In March 2024, the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) team was privileged to visit Membertou, a distinguished Mi'kmaq First Nation community in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Known for its progressive approach to economic development and dedication to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, Membertou stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. This visit was part of our ongoing effort to understand and amplify the unique strengths and needs of Indigenous communities across Canada.
Purpose and Preparation
The primary goal of our visit was to gain firsthand insights into the available support for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Membertou, particularly focusing on opportunities for youth and early-stage entrepreneurs. We aimed to build a deeper understanding of Membertou's economic empowerment strategies and identify ways IPF can support and enhance these efforts. Eileen Paul, Manager of the Membertou Entrepreneur Centre, warmly welcomed our team.
Inside the Membertou Economic Centre
Eileen Paul introduced us to the Membertou Economic Centre (MEC), which provides tailored business training and support to aspiring entrepreneurs in the Membertou community. MEC offers individualized assistance for new and existing businesses, focusing primarily on helping Membertou residents develop comprehensive and robust business plans for starting or expanding their ventures.
MEC collaborates with the Ulnooweg Development Group, an Indigenous Financial Institution, and other government and community agencies to secure funding and support for new businesses in Membertou. Additionally, the Membertou Business Park and the MEC offer special space for Indigenous businesses starting or growing, providing them with low-cost rental options, flexible leases, office equipment, and ongoing support.
Learning from Membertou’s Success
With Eileen's leadership, MEC has become a great place to support and grow new businesses in Membertou.
Key Insights from Eileen Paul:
- ISO Certification and Systematic Operations: MEC is ISO certified, which enhances its credibility and attracts significant business partnerships. This certification reflects their commitment to high standards and systematic management.
- Afterschool and Offsite Youth Programming: Eileen highlighted the success of their afterschool programs, which provide entrepreneurial training and activities for youth and include transportation to ensure student accessibility and alleviate pressure on schools and families.
- Community Engagement: The community's involvement in supporting youth entrepreneurship is vital. Bringing students to the Entrepreneur Center after school, providing meals, and offering hands-on training have proven effective in engaging young entrepreneurs.
- Development of a Hub for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs: Eileen discussed the vision of creating a hub within the Membertou Development Corporation. This hub would provide shared workspace and resources for early-stage entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and support.
Key Insights & Recommendations
Afterschool and Offsite Youth Programming:
- Enhanced Accessibility: Implementing transport services for youth to attend entrepreneurial training sessions after school ensures broader participation while alleviating barriers to schools and families.
- Comprehensive Workshops: Offering workshops in financial literacy, business strategy, and practical skills in a structured environment helps prepare young entrepreneurs for future challenges.
Development of an Entrepreneur Hub:
- Shared Workspace: Creating a hub with shared workspaces can support small businesses that do not require full storefronts but need dedicated space to operate.
- On-Demand Training and Support: Providing flexible training and support tailored to the needs of early-stage entrepreneurs can help them navigate initial challenges and grow their businesses.
Conclusion
Our visit to MEC has provided invaluable insights into the innovative approaches to support Indigenous entrepreneurship. MEC’s commitment to systematic excellence and community engagement serves as a model for other Indigenous communities. By fostering environments that support youth and early-stage entrepreneurs, we can create sustainable economic growth and empower the next generation of Indigenous business leaders.
IPF is dedicated to supporting these initiatives and working collaboratively with Membertou and other communities to ensure a prosperous future for all Indigenous entrepreneurs.