Monday, 6 February 2012 - 2:14pm
Staff, Fort Frances Times Ltd.
The Northwest Business Centre is hosting a workshop, entitled “The ABCs of Entrepreneurship—Aboriginal Business Day,” at the Couchiching Bingo Hall on Thursday, Feb. 16.
Running from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., the event will provide the opportunity to learn about business support services, programs, and accessible funding through intergovernmental agencies and other partners, as well as developing a business plan, marketing, and research and innovation.
“This event is so tailor-made for someone who’s got an idea of a business they might like to start or they’re maybe in the early stages of starting it,” said Diane Schwartz-Williams, manager of the Northwest Business Centre.
“Or even for someone who’s been in it for a while and wants to grow and expand because the resources and information are going to be right there.
“There will be a personal connection, not via e-mail or Internet or phone,” she stressed.
“The folks are going to be right there, ready to answer questions one on one.
“It’s not going to be a day full of lots of speeches, where people are sitting and listening,” added Schwartz-Williams.
“The whole idea is to get people involved, thinking and doing, with a little bit of information coming at them from the presenters and speakers.”
Schwartz-Williams said quite a few representatives will be on hand from organizations including the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., and FedNor.
The Rainy River Future Development Corp., the United Native Friendship Centre, Seven Generations, Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong, and Service Canada also are expected to attend.
Some of them will be speaking while others will man informational displays, fielding questions from attendees.
The workshop also will feature keynote speaker Jeremiah Windego, CEO of the Naicatchewenin Development Corp., who will share best practices and motivation for both entrepreneurs and First Nations’ communities “to move their vision to reality.”
“We’re going to have a lot of resources, people, and information in one room for that day,” Schwartz-Williams pledged.
The workshop is open to people of all ages, whether they’re students, adults, or seniors.
The event is free, and lunch will be provided.
Pre-registration is required, however, by visiting www.nwbiz.ca
Limited bus transportation also is available (please advise when registering).
Anyone with questions can contact Schwartz-Williams at 1-807-467-4643 or via e-mail at diane@nwbiz.ca, or contact Stefanie at 1-807-223-1166 or via e-mail at stefanie@nwbiz.ca
The Northwest Business Centre is holding the same event next Tuesday (Feb. 14) at Eagle Lake First FN.
