Indigenous Business Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs

Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada face unique challenges on their entrepreneurial journey. These challenges are mainly due to limited access to resources, funding, education/training, and community support. This lack of access significantly impacts the success of their businesses and the broader community.

Access to Resources - Indigenous entrepreneurs often have difficulty accessing capital, technology, and mentorship resources. According to an RBC Canada report, Indigenous business ownership is increasing five times that of non-Indigenous businesses, yet only receiving 0.5% of venture capital investments in Canada. This lack of access to resources limits the growth potential for Indigenous businesses and hinders their ability to compete with more giant corporations.

Funding - Finding adequate funding is another challenge Indigenous entrepreneurs face in Canada. The current gap in access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs compared to the level serving mainstream Canada is $83 billion, according to PayPal’s “The Power of Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Canada” report from 2021. This gap makes it difficult for Indigenous entrepreneurs to finance their businesses and limits their ability to take advantage of opportunities that could help them succeed.

Education/Training - Many Indigenous entrepreneurs lack the necessary education or training for success. The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) seeks to increase the number of viable businesses in Canada owned and controlled by Indigenous people by providing them with access to business skills training programs that can help them develop their entrepreneurial skillset. However, due to limited funding, these programs are not always available or accessible for all aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, which further hinders their ability to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Community support - Finally, many Indigenous entrepreneurs struggle with finding adequate community support for their business ventures. Despite having a strong sense of cultural identity, many feel disconnected from their communities due to a lack of understanding or awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship among Indigenous populations. Without adequate support from family and friends, it can be difficult for Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed or even start their entrepreneurial journey in the first place.

Overall, these challenges significantly impact individual Indigenous entrepreneurs and the broader community by limiting economic growth potential and preventing individuals from achieving financial independence through entrepreneurship. We must continue working towards creating more equitable opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and contribute positively to our economy and society.

Mino Dawaa Business Group comprises Indigenous entrepreneurs who have faced and overcome these struggles. Mino Dawaa was seen as an opportunity to give back to their communities and people with the resources, knowledge and support they need to overcome their barriers. After joining their knowledge, passion and expertise in different areas, Mino Dawaa was created as a powerful resource for any form of an entrepreneur. By entering with a membership, you can access a mailbox on reservation land, which means you can access no tax benefits for your company. Combining two other companies, IndigPro and 1st Peoples Print Shop services, we can offer new entrepreneurs marketing services, software development, grant writing, bookkeeping and printing services. 

Mino Dawaa Business Group in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a solution to the challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada. The group provides access to resources, funding, education/training, and community support for Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed.

Mino Dawaa Business Group offers business consulting, financial literacy workshops, and mentorship programs for Indigenous entrepreneurs, including youth. This helps our communities access the tools and knowledge necessary for economic success. The group also advocates for better policies and legislation that benefit Indigenous people so their voices are heard in decision-making. Mino Dawaa Business Group empowers Indigenous communities to overcome challenges through these services.

The group uses technology to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with online support and learning opportunities. They use online platforms and tools to offer workshops and consulting services that can reach more people without the limitations of physical location. This technology helps Indigenous entrepreneurs access critical resources, even where traditional services are unavailable.

Mino Dawaa Business Group's approach is vital in addressing Indigenous entrepreneurs' challenges in Canada. Their services pave the way for a more equitable future, enabling Indigenous entrepreneurs to reach financial independence through entrepreneurship while contributing positively to our economy and society.

The target population is Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. They can be reached virtually and in person on treaty land or the urban reserve (cities). Again, some entrepreneurs who faced the challenges were on reservations, like Peguis First Nation and Shamattawa and experienced the issues firsthand. Some others were involved in Indigenous pitching competitions, like Pow Wow Pitch and saw 2,400 entrepreneurs across Canada and the U.S. submit an application and try their hand at winning the $25,000 grand prize. 2,400 Indigenous entrepreneurs knew of Pow Wow Pitch; how many more could use a support network like Mino Dawaa to thrive and succeed? 

Our CEO, Dwayne Bird, is from the Peguis First Nation. Amy, our Operations Manager, is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Jordan Dysart, our Full Stack Developer, is from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin First Nation and Kelly, our marketing manager, is from Shamattawa First Nation. We all have experiences together that help us better understand the community needs we are trying to help. Some of us are also heavily involved in the Indigenous entrepreneur community, knowing what they need, especially our youth. The solution by Mino Dawaa was built for the Indigenous entrepreneurs by Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

Mino Dawaa is seeking traction across Turtle Island to help more entrepreneurs. We need help with mentorship from experienced leaders in the community. Knowledge is a welcome resource to us, and there isn't anything we know too much of! Technology-wise, we would love to be opened up to different software that could be more efficient as an internal team and ensure we have a solid cyber-security strategy as we have confidential client information. Legal help would be deeply appreciated as we are a growing company with a small trusted client base, ensuring we operate within provincial rules and regulations across Canada. Cultural and Market barriers are something we can navigate on our own. However, help and advice are always appreciated. 

Dwayne Bird was born and raised on Peguis First Nation; he worked with the band office and was Director of Communications for the Chief. He was heavily involved in the community's needs and ensuring their voice was heard. 

Mino Dawaa is a unique business accelerator program that provides Indigenous entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed. The program offers various services, including workshops, mentorship, and access to amenities. Mino Dawaa also provides exclusive resources such as funding opportunities, networking events, and access to market research. These resources are designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs build businesses and create sustainable economic growth in their communities.

Through partnerships with local organizations and government agencies, Mino Dawaa can provide additional support for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This includes access to capital, technical assistance, and training programs. By providing these services, Mino Dawaa is helping to create an environment where Indigenous-led businesses can thrive. The program also fosters collaboration between Indigenous-led companies and other organizations in the space.

Mino Dawaa's approach has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts from others in this space. By providing resources and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs, Mino Dawaa could help create a more equitable business landscape for all Canadians. Furthermore, by fostering collaboration between Indigenous-led businesses and other organizations in the space, Mino Dawaa could help create new opportunities for economic growth in Indigenous communities across Canada.

Overall, Mino Dawaa's solution approaches the problem of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in a new and improved way. By providing resources and support tailored specifically for Indigenous entrepreneurs, Mino Dawaa can change the market by creating an environment where Indigenous-led businesses can thrive.

Mino Dawaa is an Indigenous accelerator program that supports Indigenous entrepreneurs in their business endeavours. Our mission is to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to create economic and social change in their communities.

Our 1-year impact goal is to support at least 50 Indigenous entrepreneurs, secure $500,000 in funding, and form 10 new partnerships with organizations that can provide additional resources and support. We also want to see a 20% increase in the number of successful businesses launched by our supported entrepreneurs compared to the previous year.

Our 5-year impact goal is to have a transformational impact on Indigenous entrepreneurship and communities. We want to see increased economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples, including more jobs created, higher incomes earned, and increased access to capital. We also want to decrease poverty levels among Indigenous communities and improve social outcomes such as better educational opportunities and healthcare access.

By achieving these goals, we will be able to demonstrate the value of Mino Dawaa’s work and its positive impact on the lives of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their communities.

At Mino Dawaa, we are committed to measuring our progress and impact toward empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and creating social and economic change in their communities. We use a range of indicators to track our progress, including financial, social, and economic factors.

One of the key metrics we track is the number of entrepreneurs the program supports. We also collect data on the amount of funding secured for these entrepreneurs and the number of partnerships formed with organizations that can provide additional resources and support. These metrics help us to understand the depth and breadth of Mino Dawaa's reach and impact. For instance, we have set a goal to support at least 50 Indigenous entrepreneurs and secure $500,000 in funding for them in our first year of operation.

Another critical indicator we track is the number of successful businesses launched by the entrepreneurs we support. This metric helps us to measure the effectiveness of Mino Dawaa's support in helping to create sustainable economic change in Indigenous communities.

In addition to these quantitative metrics, we also collect data on the social impact of our program, such as changes in poverty levels, access to healthcare, and educational opportunities for Indigenous peoples. For example, we aim to see a decrease in poverty levels and better educational opportunities in the Indigenous communities we serve over the long term.

We monitor progress and evaluate impact regularly, at least once a year. We use this assessment to refine our program and make improvements based on the feedback we receive. We identify and implement strategies to improve performance if we find areas where we fall short of our goals. Conversely, when we achieve our goals and benchmarks, we use this information to inform our plans and goals.

In summary, Mino Dawaa uses a range of indicators to measure progress and impact, including financial, social, and economic factors. We monitor progress on these metrics regularly, using the feedback and data collected to refine the program and make improvements.

Mino Dawaa's Theory of Change is a holistic approach to expanding prosperity to individuals and families through asset building and entrepreneurial development. It has two key elements: traditional assistance programs are tied to significant verification and qualification, and Icahya Woecun, which is an Indigenous concept that focuses on the interconnectedness of people, land, culture, and language.

The theory of change outlines how Mino Dawaa's activities can bring about long-term outcomes for its target population. This includes providing access to new knowledge to enhance transnational entrepreneurship, understanding the value of cultural heritage management in regenerating social environments, and creating a powerful engine of change for decentralization.

To ensure that this theory of change is practical, it is essential to provide evidence that supports the existence and strength of the links between activities, works, and results. This could include third-party research findings from process or impact evaluations, data from interviews with the target population, etc. By doing so, we can be sure that Mino Dawaa's solution will positively impact its target population.

Mino Dawaa, IndigPro and 1st Peoples Print Shop are run and based on the seven teachings founded in Ashinabbe culture—love, respect, honesty, humility, courage, wisdom and truth. 

Mino Dawaa's solution supports Indigenous entrepreneurs in creating innovative and sustainable solutions in various fields, including health and wellness. The program leverages science and evidence-based knowledge to benefit people and the planet by promoting regenerative practices.

Mino Dawaa values traditional, ancestral, and natural knowledge systems and respects Indigenous entrepreneurs' use of traditional knowledge. Entrepreneurs are provided access to the latest technology and resources to help them solve community problems. The programs incorporate various tools such as apps, SMS technology, software, and AI to support the development of innovative solutions.

Mino Dawaa's program supports Indigenous entrepreneurs in creating solutions that positively impact their communities and the planet, focusing on promoting sustainable and regenerative practices. By supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, Mino Dawaa creates economic opportunities that help to address systemic issues such as poverty and inequality. This approach also contributes to the protection of natural resources and the preservation of Indigenous cultures.

Firstly, Mino Dawaa recognizes the unique and systemic barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups in economic opportunities. The program works hard to address these disparities by creating equitable environments that level the playing field and ensure everyone has an equal chance of success.

Secondly, the program has created an inclusive and supportive environment that welcomes, respects, supports, and values all group members. The accelerator program does this by offering mentorship and networking opportunities that connect entrepreneurs to a broad range of support networks and communities. Further, Mino Dawaa recognizes and addresses the cultural diversity among Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing training programs that acknowledge and respect their values, beliefs, and customs.

Thirdly, Mino Dawaa has established partnerships with various institutions, including academic institutions, industry partners, and community organizations, to increase access to opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs. The program provides entrepreneurs access to critical resources such as funding, support services, and business development training, all aimed at helping them grow and scale their businesses.

Overall, Mino Dawaa has made significant strides in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its programs, ensuring that Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to economic opportunities and push for their advancement. The accelerator program has created an environment that embraces and values cultural diversity while eliminating unique and systemic barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups.

The organization's mission is to create a supportive environment for Indigenous entrepreneurs to enable them to grow their businesses and achieve impact. To this end, Mino Dawaa provides access to resources such as funding opportunities, business development advice, and marketing support. The organization also works with local partners to provide additional legal advice and financial planning services.

Mino Dawaa generates revenue through membership fees, sponsorships from corporate partners, and individual donations. This income helps fund the organization's activities and allows it to continue providing valuable services to Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Mino Dawaa has helped many Indigenous entrepreneurs achieve success in their businesses. For example, Holly Courchene from Indigenous Tourism Manitoba expanded her business thanks to the support she received from Mino Dawaa. Jackie Traverse used the organization's resources to launch her art gallery in Winnipeg. 

Overall, Mino Dawaa provides a valuable service for Indigenous entrepreneurs by offering tailored programs and services that help them reach their business goals. By providing access to resources, networks and mentorships, Mino Dawaa helps create an environment where Indigenous entrepreneurs can thrive and positively impact their communities.

Mino Dawaa is an Indigenous accelerator program that seeks to bridge the gap between small-scale rural producers and the market. We have identified several critical steps in developing a sustainable revenue model for Mino Dawaa.

The first step is researching the market and identifying target customers and competitors. This will help us develop a unique approach to differentiate Mino Dawaa from existing market intermediaries. We can also use this research to identify potential revenue streams for non-profit or community-based organizations. We have done some research in this area, but we can do a more extensive study with more funding and support. 

The second step is to showcase our experience in identifying alternative revenue streams for non-profit or community-based organizations. It is essential to be clear about Mino Dawaa's costs and projected earnings and demonstrate how these revenue streams can cover expected expenditures to enhance financial sustainability. We should look deeper into more options, such as sustained donations or grants from more significant resources, selling products, social enterprise/income-generating projects, and other viable options.

Finally, we must create a more solid plan that outlines how Mino Dawaa will sustain its operations over time. This plan should include strategies for marketing, fundraising, budgeting, and managing resources. Additionally, it should guide how Mino Dawaa will measure success and track progress toward its goals. By creating a comprehensive plan with realistic goals and objectives, we can ensure that Mino Dawaa has the resources necessary to continue its mission of bridging the gap between small-scale rural producers and the market.

We have only gotten so far by achieving First Peoples Economic Growth Fund loans to get the business going. Still, we have gained projects from significant sources that have brought money to keep our business running.