b'IWE PROGRAMIndigenous Women EntrepreneurshipNACCA program provides support for Indigenous women across CanadaIWE Business Support Officers at a training session in February 2022.T he National Aboriginal Capital$50,000 dollars to start or grow theiring responsibilities for their children, Corporations Association businesses. The program is funded bygrandchildren, parents and even (NACCA) network is a launch- Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) asextended family members, which can pad for Indigenous women entrepre- well as Innovation, Science and Eco- impact their ability to grow their busi-neurs through the Indigenous Womennomic Development Canada (ISED). nesses. This is particularly true in re-Entrepreneurship (IWE) Program,The program is based on NACCAsmote or rural communities, where ac-aimed at increasing the numberresearch on Indigenous womenscess to childcare is limited and women of Indigenous women engagedmust rely on extended family support. in entrepreneurship and businessentrepreneurship, which included aRegarding finance, Indigenous women development in Canada. Indigenousnational online survey of Indigenoushave fewer financial resources to women are trailblazing and engagingwomen entrepreneurs and recom- invest in their businesses due to their in entrepreneurship at twice the ratemendations in our 2020 Report onlower average income and increased of non-Indigenous women; they areIndigenous Women Entrepreneurshipreliance on government transfers. This solving problems in their communities,in Canada. The NACCA survey clearlyputs them at a distinct disadvantage creating jobs for community membersidentified that access to financing iscompared to non-Indigenous entre-and acting as role models for otherthe top challenge facing Indigenouspreneurs. Despite these challenges, young women and girls. women entrepreneurs, hindered byIndigenous women entrepreneurs are eligibility criteria for equity investment,resilient and innovative. The IWE Program is administered bycollateral, proven credit history, full-NACCA and delivered by 32 Indig- time business involvement and a lackThere is a growing movement towards enous Financial Institutions (IFIs)of available micro-loans. Many do notdecolonizing entrepreneurship, which committed to increasing their supportmeet the traditional requirements forinvolves incorporating Indigenous for Indigenous women entrepreneurs.business loans, such as having a prov- values and perspectives into business The program has several elements,en credit history or sufficient collateral.practices. This includes incorporating including Business Support OfficersFurthermore, equity investment is of- traditional knowledge, language and (BSOs), training and workshops,ten not a viable option for Indigenousculture into business models, as well micro-loans and grants, mentorship,women entrepreneurs, as they mayas prioritizing community well-being and gender-specific tools and resourc- not have the resources or connectionsand sustainability. Many Indigenous es. The objective of the program is toto access these types of investments. women entrepreneurs opt to create increase the number of Indigenousbusinesses that align with their cultural women accessing financing from theBalancing responsibilities betweenvalues, which emphasize community IFI network by 50 per cent by 2025.family and business was ranked thewell-being and sustainability, and use First Nations, Inuit and Mtis womensecond biggest challenge. In additiontheir businesses to share their culture entrepreneurs from across the nationto building and growing a business,and language with others. can now access micro-loans of up towomen often have to take on caregiv- Indigenous women entrepreneurs face unique challenges rooted in gender, caregiving responsibilities and system-It is up to all of us to create a moreic discrimination. However, with the right support and resources, Indige-inclusive and equitable society wherenous women entrepreneurs can suc-ceed and thrive. It is up to all of us to Indigenous women can succeed increate a more inclusive and equitable society where Indigenous women can entrepreneurship, family and community. succeed in entrepreneurship, family and community.18INDIGENOUS PROSPERITYIssue #1, 2023'