Opening your own business is a dream for many.
It’s a dream that may become more approachable for some, thanks to a training program directed at Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
Aboriginal Business Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) is supported by the B.C. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Service Canada. Its goal is giving aboriginal people the skills needed to create their own jobs and build capacity in local communities.
The free program will be offered from Oct. 14 at the Tseshaht SEEDS Building (beside the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council). Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to an information session Oct. 10 (12 – 2:30 p.m.) at the Nuu-chah-nulth Employment & Training (NETP) Office or Oct. 11 (5 – 7:30 p.m.) at the SEEDS building–meals provided.
Caledonia Fred is one of the trainers who received the contract to deliver the program in Port Alberni.
Fred has a lot of experience offering training programs for aboriginal communities, including entrepreneurship and employability skills. Fred said they take a special approach, even with entrepreneurship training.
“We start off with a lot of history around native culture and why entrepreneurship is part of the culture. One of the big things that we incorporate into our entrepreneurship training is the art of storytelling,” said Fred. “It is a really big part of aboriginal history. Through every day of homework, we encourage our participants to get up and tell their stories.”
“So that is one big difference. Everything is delivered orally, down to their Dragon’s Den- type pitch at the end of the program.”
Past programs have generated many successful aboriginally owned and managed businesses including heavy equipment operators, cycle shops, fishing charters, tutors, trainers, catering, native art, furniture manufacturer, lawn care, first-aid trainers, computer recycling, tour-guiding, gift-shop, website developer and home maintenance businesses.
Fred said that the BEST program is suitable for entrepreneurs at all levels, from those who don’t have an idea yet to those working on their ideas, even those who are already in business.
The program offers training that helps participants identify business opportunities and determine their feasibility. Participants conduct market research, write business plans and explore financing options, allowing them to learn to pitch their business idea in front of a panel of community leaders.
A wide variety of guest speakers round out the training. Graduates then have the unique opportunity to apply to a dedicated lending fund just for BEST participants.
The 12 sessions are so complete that a number of BC colleges and universities are considering offering credit to Aboriginal BEST graduates. Bruce Lacroix is the Provincial Coordinator of the program, and also wrote the curriculum.
“I have been approached by Vancouver Island University, Thompson Rivers University and College of the Rockies to see how we can get accreditation for the Aboriginal BEST program.”
People interested in learning more about this one-of-a-kind program can find more at www.aboriginalbest.com
