Driving Access Forward – Routes Driving Academy

Nanaimo, B.C. - For Hupacasath entrepreneur Randi-Leigh Macnutt, teaching people how to drive is about much more than earning a licence, it's about building confidence, independence, and life skills that can open doors to new opportunities. Passionate about working with youth, Randi-Leigh hopes to spend more time in schools helping students prepare for this important milestone and empowering them to take the wheel of their future.

As she worked toward launching Routes Driving Academy, Randi-Leigh invested in developing both her technical skills and business knowledge. Part of that journey included attending the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs (IWE) Workshop in Campbell River in 2025, where she connected with other Indigenous business owners and was inspired by the diversity of Nuu-chah-nulth women entrepreneurs building successful businesses across a wide range of industries.

Randi-Leigh also credits NEDC for helping her strengthen her business foundation. “I loved the collaborative process at NEDC,” she said. “They asked thoughtful questions about my business model and helped me plan for long-term sustainability. What stood out to me was that they never questioned whether my business would grow—they focused on when it grows.” That support and encouragement helped her build a strong framework for Routes Driving Academy, a business dedicated to making driver education more accessible for rural and remote First Nations communities.

Read the full story in the Ha-Shilth-Sa: Taking the Wheel – Routes Driving Academy Aims to Close Transportation Gaps