Becoming an Entrepreneur is easier than you might have expected. In order to succeed, you must possess the dedication and drive to see your project through. With the right support, gathering the capital to create your vision is possible.

Entrepreneurship programs exist all over Canada, both federally and provincially. Although governments may change, entrepreneurship is a staple of the Canadian economy, enabling new and ingenious concepts to develop, grow and flourish in our communities.

If you think you have a great idea that you would like to develop into a business, but need help writing the business plan, gaining capital funds, learning about grants or loans - maybe IYRC can help you!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I am ready to be an entrepreneur?
2. I think I am cut out for self-employment, now what?
3. Who can help me get started?
4. Is a business plan really important?
5. Where can I receive funding for my business?
6. Are there any specific programs for entrepreneurial Aboriginal women?

Frequently Asked Questions about Self Employment (Q&A)

1) How do I know if I am ready to be an entrepreneur?
There are some basic qualities an entrepreneur must have. You must be self-determined, hard working, responsible and independent. To help determine if you may be right for self-employment, visit an Employment Counsellor at the Independent Youth Resource Centre for help or go to nextSteps.org to take a quiz assessing your interests and abilities. Click on "self evaluation" and follow the steps. Ensure that you set aside enough time for each assessment tool because this is not something that you rush into. Take the time to find what is right for you.

2) I think I am cut out for self-employment, now what?
If you believe you have what it takes, find local companies (through the Aboriginal Business Map) to talk with and ask what drives them as entrepreneurs. Thoroughly go through our links below and research what is required for a business plan and feasibility of your business idea. The best insurance of success is to embark on self-employment training. ATEC offers many programs to help acquire necessary skill for starting your own business.

3) Who can help me get started?
IYRC offers self-employment training and workshops to young entrepreneurs. Provides information, such as how to prepare a business plan and how to apply for loans. IYRC also offers a First Nations entrepreneur youth camp. It will hold every year in August and will address issues such as barriers, education and culture. The camp will involve hands on experience from formulating a business plan to presenting the plan to a panel of experts. Some experts in the past have been Loans Officers from both RBC and Scotia Bank. The week long camp will offer workshops that touch on various aspects of the business plan process.

4) Is a business plan really important?
Yes, a business plan is crucial to the success of a business. A well-detailed plan will help you understand your business risks and opportunities and will serve as a guide if you seek financing for your business. An organization will not give you start up costs without a good solid business plan. This plan will include information that answers questions such as: what products or services will I sell; what is the target audience; how do I reach the target audience; what equipment and supplies do I need; what will my monthly costs be; and how many employees will I need? The LINKS below will provide more detailed guidance on business plan writing.

5) Where can I receive funding for my business?
If you are a Status Indian, living in Nelson House, IYRC can help identifying some sources where you can get funding. There are number of Government Organization which provide loans for starting up your business. Check out the links below which can provide more information.

6) Are there any specific programs for entrepreneurial Aboriginal woman?
There is an initiative through the Government of Canada that offers support and guidelines for woman interested in self-employment. It is called the "Journey to Success" Aboriginal Woman's Business Planning Guide and provides guidance on products, planning, financing and marketing. Check out their link below for more information.

ARTICLES

'Dynamic Approach' to Self-Employment

LINKS

Funding Links

Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC's Aboriginal Banking Unit consists of Aboriginal people well aware of the specific needs of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, and offers customized, long-term, and flexible solutions. As well, The Business Development Bank of Canada is sponsoring an Internet-based national Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition with online modules, mentoring and business plan template for Aboriginal youth in Grades 10-12.

Aboriginal Resource Guide
This site gives you information on any aspect of self employment. They have a resource guide and you just create your personal profile to the questions you want answered.

Apeetogosan Métis Development
They help Métis Entrepreneurs with funds for the start-up or expansion of their business. They guide entrepreneurs to various program funds and assist with business proposals for smaller projects

Aboriginal Business Canada
Industry Canada has established this site to help Aboriginal business people. They have information on accessing financing and have knowledge to help get your business up and running.

Government of Canada Youth Site
This site is designed to help you start your own business and is a major resource guide. This site is designed as resource portal and links you to numerous websites on Self Employment.

Aboriginal Youth Business Council
This web site will help young Aboriginal entrepreneurs learn about business. The services offered vary from financial questions to proposal information.

Canadian Youth Business Foundation
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people achieve their business dreams. They offer start up cost loans for your business venture.

Tool Kits and Informational Links

Journey to Success - Aboriginal Woman's Business Planning Guide
This online user guide is designed to offer information to Aboriginal Women interested in self-employment. The guide offers information on developing a business plan, product or idea, financing, marketing and balance between family and work.

Aboriginal Youth Network - Pathfinder Employment Centre
This site has an entrepreneurial toolkit to help you with your business venture. They also have numerous links to browse through, toolkits for employment issues, and youth profiles.

Aboriginal Resource Centre (ARC) of Aboriginal Business
This non-profit site has information for the small business owner and has a business directory for various Aboriginal companies in Canada .

Success Stories
This federal government site offers success stories on economic growth for various First Nations individuals and organizations.

Aboriginal Business Map
This site, by Industry Canada , is a directory of various Aboriginal Businesses in Canada .

Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO)
This service has been in existence since 1967. CESO is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization that provides economic development expertise to Aboriginal entrepreneurial or organizations.