b'GLOBAL TRADEInsight into International TradeBy Warren HeeleyG r o u n d b r e a k i n g r e p o r t o n t h e g r o w t h o f I n d i g e n o u s - o w n e d e x p o r t i n g S M E sC anadianCouncilforto discuss and examine the CCAB50 businesses participating in the export Aboriginal Business (CCAB)Aboriginal business data. Within themarket; CCAB data has more than 300 recentlyteamedupwithparameters of the joint study, data gath- exporting businesses listed. Global Affairs Canada (GAC)ered in a 2016 CCAB Aboriginal Business toexaminethestatusofSurvey was shared with GAC for furtherGAC had long been looking to partner Indigenous-owned businesses involvedin-depth analysis. GAC was very inter- with the Indigenous community on an in exporting their products or services.ested in examining our data, says CCABin-depth study observing the number The results paint a promising picture:project manager Brittney Sault, notingand types of businesses involved in the almost a quarter of Indigenous smallthat CCABs research data provided moreexport market. They wanted to determine andmediumenterprises(SMEs)inup-do-date and accurate information Canada engage in the export trade,than other studies. It was brought tohow these businesses were performing representing a much higher rate thanour attention through consultation withand how government programs could non-Indigenous SMEs. In fact, its morenumerous government partners that databe shaped to assist them, says Sault. than two times the Canadian average.made available through Statistics CanadaThe collaboration with CCAB was a On National Indigenous Peoples Dayand other sources only reflected up toperfect fit.(June 21), CCAB and GAC released their joint report, Indigenous-Owned Exporting SMEs in Canada. Not only does the report outline the types and numbers of Indigenous SMEs involved in the export market, it also gives insight on ways the federal govern-ment can provide enhanced support to improve their business performance in international markets. The report marks the first time the government has collaborated with an Indigenous organization to report on the activity of Indigenous SMEs in interna-tional trade. Based on data gathered by CCAB, the findings are a testament to the calibre of CCABs research and repre-sent a critical collaboration between governmentandtheIndigenous community in furthering Aboriginal business development. Participants at a CCAB Export Forum held in Toronto: standing areSara Mainville, Wayne Garnons-Williams, Max Skudra,The report is the culmination of numerousRisa Schwartz: sitting are Michael Fox, Nathan Wrigt, Sam Dammmeetings between CCAB and GAC Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT23'