-to-date and accurate.

Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument (ACGI)
Silu' Corporation, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association - NACCA
Phone: 613-688-0894
Fax: 613-688-0895
E-mail: office@nacca.net
Internet: Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument

Silu' Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NACCA, established to guarantee the work of Aboriginal contractor to project owners and managers. This is accomplished through the use of an Aboriginal Contract Guarantee Instrument, which functions like a line of credit for contractor to give performance assurances without unduly risking capital and cash flow.

Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) : AWPI Employer Toolkit
Indian & Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 204-983-4928
Fax: 204-983-7820
Internet: Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative - AWPI

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 provide quick access to information geared to Aboriginal employment. Also available is the AWPI - A Practical Guide to Implementing Aboriginal Employment Partnerships.

Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Statistics Canada - SC
Phone: Toll free: 1-800-263-1136
E-mail: infostats@statcan.ca
Internet: Aboriginal Peoples Survey

Statistics Canada maintains files that provide a social and economic profile of Aboriginal people. These are available in publications, microdata files and electronic products.

Assembly of First Nations
Phone: Toll free 1-866-869-6789
Fax: 613-241-5808
Internet:  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.

CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Strategy (CAPS)
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Mr. Henry Fast, Regional Program Officer
Phone: 204-983-1502 or Toll free - 1-800-230-6349
E-mail: henry_fast@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Internet: CIDA's Aboriginal Procurement Stratregy (CAPS)

Aimed at promoting Aboriginal business development through the procurement process at CIDA. Aboriginal suppliers wishing to be included in the CIDA bidding process must first make sure to register in the Aboriginal Business Directory maintained by the Industry Canada.

Canada's Virtual Aboriginal Trade Show
Government of Canada
Toll free: 1-888-399-0111
E-mail: ghazalj@inac.gc.ca
Internet: Canada's Virtual Aboriginal Trade Show

The Virtual Aboriginal Trade Show (VATS) is an innovative Internet showcase of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, products and services. To be eligible as a member, your company must meet all of the following criteria: You must be an Aboriginal entrepreneur or have at least 51% Aboriginal ownership and control of a joint venture; you must have a functional web site where your products and/or services are available to the public; your company must be actively exporting or export ready.

Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)
Toll free: 1-800-263-0231
E-mail: CBAcallcentre@cba.ca
Internet:  http://www.cba.ca/en/viewdocument.asp?fl=3&sl;=89&tl;=90&docid;=450&pg;=1

Has a document entitled "Understanding the Regulatory Environment for On-Reserve Lending."

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Phone: 416-961-8663
Fax: 416-961-3995
E-mail: info@ccab.com
Internet:  http://www.ccab.com/

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business is dedicated to promoting the full participation of Aboriginal people in the Canadian economy. CCAB's mission is to broker business relationships between the corporate sector and the Aboriginal community.

CESO Aboriginal Services
Daryl Bone, Regional Manager
Phone: 204-949-0177 or Toll free 1-888-949-0177
Fax: 204-942-1647
E-mail: manitoba@ceso-saco.com
Internet: CESO Aboriginal Services

CESO is a unique, not-for-profit organization which transfers technical and managerial expertise to Canadian Aboriginal Peoples, businesses and communities. Its mission is to support Aboriginal Peoples in achieving self-sufficiency and self-determination, they focus on capacity-building, which they accomplish through:
The transfer skills and knowledge;
The development of needed products and services;
The accumulation and dissemination of best practices;
The provision of accessible and cost-effective services.

Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 1-800-567-9604
E-mail: infopubs@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Internet: Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has developed a business planning guide specifically for Aboriginal women considering starting a business. Some of the subject matter that is covered in this guide is: What do I need to know before starting a business? How do I develop my product or idea? Do I really need a business plan? How do I get money to start up? What role do governments play? How can I market my business? Should I use consultants? Should I get a mentor? Can I keep my business going and still have time to look after my family?

Native Investment and Trade Association
Phone: 604-275-6670 or Toll free 1-800-337-7743
Fax: 604-275-0307
Internet:  http://www.native-invest-trade.com/index_basic.shtml

An Aboriginal non-profit association dedicated to pursuing self-reliance through entrepreneurship. Its main activity is producing Aboriginal conferences, trade shows and business events across the nation. Through training and education, and by acting as facilitators between the Native and non-Native business world, it is providing guidance and advice to Aboriginal organizations across Canada.

Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - INAC
Phone: 204-983-2145
Fax: 204-983-7820
E-mail: psab-saea@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Internet: Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business

A program launched by the federal government to help Aboriginal firms become more involved in bidding on government contracting opportunities. Aboriginal businesses should register their firms with: Contracts Canada's Supplier Registration online or contact the Information line at 1-800-811-1148, and Industry Canada's, Aboriginal Business Directory (ABD), or call the Information line at 1-800-328-6189.

Aboriginal Business Directories on the Internet

Aboriginal Business Directory
Aboriginal Business Directory - Industry Canada

Inuit Business Directory
http://inuit.pail.ca

Aboriginal Business Directories in Print

Aboriginal Business Directory published by the Procurement Services Branch of the Manitoba Government
Manitoba's Aboriginal Business Directory

The Native Investment and Trade Association
The Native Investment and Trade Association

Indiana Marketing
Indiana Marketing

Online Information Sources

Aboriginal Business Canada's Reports and Studies
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/h_ab00152e.html

Aboriginal Businesses: Characteristics and Strategies for Growth
Aboriginal Businesses: Characteristics and Strategies for Growth

Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in 2002
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/ab00313e.html

Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey, 2002
Aboriginal Entrepreneurs Survey, 2002

Eagle's Eye View: A Comprehensive Scan of the Aboriginal Community in Winnipeg
http://www.unitedwaywinnipeg.mb.ca/pdf/eagles-eye-view-2k4.pdf

First Nation Profiles
First Nation Profiles

Self-Employed Aboriginals Data from the 2001 Census
Self-Employed Aboriginals Data from the 2001 Census

Services for Aboriginal Businesses
Services for Aboriginal Businesses

Collection of reports and studies dealing with Aboriginal issues

Aboriginal Canada Portal
Internet:  http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca

The Aboriginal Canada Portal is your single window to Canadian Aboriginal on-line resources, contacts, information and government programs and services.

Aboriginal Resource Guide
Internet:  http://www.aboriginalresourcenet.com/Eng/index.htm

A website which contains information and programs for Aboriginal business people in the areas of training, business plans, funding sources, business environment, and help with running a business.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
Internet: http://www.abo-peoples.org

Provides information about Aboriginal peoples across Canada who live in a non-reserve setting throughout Canada.

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Ave
P.O. Box 2609
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 4B3
Canada
Telephone: 204-984-2272
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.ca
Web site: http://www.canadabusiness.ca/manitoba
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday

 

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.