The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund is helping Indigenous businesswomen with innovative ideas, but little access to capital, grow and succeed as entrepreneurs.

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TORONTO, May 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Canadian Indigenous Entrepreneurship Fund (CCAB) was created to help Indigenous women who have traditionally faced significant obstacles access financing through customary means.

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The fund, offered by LNG Canada with a contribution from Paper Excellence, is open to Indigenous women-owned businesses that have faced systemic barriers to lending relationships and have been impacted by the pandemic.

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“Women are essential to indigenous economic prosperity, however, securing affordable financing remains one of the most difficult challenges facing indigenous women entrepreneurs. Lack of access to networks, financial institutions, and property for collateral,” says Tabatha Paul, President and CEO, CCAB. And credit, they are all factors we must overcome.” We are pleased that LNG Canada and Paper Excellence are taking meaningful action to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs and help grow the Indigenous economy.”

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Research by the Gulf Cooperation Council in China (CCAB) has shown that access to appropriate credit and lending is one of the major barriers to indigenous businesses. The Indigenous Business Survey Phase II: Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs, released in 2021 by CCAB, found that nearly half (47 percent) of Indigenous women-owned businesses report no existing lending relationships with any Financial institution, compared to nearly one-third of male-owned businesses.

LNG Canada is committed to supporting the advancement and empowerment of Indigenous women entrepreneurs. Hope Rijmbald, Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations Officer for LNG Canada, said Indigenous women’s economic empowerment and inclusion is a direct response to the calls for justice. “Access to capital and financing is critical, which is why the opportunities provided through the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund are so important. We commend the Canadian Indigenous Business Council for their efforts to enable Indigenous prosperity and remove systemic barriers facing Indigenous women “.

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This is the third year that the fund has been available, and applications for the $2,000 grants will be open until May 19, 2023, at 5 p.m. Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund.

“Paper Excellence knows that a rising tide lifts all boats – that when Indigenous businesses do well, we all do well. Doing business right means building the business together,” said Lana Wilhelm, Director of Indigenous Communities Relations. “We are thrilled to be a part of empowering Indigenous women entrepreneurs to build their businesses. And we thank the Canadian Indigenous Business Council for giving members like us this opportunity.”

Previous recipients say these grants have transformed their businesses and their lives. More than 40 Indigenous women business owners have received grants to date.

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“I’m a proud member of the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation with two children, and owning your own business isn’t always easy, but grants like this definitely help,” says Brandi Boleks, owner of Freedom Embroidery and last year’s IWEF benefactor. “With this grant, I was able to buy shares, as well as do some promotion of my business. We appreciate the help more than you know.”

The Entrepreneurship Fund is managed through the Indigenous Business Instruments and Financing Program (TFAB) of the GCC in China to promote indigenous entrepreneurship by providing access to development and networking.

A lottery system will be used to award grants. A direct drawing will take place at a future date where 20 recipients will receive grants.

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About the Canadian Aboriginal Business Council
CCAB is committed to the full participation of indigenous peoples in the Canadian economy. As a non-partisan national association, its mission is to promote, strengthen, and enhance a thriving Indigenous economy by promoting business relationships, opportunity, and awareness. CCAB provides knowledge, resources, and programs to its members to cultivate economic opportunity for indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information visit www.ccab.com.

About LNG Canada

The LNG Canada joint venture is building a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada, in the traditional territory of the Haisla nation. It will initially consist of two LNG processing units, referred to as “trains”. LNG Canada is a joint venture consisting of Shell plc, through its subsidiary Shell Canada Energy (40%); PETRONAS, through its wholly owned entity, North Montney LNG Limited Partnership (25%); PetroChina Limited, through its subsidiary PetroChina Kitimat LNG Partnership (15%); Mitsubishi Corporation, through its subsidiary Diamond LNG Canada Partnership (15%); and Korea Gas, through its wholly owned subsidiary Kogas Canada LNG Partnership (5%). It is operated by LNG Canada Development Inc.

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About Paper Excellence

Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp, specialty paper, printing, writing and packaging with 10 facilities in Canada producing over 3.0 million tons per year with a workforce of over 3,000. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow Through its strategy of operational excellence and high quality, cost-effective products.

to more information or to arrange interviews with Previous grant recipientsAnd sponsors or CCAB staffPlease contact:
Because it is Gbokwam
Senior Associate, Communications and Public Relations
Canadian Aboriginal Business Council
ajabokwoam@ccab.com
T: 416.961.8663 ext. 227

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