b'CCAB RESEARCHEmpowering Indigenous commu-nities: CCAB research played a key role in shaping Ontarios progressiveRESEARCH PROJECTS $95-million Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF). This fund,A SAMPLING OF SOME CURRENTinformed by CCAB research, makesCCAB RESEARCH INITIATIVEStargeted investments in Indigenous businessesandcommunities,GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA (GAC)INDIGENOUS-OWNED EXPORTERS propelling them toward sustainableSTUDIES: SECOND JOINT REPORT growth andprosperity. CCAB and GAC are currently developing a second joint study on the challenges faced by Indigenous businesses in operations and exporting. This Strengthening partnerships: CCABstudy incorporates community (on-reserve) interviews alongside data from our nationwide survey. The findings will inform potential solutions through has helped corporations across thetrade negotiations and support services like the Trade Commissioner Service country effectively engage with their(TCS). This report and the first iteration based on the national survey data will Indigenous partners. These insightsbe launched in 2023.foster better understanding, collab-oration and mutually beneficial rela- FUTURE SKILLS CENTRESKILLS FOR INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES AND tionships, driving shared successTHE ADVANCEMENT OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES and sustainable economicgrowth. This project comprises interviews with Indigenous leaders, aspiring leaders and employers to create a picture of how to build an inclusive workplace. The first phase focuses on Indigenous leaders, while the second focuses on Improving funding initiatives:aspiring leaders and employers or human resource experts. The interviews will CCAB has engaged with over ahelp to create a data-informedtool or resourceto assist Indigenous leaders in dozen federal, provincial and munic- strengthening business boards.This project will detail the skills of Indigenous ipal ministries and governmentleaders, the experiences of senior leaders, barriers that affect Indigenous agencies to enhance funding oppor- leadership, and best practices for creating an inclusive workplace.tunities for Indigenous businesses.ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (OCC)2023 ECONOMIC CCABs expertise and collaborationRECONCILIATION INITIATIVEhave influenced the development ofThe OCC, in partnership with CCAB, wants to help build capacity around new policies that promote commu- economic reconciliation, internally and across Ontarios business community, nity growth, ensuring Indigenousreflective of Call to Action 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This businesses receive the support theyinitiative will be shaped and guided by an Indigenous Advisory Committee need to thrive. comprising business leaders from around the province. It will entail working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and communities, OCC BUSINESS LANDSCAPE members, CCAB members, local chambers of commerce, and boards of trade to identify gaps, needs, case studies, and examples of best practices. As CCABs data holdings include a seriesparticipants in the engagement sessions, corporate members will also have the of datasets from our Indigenousopportunity to learn from Indigenous and non-Indigenous businessleaders.Business Survey conducted in 2010, 2015 and 2019, as well as a wideWOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP KNOWLEDGE HUBEARLY STAGES OF range of complementary studies.INDIGENOUS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Indigenous Business SurveyCCAB is conducting exploratory research to understand the early stages collects data on Indigenous busi- of Indigenous women entrepreneurship in Ontario, including motivations, support services accessed, government services accessed, financing, early-nessesspecifically who they are,stage challenges, and more. The final interviews have been conducted, and what their experiences have been,the authors are currently reviewing an initial draft of their findings.and what they need for future growth. This data is used to better under- NEW DIRECTIONS IN RESEARCH stand the challenges that IndigenousCCAB research continues to champion economic development by gathering businesses in Canada face. Theseinsights directly from Indigenous peoples themselves and assisting in creating national surveys are based on phonetheir research priorities. Through in-person interviews, surveys and roundtables, CCAB collects invaluable data on the benefits, successes and challenges interviews with First Nations, Inuitfaced by Indigenous peoples on their journey to economic empowerment. and Mtis business owners, with anThis ongoing research allows the organization to help shape policies and average of 1,100 respondents drawninitiatives that reflect the aspirations and realities of Indigenouscommunities.from the CCAB membership, as well as from publicly available sources anddirectories.Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 51'