Indigenous entrepreneurship initiatives expand across Canada

New initiatives are expanding support for Indigenous entrepreneurship across Canada. In Toronto, the Indigenous Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ICIE) has established a 22,000-square-foot hub designed to provide mentorship, training, and technology access for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis business leaders. The facility includes retail space, community event areas, and office environments, integrating Indigenous cultural elements into its design to create a culturally safe space for launching tech firms and social enterprises.

Additionally, Vancouver-based platform TryCanadian has launched a permanent collection featuring 98 Indigenous-owned, community-owned, or joint-owned businesses. The collection spans various sectors, including software development, design, and retail. Released in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the initiative aims to help consumers discover Indigenous businesses throughout the year, ranging from software firms in New Brunswick to education providers in Manitoba.