The future looks bright for aboriginal entrepreneurs, and helping lead the way is Denise Martineau, NEDC’s new Business Development Officer.

Raised in Calgary, Martineau, 55, is a member of the Frog Lake First Nations, and with nearly three decades of experience relating to management and personal and commercial finance, it’s safe to say she brings a wealth of information to work.

Martineau was with Bank of Montreal for 18 years, including most of the past eight years as bank manager at the ...

entrepreneur |ˌäntrəprəˈnər|
noun – a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.

Being your own boss takes vision and determination, but the rewards can far outweigh the risks.

In their ongoing commitment to ‘building a batter future for business,’ NEDC is ramping up for another installment of its’ Aboriginal Business Entrepreneurial Skills & Training program (BEST).
According to NEDC Business Services Officer Jennifer Gallic, ” This is our ...

Her photographic images are beautiful and evocative of the First Nations culture.
Yet Melody Charlie is a reluctant recipient as a First Nation Photographer for the Best Arts & Cultural Business through the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, NEDC, business awards.
“I really wasn’t sure, “ says Charlie, who sees her work more as a natural expression of who she is and sharing her culture.
“I’m super passionate about traditional language, connection to land, connection to food, anything that makes us ...

Patrick Charleson fishing co.

Patrick Charleson is humbled at winning an award for Outstanding Business Achievement through the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, NEDC, small business awards.
“It’s quite humbling, I was surprised,” says the long-time owner of Taa-Wa Fish Company Ltd and a Hesquiaht elder..  “I never thought I’d win anything in my life. This is the first time I’ve won anything at all. I feel really good about it.”
Charleson started fishing with his father 80 years ago when he ...

Raising a horde of  mason bees to rent out to homeowners and farmers is not the first thing most people would think of for running a business.
Yet that’s exactly what Gordon Cyr does through his business www.masonbeecentral.com.  He has won a small business award through the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, NEDC, for the Best Environmental and Sustainable Business his efforts.
Cyr raises mason bees for a very good reason.
“I started this because so many people weren’t getting ...

Standing in front of her peers and being presented the award for Best Youth-Owned Business was a great boost for Shae Doiron, and proof positive she’s on the right path.

Doiron, who turned 33 the day we caught up with her, is a proud member of the Tseshaht First Nation who had to overcome a number of hurdles to get ...