b'GLOBAL TRADEcreative ways to overcome obstaclesconducting more detailed surveys with imposed by remote community loca- larger sample sizes. Creating extensive tions. The report also confirms that thebenchmarks for the sector can result in Joint CCAB/ Indigenous community has a high levelbetter policy and support programs. of engagement and sophistication inGAC has already commissioned a new GAC Report:Canada and in the international market:version of CCABs Aboriginal Business one in five Indigenous SMEs export toReport survey, with an expanded sample the U.S., while one in seven export to Key Findings non-U.S. overseas markets. The resultssize (from 1,100 to 3,000), expected to be conducted later this year. The of this report really point to the resil- two groups are discussing the survey iency of Aboriginal businesses in thedetails that may include information on export market, states Sault. Despiteimporting activity. If all goes as sched-Almost a quarter (24.4 per cent)significant obstacles to overcome, theseuled, results will be published in 2020.of Indigenous SMEs engage inbusinesses are still growing and over-export tradeperforming. We must remember thatThere is much work ahead and key Indigenous people were the first tradersstepshavealreadybeentakenin in Canada.thejointCCAB/GACinformation- More than 1 in 5 IndigenousThe study also shows that a higher educa- gathering process. Not only is it a worth- SMEs export to the U.S. andtion is often associated with a higherwhile endeavour, it is a testament to the more than 1 in 7 export totendency to export, as does experi- calibre of CCABs data gathering and non-U.S. markets ence managing corporate involvementits increasingly important role in devel-in international markets. Social mediaoping evidence-based policy to support too plays a prominent role: Sault notesAboriginal business across Canada.A higher education attained bythat the use of social media to enhance brands internationally is a key factor inTo review the full 2019 Indigenous-Indigenous SME owners resultsa companys export activity.Owned Exporting SMEs in Canada in a higher tendency to exportreport,visittheCCABwebsite Moving forward, CCAB and GAC planandlookunderResearch,CCAB to build on their recent collaboration byCollaboration Series. Indigenous SME owners withan average minimum of five years of managing experience are more likely to be involved in international marketsKey obstacles to a higher rateof business growth and success in international markets, as compared to non-exporting IndigenousSMEs,include access to additional financing andconnectivity,i.e.,the Internet and related technologySocial media tools appear tobe main factors supporting owners of Indigenous SMEs in their export efforts Access to additional financingwould contribute to the future development and success of Indigenous SMEsAboriginal BUSINESS REPORT25'