Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, announced an investment of over $5.4 million for five Indigenous-led organizations in Ohsweken on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Organizations include: Curve Lake First Nation, Indigenous Experiences Mādahòkì Farm, Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, Two Rivers Community Development Centre, and Grand River Modular.
Indigenous businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the growing economy and creation of jobs in southern Ontario and across Canada. Through close collaboration with Indigenous communities, the Government of Canada is dedicated to strengthening relationships, advancing economic reconciliation and fostering an environment where people can reach their potential and create new possibilities.
“Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses are finding ways to grow, preserve their cultural heritage and promote sustainable development. The investments made today are supporting Indigenous-led organizations to achieve their goals while addressing important priorities for our Government including affordability, housing and food security,” said The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
These investments will improve food security, access to attainable housing, skills development for youth and advance Indigenous tourism. The investments will support the creation of more than 130 new jobs. Supporting Indigenous business owners as they scale up, grow and thrive will create new opportunities for growth across southern Ontario, because an economy that works for everyone includes everyone.
“The five Indigenous-led organizations that received support today are working hard to address critical issues like improving food production, housing access, skills development for youth and advancing Indigenous tourism. The Government of Canada will continue to work hard to support inclusive growth for the benefit of all Canadians,” said Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister responsible for Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Parliamentary Secretary May made this announcement at Two Rivers Community Development Centre. Two Rivers CDC is a not-for-profit organization that provides economic development and business supports to the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. With an investment of over $920,000, Two Rivers CDC will work to support business development training for Indigenous youth and communities. Participants in Two Rivers CDC’s programming will have access to workshops, a youth entrepreneurship program, and events to promote Indigenous entrepreneurship and businesses. This project will support the creation of 60 jobs.
“This Government of Canada investment through FedDev Ontario will provide entrepreneurial skills training, workshops and a youth entrepreneurship program. It is expected to create new opportunities, enhance business skills and increase the visibility of Indigenous businesses. The initiative aims to build a generation of Indigenous business leaders who can contribute to the growth of their local economies and empower their communities,” said Dave Vince, Chief Executive Officer, Two Rivers Community Development Centre.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations as they create new possibilities across southern Ontario and help to build a strong, diverse future economy.
