Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurs

Overview of the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurs program:

The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs (IWE) Program is a specialized initiative operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation (SIEF), aimed at fostering economic development among First Nations women in Saskatchewan. The program recognizes the unique barriers that Indigenous women may face in entrepreneurship and offers a tailored approach to support their business ventures. Through financial assistance, mentorship, and advisory services, the program helps these women take the leap into business ownership or scale their existing enterprises. The IWE Program is particularly focused on building sustainable, long-term business growth and encouraging self-sufficiency through culturally relevant and community-based support systems. Funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including startup capital, business expansion, equipment purchases, and working capital. The program is part of a broader strategy to increase Indigenous women’s participation in the business sector, foster community development, and reduce economic disparities. Support services include ongoing business advisory services, assistance in business planning, and help accessing other federal and provincial Indigenous entrepreneurship supports. By offering both financial and non-financial support, the IWE Program is designed to maximize the success of participating entrepreneurs. It also aims to create a network of Indigenous women business owners who can serve as role models and mentors to others in their communities.

Benefits of the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurs program:

• Up to $20,000 in non-repayable contribution assistance
• Additional loan financing of up to $60,000 through SIEF
• Personalized business advisory support and mentorship
• Assistance with developing viable business plans
• Access to a culturally sensitive and supportive entrepreneurial environment
• Help connecting to broader Indigenous business networks and services
• Enhanced access to federal and provincial Indigenous entrepreneurship resources
• Program specifically tailored to address the needs and challenges faced by Indigenous women entrepreneurs
• Ongoing support throughout the business development and growth process

Eligibility criteria of the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurs program:

• To qualify for the IWE Program:
• Applicants must be First Nations women
• Applicants must reside in Saskatchewan
• The business must be wholly owned or majority-owned (at least 51%) by a First Nations woman
• The business must be located and operated within Saskatchewan
• Applicants may be either starting a new business or expanding an existing one
• A viable business plan is required
• Applicants are expected to engage with SIEFs advisory team to assess project feasibility and develop an application package
• Businesses can be in any legal industry sector, though projects must demonstrate potential for sustainability and community impact
• There are no minimum revenue or age requirements explicitly listed, though businesses must be viable