Canim Lake Band (CLB) is hosting an Aboriginal Business Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program at the 100 Mile Lodge, Sept. 19-Nov. 3.
Supported by the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Service Canada, the free program is aimed at giving Aboriginal people the skills they need to create their own jobs and build capacity in local communities.
Program co-ordinator Gabrielle Archie says CLB’s Andrea Boyce, who has a lot of experience in community service, is the training leader for the local 12-session program.
Roy Christopher of CLB says the course begins by covering a significant amount of history around native culture and why entrepreneurship is part of this culture.
“One of the big things we incorporate into our entrepreneurship training is the art of storytelling.”
Adds Boyce: “It is a really big part of Aboriginal history. Through every day of homework, we encourage our participants to get up and tell their stories.”
Archie notes past programs have generated many successful Aboriginal-owned and managed businesses in industries ranging from heavy equipment operation and furniture manufacturing to tourism and fishing charters.
Other successful new business operations include native art and gifts; education and training; home and lawn maintenance; websites and computer recycling; and a cycle shop.
Christopher explains the BEST program is suitable for entrepreneurs at all levels, from those who don’t yet have an idea to those working on a plan, or even already in business.
Archie adds the program offers training on identifying business opportunities and determining feasibility, and has participants conduct hands-on projects toward market research, business plans, financing and pitching their proposal to local community leaders.
It also features a wide variety of guest speakers, she notes, and may potentially provide post-secondary education credit for BEST graduates.
For more information or to register, contact Archie at 250-397-2227 or 250-397-2601, or visit the website at www.aboriginalbest.com.
