Have you ever had a business idea you couldn't stop thinking about but had no idea where to start?
Perhaps you were wondering who to ask for advice. Maybe you questioned whether your business idea could actually work in your community.
You may have started searching for business courses or tools to move your idea forward and determine the next steps.
And perhaps you were also looking for something built with Indigenous entrepreneurs in mind: something that reflects community, culture, and the realities of building businesses in our spaces.
The Indigenous Launchpad for Entrepreneurs was built for that moment.
Launchpad is a free, Indigenous-led online program that supports early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs in building, validating, and growing business ideas through practical tools, national networks, and real opportunity pathways.
What Is Indigenous Launchpad?
The Indigenous Launchpad for Entrepreneurs is a free, Indigenous-led entrepreneurship program designed to equip early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and early-stage funding pathways needed to advance their ideas.
As Relay Tangie, VP, Development and Finance at the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, shared: “Launchpad reflects the belief that Indigenous entrepreneurs deserve accessible, high-quality tools to inspire their ideas and support their ambitions.”
The program was co-developed in partnership with the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, and DMZ.
Over four years, Launchpad is expected to support more than 2,000 Indigenous entrepreneurs through accessible learning, culturally grounded content, mentorship pathways, and early-stage business supports.
The program was built in collaboration with Indigenous creators, agencies, and entrepreneurs across Canada. This included Indigenous-led marketing, production, on-screen hosts, and motion graphics development to ensure the program reflects Indigenous expertise, creativity, and lived
experience at every stage.
Launchpad is designed to help entrepreneurs build confidence, strengthen foundational business skills, validate ideas, and prepare for long-term business growth.
The Opportunity Today
Through the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, Launchpad connects entrepreneurs to real, present-day opportunity. Participants gain access to national networks, mentorship pathways, and opportunities that help move business ideas into real business outcomes.
As Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures, shared: “When we saw the gap in tailored support for Indigenous entrepreneurs, we knew the only way to help close it was through real partnership with organizations rooted in community.”
Opportunities connected to Launchpad can include:
- National visibility through ecosystem events and partner networks
- Pitch opportunities connected to national Indigenous economic gatherings
- Access to mentorship and early-stage funding pathways for eligible participants
- Connection to a growing national network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and business leaders
For the current Launchpad cohort, selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch live at the NACCA Indigenous Prosperity Forum in May.
Entrepreneurs participating in this opportunity may also be eligible to compete for a $10,000 business grant and an all-expenses-paid seat in the AFOA Canada Harvard Program.
These opportunities are competitive and not guaranteed. They represent what becomes possible when Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to culturally grounded business training, strong networks, and real pathways to funding, leadership development, and national visibility.
Real Impact for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs already participating, Launchpad is helping strengthen business foundations and community impact.
“I started my business because I wanted to help entrepreneurs in my community succeed. Launchpad is helping me strengthen my business so I can support others.” — Launchpad entrepreneur, January cohort participant.
Launchpad is designed to help entrepreneurs move from idea to action and to long-term sustainability.
Program Structure and Supports
Launchpad includes 12 self-paced learning chapters that guide entrepreneurs through idea validation, leadership development, digital and operational business skills, financial readiness, and sustainable business planning.
The program is designed for real life. Entrepreneurs can complete the program at their own pace while balancing work, family, and community responsibilities.
Additional supports may be available for eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 39 and under, including mentorship opportunities and micro-grant pathways.
A Growing National Movement
Launchpad continues to grow as interest from Indigenous communities, Nations, and ecosystem partners across Canada increases.
Michelle Okere, Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, shared, “Indigenous entrepreneurs have always been innovators, builders, and leaders in our communities. Launchpad was created to ensure Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to the tools, networks, and opportunities
needed to move their ideas forward with confidence. When Indigenous entrepreneurs succeed, our communities, economies, and future generations grow stronger.”
Start Your Launchpad Journey
If you have a business idea and you are ready to build something real, Launchpad is here to support you.
When Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to the right tools, relationships, and opportunities, ideas grow into businesses, and businesses grow into lasting community impact.