Getting to Know Chad Smoke: Supporting the
Next Chapter of Launchpad
Following IPF’s official welcome announcement, we sat down with Chad Smoke, our new Launchpad Program Officer, to learn more about who he is, what brought him to this work, and what he hopes to support through Launchpad.
In this conversation, Chad reflects on his experience within the Indigenous economic development ecosystem, the importance of supporting entrepreneurs at the early stages of their journey, and what excites him about joining IPF in this next chapter.
Can you introduce yourself? Please share where you are from, which communities or places have shaped you, and anything you would like people to know about who you are outside of your job title?
She:kon, my name is Chad Smoke, and I am from Akwesasne, a Mohawk Nation that spans the borders of Canada and the United States, as well as the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
I have experience across a variety of fields, including banking, administration, management, and trades work as a mechanic student. I consider myself a dynamic and adaptable person who is always willing to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
A large part of my life has been shaped by my love for sports like hockey and golf, as well as my interests in various forms of media, including film, music, reading, and the occasional gaming session. I enjoy exploring new interests and experiences, and I believe that curiosity and adaptability are two of my greatest strengths.
Many people may know you through your work with NACCA. What has that experience taught you about Indigenous entrepreneurship, community relationships, and the kinds of supports that make a difference for entrepreneurs?
Working with NACCA has taught me that Indigenous entrepreneurship is about far more than just building a successful business. Many of the entrepreneurs I’ve had the opportunity to meet are deeply passionate not only about their own ventures but also about giving back to their communities and creating opportunities for future generations. There is often a strong sense of responsibility to uplift the community as a whole, and I’ve found that mindset incredibly inspiring.
The experience has also shown me how important strong relationships and meaningful support systems are. Behind every successful entrepreneur is a network of people and organizations working hard to ensure Indigenous business owners have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. It has given me a much greater appreciation for the work being done to help create equal opportunities for Indigenous people across Canada.
What drew you to the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, and what feels exciting or meaningful about continuing this work in a new way through IPF?
What drew me to the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation was the opportunity to work directly with Indigenous entrepreneurs on a national level and support them at the ground level of their journeys, or “boots on the ground,” as I like to call it. I’m passionate about helping uplift others wherever I can, and I believe Indigenous entrepreneurs deserve strong platforms, meaningful opportunities, and recognition for the work they are doing within their communities and industries.
What excites me most is being able to help connect entrepreneurs with networks of successful business leaders, mentors, and resources that can inspire them and open new doors. Creating spaces where Indigenous entrepreneurs can learn from one another, build relationships, and strengthen their businesses is incredibly meaningful and rewarding.
For someone new to Launchpad, how would you describe the program in plain language? What is it designed to help people do, and who is it for?
To me, the Launchpad is entrepreneurship 101, but condensed, accessible, and easy to follow. I think of it as not only a great tool to help garner interest but also to inspire. Some people may have never seen themselves as entrepreneurs, but by taking the time to go through the Launchpad, they may discover new passions, ideas, and confidence in their own abilities.
In your role as Launchpad Program Officer, what will you be supporting day-to-day? How do you hope participants experience your role and the support offered through the program?
In my day-to-day, I will be supporting my team with finding ways to promote the Launchpad program, find suitable candidates, inspire youth to take up entrepreneurship, and create an even stronger network for the IPF. I also plan to draw on my previous experience to streamline internal processes and support the program's operational side. This will include a mix of coordination, outreach, and administrative responsibilities.
Launchpad works with Indigenous youth and early-stage entrepreneurs who may have ideas, skills, or lived experience but are still figuring out how to shape those into a business. What would you say to someone who has an idea but feels nervous or unsure about where to begin?
My words of encouragement are to take it day by day. Building good habits works in every part of your life, and especially in the life of an entrepreneur. If you have a passion, find a way to make it into a business. That way, you can do what you love every day.
What do you think Indigenous entrepreneurs need more of right now, whether that is confidence, mentorship, access, visibility, tools, relationships, or something else?
I think every entrepreneur needs a strong support system because the reality is, you can’t do everything alone. Everyone needs help at some point, whether it’s guidance, encouragement, or access to the right people and resources.
I recently heard a quote that really stuck with me: “Can two men build the Golden Gate Bridge? Maybe, but it would take a lifetime.” That idea resonates with me because it reflects how entrepreneurship works. The drive and vision might be there, but turning that vision into reality is sometimes not something one person can do alone.
What does Indigenous prosperity mean to you personally, and how does supporting early-stage entrepreneurs contribute to that larger vision?
To me, Indigenous prosperity means uplifting and supporting every Indigenous person who does something great, seeing how they help their community, and working towards expanding our own Indigenous economy. It’s about strengthening communities and supporting the growth of a self-sustaining Indigenous economy. In my vision, Indigenous communities are increasingly self-reliant, with local economies supported by a wide range of Indigenous-owned businesses operating in and beyond their own communities.
Can you share a lesson, teaching, mentor, or moment from your career that continues to guide how you show up in this work?
“Work smarter and harder” is something my Tota, my grandmother, taught me. She is the one who shaped my work ethic, both in my studies and in the workforce. I come from a family of tradesmen, and my dad always taught me to work hard and not complain. But somewhere in the middle, I learned for myself: why not do both? If I can work smart and hard, maybe I can succeed as well.
What kind of energy do you hope to bring to Launchpad and to the entrepreneurs who connect with the program?
I hope I can bring a welcoming and helpful energy to the IPF team. If I’m the first person you see when you start your entrepreneurship journey, then I have a duty to be as thoughtful, sincere, and excited as the entrepreneur coming into the Launchpad program. And if you’re nervous or intimidated by the world of entrepreneurship, I hope I can use that energy to inspire and motivate you.
What is something fun, or very “Chad,” that people would enjoy knowing about you?
I think being able to find joy in the little things is why I have so many interests. A lot of my friends think I know the most useless information. So if you’re ever having a conversation with me, ask me for a fun fact about anything, and I’ll most likely have the answer.
Also, I collect prop swords from movies.
What do you hope they understand about you, your role, and the work ahead through Launchpad?
I hope that after you’re done reading about me, that you realize I can talk about anything and that maybe you would like to have a conversation with me in person. I have a genuine interest in your story, your business, and your journey. I also hope that you can see my passion for this work and our people, and I will support you in any way I can.
As Launchpad continues to grow, Chad Smoke will support the relationships, coordination, outreach, and participant experience that help make the program welcoming and accessible for Indigenous youth and early-stage entrepreneurs.
Through his experience in Indigenous economic development, his community-minded approach, and his belief in meeting entrepreneurs where they are, Chad brings a grounded and encouraging presence to this next chapter of Launchpad.
Read more about Chad’s role supporting the next chapter of Launchpad: