Native Women's Association of Canada Website

To develop a broader base of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, the program is emphasizing theprovision of entrepreneurship tools. Business planning guides are available, along withthe full resources of Industry Canada's Canada Business Services Centres.A national Aboriginal Youth Business Council (AYBC) has been formed withprogram support and has established its own Internet website to encouragecommunication and opportunities among young entrepreneurs. Visit the AYBC site at:http://www.aybc.orgIn partnership with Aboriginal organizations and other government departments,ABORIGINAL BUSINESS CANADA has launched a series of youth entrepreneurshippilot projects. These projects combine training in business planning with other supportavailable in the area of start-up financing.1.0 PROGRAM: ABORIGINAL YOUTH BUSINESS INITIATIVEThis initiative assists young Aboriginal people to own and operate their own businessesby offering financing and support services. As such, it also helps to create jobs for youthand stimulate the economy.There are three elements to the initiative:development support during the pre-lending phase, i.e., advising clients on loanapplications, business planning and entrepreneurship training;low-interest repayable loans (a forgivable portion of the loans will be availablefrom most organizations, depending on the individual circumstances of theproject); andpost-lending business support, including activities intended to enhance thesuccess of projects.A number of Aboriginal organizations will be delivering these services in communitiesacross Canada. The specific services offered in each location will be determined by theAboriginal organizations and may vary from region to region. Entrepreneurshipdevelopment activities, such as workshops and seminars, may also be undertaken bythe organizations.1.1 Eligibility:Canadian Status and Non-Status Indians, Inuit and Métis individuals under the age of30 are eligible.1.2 Contact:Head Office Aboriginal Business Canada, Industry Canada. 1st Floor West, + 235 Queen Street, Ottawa,Ontario, K1A 0H5, Tel: (613) 954-4064 Fax: (613) 957-7010, Internet: http://abc.gc.ca. E-mail:abc.ottawa@ic.gc.caPg. 219