Government of Canada invests over $5.4 million to support Indigenous economic development

“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.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“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.”
– 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 

“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.”
– Dave Vince, Chief Executive Officer, Two Rivers Community Development Centre

• In June 2023, FedDev Ontario announced new resources for Indigenous businesses and organizations to discuss their objectives as they relate to economic development and guidance on navigating available  programming and services. For more information please contact us at +1(877) 553-5507 or by email at indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca.

• Two Rivers Community Development Centre is a not-for-profit organization located in Ohsweken that focuses on providing economic development and business supports to members of the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. To date, Two Rivers CDC has provided over $42 million in support to entrepreneurs and businesses. 

• Established in 1889, Curve Lake First Nation is an Indigenous community located north of Peterborough with a population of approximately 1,100.

• Incorporated in 1993, the Tecumseh Community Development Corporation is a not-for-profit organization located in the Aamjiwnaang First Nation (Sarnia). The organization serves 10 First Nation communities across southwestern Ontario, providing entrepreneurial lending and advisory services for First Nations Peoples, communities and organizations.

• Indigenous Experiences (also known as Mādahòkì Farm) is an Indigenous, women-led tourism destination that welcomes up to 40,000 visitors each year. Located on 165 acres in Nepean, Mādahòkì Farm provides unique agritourism, farm-to-table culinary experiences, and authentic cultural experiences from an Indigenous perspective. 

• Incorporated in 2021 and located in Kitchener, Grand River Modular (GRM) is an Indigenous-owned home construction company whose mission is to redefine the housing landscape by making modular homes affordable. 

• Both Two Rivers CDC and Tecumseh CDC are Community Futures Development Corporations supported by the Government of Canada in delivering the Community Futures Program.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Funding and support for Indigenous businesses and organizations
• Curve Lake First Nation
• Indigenous Experiences Mādahòkì Farm
• Tecumseh Community Development Corporation
• Two Rivers Community Development Centre
• Grand River Modular

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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