Across generations, Indigenous entrepreneurs have strengthened communities, revitalized traditional knowledge, and led innovations grounded in culture and identity. Yet many founders – especially those in early stages of developing an idea or business – still face barriers to mentorship, skills development, and financial opportunities.
The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) is working to change that.
This week, IPF introduced Launchpad, a new Indigenous-led entrepreneurship program developed in collaboration with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Associations (NACCA) and DMZ. Supported by funding from the Mastercard Foundation, Launchpad provides early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs with practical business training, mentorship, access to early-stage resources, and a pathway toward long-term economic opportunity.
Launchpad is free, accessible online, and available to Indigenous people in every community across Canada.
Why Launchpad Matters for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Launchpad is designed for early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs, including those who are:
- Exploring a business idea or concept rooted in Indigenous knowledge
- Developing a prototype, product or service
- Generating early sales (under $30,000 per year for two years) or operating informally
- Seeking education, mentorship, or early-stage funding to strengthen their business’s foundation.
For many entrepreneurs at this stage, access to culturally aligned training and support can be transformative, helping develop confidence, validate ideas, and build towards sustainable growth.
While anyone can take the course, tailored supports, such as mentorship and micro-grants, are currently funded for Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 39 and under.
A Free, Accessible, Indigenous-Led Entrepreneurship Program
Delivered through Thinkific, the program includes 12 self-paced chapters on:
- Developing and validating a business idea
- Leadership and confidence
- Digital and operational skills
- Financial readiness
- Marketing and growth strategies
- Building a sustainable business model
Every element of the course, including content, filming, motion graphics, and on-camera participation, was created by Indigenous entrepreneurs and consultants hired by IPF. With DMZ providing expertise in course development and structure, the program balances world-class instructional design with Indigenous-led creativity and expertise.
This focus reflects a key insight from IPF’s work: emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs often benefit most from early guidance, networks, and confidence-building supports that can shape their trajectory for years to come.
Together, this partnership strengthens a national movement toward Indigenous-led prosperity, with Launchpad serving as a scalable pathway into entrepreneurship, digital business, climate innovation, land-based ventures, arts and culture, sustainable food systems, and more.
A Growing Movement for Indigenous-Led Prosperity
Launching Launchpad is only the first step. IPF is already hearing from communities, Nations, and organizations across the country who want to expand access, deepen sector-specific learning, and support future Indigenous cohorts.
To meet this demand and to meaningfully support 2,000 emerging entrepreneurs, IPF is inviting aligned organizations to explore future partnership opportunities.
Organizations and institutions that partner with Launchpad can:
- Strengthen regional entrepreneurship pathways
- Support sector-relevant cohorts (e.g., climate tech, digital business, arts, food sovereignty)
- Expand access to mentorship
- Help enable additional micro-grant funding
- Support Indigenous prosperity in a way that is community-rooted and future-focused
Partnerships are developed with care, ensuring alignment with Indigenous values, community priorities, and long-term sustainability.
What Sets Launchpad Apart
Launchpad is not a one-off workshop or short-term pilot. It is a long-term investment in Indigenous entrepreneurship with several defining strengths:
- Indigenous-led design. The program is grounded in Indigenous teachings, community strengths, and lived experience, rather than being adapted from external models.
- National accessibility. Our online delivery model ensures that participants across Canada, including those in rural and remote communities, can engage without geographic barriers.
- Respectful mentorship and support. Mentorship and micro-grants are structured to support entrepreneurs aged 39 and under at critical early stages of their journey.
- Scalability. Launchpad is built to grow. As demand increases, IPF will continue program expansion in collaboration with community-rooted partners.
- A focus on real-world impact. Launchpad equips entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build sustainable, culturally aligned businesses that strengthen families, Nations, and local economies.
Looking Ahead
Launchpad represents a bold step toward a more equitable entrepreneurship ecosystem — one where Indigenous innovators have access to the resources, networks, and opportunities they deserve.
The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation is honoured to lead this work with the support of partners, communities, and the entrepreneurs who trust IPF with their ideas, stories, and aspirations.
As interest in Launchpad grows nationwide, IPF is developing new partnership pathways with organizations that share our commitment to Indigenous-led prosperity. To explore partnership opportunities, organizations are invited to contact us directly at info@indigenousprosperity.ca
To all Indigenous entrepreneurs ready to begin their journey, Launchpad is here. Start today.