Strong ideas need time, tools, relationships and the right support to become stronger businesses.
Every business begins with an idea. Building it takes understanding the numbers, developing a plan, testing decisions, learning from experienced people and forming relationships that can help move the business forward.
For early-stage entrepreneurs, that work can be difficult to navigate alone. Access to business education, financial knowledge, mentorship and professional guidance can make an important difference—not by doing the work for entrepreneurs, but by strengthening the support around them as they build.
The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation and the Joint Economic Development Initiative are collaborating to expand that support for Indigenous youth and early-stage entrepreneurs in New Brunswick.
“The earliest stages of building a business involve important questions, decisions and learning. This incubator gives young Indigenous entrepreneurs dedicated time to work through those foundations, apply what they are learning and continue receiving support through mentorship and aftercare. That combination can help participants move forward with greater clarity and confidence.”
— Robynn Sadler, Youth Program Manager, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
A 22-week pathway from learning to aftercare
JEDI’s Indigenous Youth Business Incubator Program is designed for Indigenous entrepreneurs ages 18 to 39 who live in New Brunswick and have a business idea or early-stage business.
Participants will complete 12 weeks of structured business learning followed by 10 weeks of mentorship and individualized aftercare. Throughout the program, participants will develop their business ideas into stronger start-up plans, build practical business and financial knowledge using hands-on tools and resources, and connect with facilitators, mentors and professional guidance. Weekly talking circles will also create space for connection, encouragement and shared learning among participants.
Participants who successfully complete the program will also have opportunities to access grant funding to support the next stages of their business journey.
The longer program structure recognizes that entrepreneurship support should not end when a workshop concludes. The aftercare period gives participants time to apply what they have learned, work through new questions and continue building a clearer path for their business.
“This partnership with Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) is instrumental to the advancement of Indigenous entrepreneurship for youth in New Brunswick. At JEDI, we are constantly looking for more pathways to create our very own success stories in the province. Our people have the drive and vision; we are simply here to provide the support and tools to get them there.”
— Laura Englehart, Economic Development Manager, Joint Economic Development Initiative Inc. (JEDI)
Bringing complementary strengths together
IPF brings entrepreneurship and financial-learning resources through Launchpad and MoneySmarts. JEDI brings regional experience, trusted community relationships, an Indigenous Business Hub and hands-on program delivery.
“Indigenous entrepreneurs already bring the ideas, knowledge and determination to build something meaningful. Our role is to strengthen the support around them.
Through this partnership with JEDI, we are connecting IPF’s entrepreneurship and financial-learning resources with trusted regional relationships, mentorship and practical guidance—supporting entrepreneurs as they do the groundwork to build stronger businesses.”
— Michelle Okere, Executive Director, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
Together, the organizations are connecting proven learning resources with support delivered closer to community.
“We are proud to partner with the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to offer a business incubator program for Indigenous youth in New Brunswick.
Many of the young people we work with have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and we are committed to helping them turn their ideas into successful ventures. Through this partnership, participants will gain a solid foundation in business development, entrepreneurship, and management, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to launch and grow their own businesses.”
— Stanley Barnaby, Chief Executive Officer, Joint Economic Development Initiative
Applications are open
JEDI’s Indigenous Youth Business Incubator Program begins September 14, 2026. Indigenous entrepreneurs ages 18 to 39 living in New Brunswick are invited to apply by August 28, 2026.
APPLY BY AUGUST 28
Learn more and apply: Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)
Questions about the program or application process can be sent to Laura.englehart@jedinb.ca
About the Joint Economic Development Initiative
The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is an Indigenous organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous participation in New Brunswick's economy. JEDI began in 1995 as a tripartitepartnership between Indigenous communities in New Brunswick, the Government of
Canada, and the Government of New Brunswick.
In 2009, JEDI was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization and over the years JEDI has grown into an Indigenous organization focused on working closely with its partners from Indigenous communities, organizations, government, and the private sector to foster Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick.
Learn more and get involved: Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)