The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) and Interior Indigenous Community Futures (IICF) are partnering on a year-long initiative to strengthen entrepreneurship supports for Indigenous entrepreneurs and youth across the Central Interior region of British Columbia.
The partnership grew out of IPF's Walking Together Tour stop in Kamloops this past July, on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc territory. George Casimir hosted the IPF team on the land, and IICF joined All Nations Trust Company, ecosystem partners, and entrepreneurs at a regional roundtable. Participants described a region rich in supports but missing a clear front door, with gaps in mentorship, trusted advisors and aftercare once a business is up and running. This partnership is the natural next step: turning what we heard into action, together. (Read the Kamloops Report)
Entrepreneurs need more than a good idea. They need training that reflects how they do business, mentors who understand their path, partners who can refer them to the right resources, and support close to home. In many communities, those pieces exist but aren't yet connected.
Building on those conversations, this initiative maps what is already in place, listens to communities about what is missing, and develops the resources, relationships and program models needed to fill the gaps.
"Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Interior already have the vision and the drive. What they deserve is a support system built around them, one that is rooted in community, connected across the region and designed for the long term. IICF brings deep relationships and regional knowledge. Together, we are laying the groundwork for what comes next." — Michelle Okere, Executive Director, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
Listening first, then building
Over the next year, IICF will lead community engagement sessions, entrepreneur listening circles and youth consultations throughout the Central Interior. The goal is to identify regional priorities, barriers and service gaps. That engagement will shape everything else the initiative produces, including:
- Culturally grounded training resources: curriculum frameworks, facilitator guides and participant workbooks for Indigenous youth entrepreneurs under 39
- A mentorship and coaching framework: tools to recruit, orient and match Indigenous business leaders with emerging entrepreneurs, with follow-up and aftercare built in
- Stronger regional partnerships: referral pathways connecting Indigenous Financial Institutions, post-secondary institutions, employers and community organizations
- Ready-to-launch program models: cohort designs, intake processes and evaluation tools for future entrepreneurship programming
“It’s encouraging to work with IPF and feel that shared enthusiasm for helping people bring their ideas to life. I’m looking forward to seeing where the partnership takes us. I’m excited to help turn what we hear from communities into something people can actually use: a workbook that helps someone work through their business idea, a practical activity that makes something click, or aftercare as a connection with a mentor who understands the challenges. We’re developing these materials with aftercare as a priority. I want participants to feel that their experience matters, that they have something valuable to build on and that they’ll have someone to turn to as they put their plans into action. That is true sustainable prosperity.” — Shawn Bonnough, Business Service Officer, Interior Indigenous Community Futures
Planning for a regional hub
The initiative also supports planning for an Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Hub in the region. This work includes reviewing successful training-centre models, assessing facility and operational needs, and developing a phased roadmap and sustainability strategy.
Bringing complementary strengths together
IICF brings regional experience, trusted community relationships and expertise in Indigenous entrepreneurship, workforce development and program design. IPF brings national entrepreneurship resources, including Launchpad, which IICF will help Interior entrepreneurs and youth access through workshops, community events and partner networks.
“This is a strong partnership and what it means for someone in our communities who has a business idea but isn’t sure where to start. We want them to find training that makes sense for their life, people who understand their goals and encouragement to take that next step. Listening to entrepreneurs and youth will help us build that support together. For me, the most rewarding outcome would be seeing more people feel confident that their ideas have a future, right here at home.
We’re grateful to have IPF alongside us as a partner who shares our commitment to Indigenous entrepreneurs, and I’m grateful and optimistic about what we can build together for our communities.” — George Casimir, Executive Director, Interior Indigenous Community Futures
Get started now
Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Central Interior don't have to wait. Launchpad's online training curriculum is open now.
Learn more: Launchpad
This initiative is made possible with support from the Mastercard Foundation.