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    • The Multi-Directional Business Compass
    • Entrepreneur Growth Program >
      • Cohort 1: Land Crafted
      • Cohort 2: On-the-land Tourism
      • Cohort 3: Circumpolar Fashion >
        • Cohort 3: Industry Mentors
      • Cohort 4: Local Food Products
      • Cohort 5: Digital Creatives
      • Cohort 6: Indigenous Language Innovation
      • Cohort 7: Made in the North: Indigenous Micro-Manufacturers
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Applications Are Now Open for Cohort 7: Made in the North

6/3/2025

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We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 EntrepreNorth Growth Program – Cohort 7!
Apply today
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Apply today
​This year’s theme is Made in the North: Empowering Indigenous Makers & Micro-Manufacturers, and it’s all about supporting Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are creating powerful, product-based businesses rooted in culture, purpose, and innovation.
What You Can Expect
The EntrepreNorth Growth Program is a 7-month experience that offers:
​
  • Weekly virtual learning sessions focused on business and leadership
  • ​​Travel Opportunities across the north to build community and collaborate
  • Mentorship and business coaching grounded in Indigenous values
  • ​Wraparound supports, including bursaries, Wi-Fi and childcare reimbursement
  • Connections with a peer circle of Northern changemakers like you

And the best part? It’s free to participate.
Apply today
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is for Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are:
​
  • Already creating and selling products (even at a small scale)
  • Ready to streamline, grow, or scale their business
  • Looking to build something that strengthens their community and economy
  • ​Driven by culture, creativity, and a vision for the future

​If you’re working with tools, machines, materials, or even wild-harvested ingredients — and dreaming about what’s next — we want to hear from you.
How to Apply
Head to our Cohort 7 page to learn more and start your application:
  • Cohort 7: Made in the North: Indigenous Micro-Manufacturers

Have questions or need help deciding if it’s the right fit? Feel free to reach out — we’re here to support you.

Dave DeLugt | Program Manager 
[email protected]

Jacey Firth-Hagen | Program Coordinator 
[email protected] 
​
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EntrepreNorth and the Definity Insurance Foundation announce a new partnership rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems

6/6/2024

 
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EntrepreNorth and the Definity Insurance Foundation are thrilled to announce a new partnership. Our collaboration, rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, will reimagine how we uplift Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive and write their own stories of resilience, community wellbeing, and generational wealth for today and tomorrow.

"We are humbled by our partnership with the Definity Insurance Foundation. Together, we are igniting a movement where Indigenous wisdom, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge to strengthen economic resilience and community wellbeing for generations to come. Through this partnership, we are nurturing Indigenous-led solutions and rooting Northern and Indigenous capacity to ensure cultural integrity and community-based leadership." 
Xina Cowan, Co-Director, EntrepreNorth 

“We recognize the importance of economic reconciliation for Indigenous communities. To contribute to this outcome, the Definity Foundation is supporting EntrepreNorth and Indigenous entrepreneurs to utilize their knowledge and talent to generate community wealth on their own terms. The challenges faced by Indigenous communities in the North call for new approaches and improved access to capital, to advance equitable solutions for and by the community. We are excited to embark on this journey of learning and growth alongside EnrepreNorth.” 
Arti Freeman, Present & CEO, Definity Insurance Foundation

It has long been known that entrepreneurship is a pathway to sustainable economic development and self-determination. It’s a powerful catalyst that ignites local capacities and invites individuals to step into positions of leadership as they create value for their communities.  EntrepreNorth believes that Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs can become catalysts of prosperity and drivers of social change within their own communities, and that the development of sustainable enterprises can create local economic opportunities to help break through poverty, address social challenges, and strengthen Northern ways of life. 

The multi-year partnership will support EntrepreNorth’s efforts in creating systems change, mobilizing knowledge, and building an ecosystem of support for Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are innovating solutions to strengthen economic resilience and community wellbeing for generations to come.

This coming year, our partnership will drive the growth and impact of EntrepreNorth’s flagship Entrepreneur Growth Program, which takes a cohort of early-stage entrepreneurs through an immersive professional and personal growth journey. This year’s cohort is dedicated to Indigenous Language Innovation. The partnership will also support EntrepreNorth’s goal to flow patient impact capital into the North through the development of a $10 million Impact Fund. This fund will provide entrepreneurs who are catalyzing transformative change with access to capital that is equitable, relational, and non-extractive. 

About EntrepreNorth
EntrepreNorth empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across the North. The project offers culturally-grounded business education, programming and supports to Indigenousentrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon who are ready to elevate their business and community impact. EntrepreNorth is a project on MakeWay's shared platform.
For more information on EntrepreNorth, please visit entreprenorth.ca.

About Definity Insurance Foundation
The Definity Foundation supports communities across Canada in pursuing climate, health, social and economic justice. With a particular focus on equity, we support solutions that address systemic barriers, especially those faced by Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities. Through partnerships, providing resources, and support for new approaches to complex problems, we’re contributing to a healthier, more equitable and just Canada.
For more information on Definity Foundation, please visit definityfoundation.org 

For more information, please contact:
Selene Vakharia
Communications Manager
EntrepreNorth
[email protected] ​


Abby Wong
Manager, Strategic and Granting Projects
Definity Foundation

[email protected]

For Immediate Release - EntrepreNorth and the Mastercard Foundation extend partnership to ignite a movement of Indigenous entrepreneurs across the North

9/18/2023

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EntrepreNorth, a project with a mission to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across the North, is thrilled to announce the extension of its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. 
The partnership, which honours Indigenous knowledge systems, creates social change, and generates new economic pathways, was first established in 2020 for an initial three-year period. 

Now a five-year partnership, this collaboration will drive a movement of Indigenous entrepreneurship that uplifts Northern leadership, mobilizes a community of changemakers, empowers the spirit of innovation, and makes financing more equitable for underserved communities.

The initial partnership, through the Mastercard Foundation EleV Program, allowed EntrepreNorth to get rooted and take its programming to the next level. Initiatives included the cohort-based Entrepreneur Growth Program, Business Ideation Workshops, and a pilot Indigenous Facilitator Certification Program. There was also a strong focus on storytelling through the production of business impact videos and EntrepreNorth’s podcast series, Venture Out.

“We believe that Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs and social innovators can become catalysts of prosperity and drivers of social change within their own communities, and that the development of sustainable enterprises can create local economic opportunities to help break through poverty, address social challenges, and strengthen Northern ways of life,” says Benjamin Scott, EntrepreNorth Founding Project Director and Co-Lead.

“Our continued work with the Mastercard Foundation is a catalyst for bringing greater resources and partnerships to the North, which is critical for breaking down systemic barriers. There are longstanding socio-economic gaps in education, employment, digital equity, and income levels between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations; and in the flow of capital to Indigenous-owned businesses. As a Northern and Indigenous-led project we are innovating solutions to these problems while ensuring that the benefits of our project reside in the North.”


Through this five-year partnership, Indigenous young people will gain access to culturally relevant business education and capacity development; wrap-around supports and technology; community and ecosystem building; resources for driving policy change and thought leadership; platforms for sharing impact stories; and greater access to capital.


“Indigenous youth see entrepreneurship as a path to a meaningful livelihood and a way to contribute to their communities,” says Jennifer Brennan, Director of Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. “EntrepreNorth’s unique approach grounded in Indigenous worldviews and values delivers what Indigenous youth are seeking. We are excited to partner with EntrepreNorth, enabling the right support at the right time to unlock growth and possibility.”

“Ultimately,” says Scott, “our vision is a movement of Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are innovating solutions to strengthen economic resilience and community wellbeing for generations to come. The Mastercard Foundation is getting behind this vision in a meaningful way and demonstrating how philanthropy is done right. We hold immense gratitude for their support and we’re looking forward to catalyzing transformative change that has a powerful ripple effect across the North.”


About EntrepreNorth

EntrepreNorth empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across the North. The project offers culturally-grounded business programming to early-stage entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon who are ready to elevate their business and community impact. EntrepreNorth is a project on MakeWay's shared platform.

For more information on EntrepreNorth, please visit entreprenorth.ca.


About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and leadership.
For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org.

________________________________

For more information, please contact:

Tanya Roach
Marketing Specialist
EntrepreNorth
[email protected] 



Candice O’Grady
Partner, Public Affairs and Communications, Canada Programs

Mastercard Foundation

[email protected]

 
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For immediate release - New Season of “Venture Out” Podcast Spotlights Ten Indigenous Entrepreneurs from Across the North

6/15/2023

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - New Season of “Venture Out” Podcast Spotlights Ten Indigenous Entrepreneurs from Across the North

Yellowknife, NT (June 15, 2023) - “Venture Out”, a podcast from EntrepreNorth that amplifies the brave voices of Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs, is launching a new season. This 10-part series will feature changemakers from across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon. Many of the guests are EntrepreNorth program alumni and friends and mentors within our circle who are all inspiring innovation and community wellbeing through business. 

​Hosted and produced by Xina Cowan, EntrepreNorth Co-Director, "Venture Out” Season 2 will take listeners on an immersive journey into the lives and businesses of Indigenous entrepreneurs who are choosing a different path and uplifting others along the way. Each episode will feature in-depth conversations that reveal the highs and lows of operating a venture in the North and the unique perspectives, strategies, and cultural teachings that have shaped the entrepreneurs’ way of offering products and services that resonate with their customers and communities.

This season, listeners will meet Joella Hogan, Owner of the yukon soaps company in Mayo, Yukon (YT); Misty Ireland, Owner of Dene Roots in Hay River, Northwest Territories (NT);  Brian Ladue, Owner of Northern Wild Productions in Faro, YT; Jennifer Lindell, Owner of Jenn 87 Hairstyling in Iqaluit, Nunavut (NU); Jordan Peterson, Owner of Affinity North in Whitehorse, YT and others. Each episode features music from Northern artists and Venture Out’s theme song is Fires Across the Tundra by Juno-winning musician Leela Gilday. 

“Venture Out” Season 2 launches on National Indigenous People’s Day - June 21, 2023 and will be available for streaming and download on all major podcast platforms. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast and follow EntrepreNorth’s social media channels to receive updates and access exclusive content.

To check out Season 1, visit EntrepreNorth’s website or listen on any major podcast platform. 


​Quotes
​

Misty Ireland, Owner of Dene Roots and featured guest on “Venture Out” Season 2

“Indigenous entrepreneurs have the freedom, flexibility and opportunity to build important teachings into the foundation of their businesses. Our businesses help drive health, wellbeing,  and balance that can save us and Mother Earth. By sharing my story with others, I am demystifying the concept of entrepreneurship and showing that taking a risk can lead to big success on the individual and community level.” 


Xina Cowan, Producer and Host of Venture Out and EntrepreNorth Co-Director

“The North is a beautiful place and it's unlike anywhere else. And that means operating a business up here, especially in the more remote communities, has its own unique opportunities and challenges. Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs are innovating solutions, they are driving new narratives, and they are at the helm of economic reconciliation. Venture Out is a celebration of their ingenuity and it’s an invitation for listeners to open their minds and feel inspired.” 


from Benjamin Scott, EntrepreNorth Founding Director / Co-Lead

“We are witnessing a movement of entrepreneurship that is driving social change and contributing to healthy culture and communities across the North. In our work, we recognize that amplifying stories of entrepreneurship and Indigenous excellence can lead to transformative change at a deeper systems level. When Indigenous entrepreneurs share their spirit of innovation with others, there is a powerful ripple effect that supports all facets of our collective wellbeing. This is our ‘why’ behind Venture Out.” 


For media inquiries, please contact:

Tanya Roach
EntrepreNorth Marketing Specialist

[email protected] 
​
867-445-7537

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For Immediate Release – Ten digital creatives will spend the next nine months honing their business, leadership and networking skills

9/26/2022

 
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Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon – September 26, 2022 – Launching this week, the 2022-23 cohort of EntrepreNorth’s Entrepreneur Growth Program will bring together ten digital creatives, including filmmakers, graphic designers, musicians, visual artists, videographers, and sound engineers, from across the three territories for a nine-month personal and business growth journey.

There is a growing demand for digital services and content that are Indigenous-owned and produced, culturally relevant, and authentic. This demand coupled with the proliferation of video streaming technology and content sharing platforms, and greater access to high-speed internet in the North is creating new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs in remote locations to build digital-driven businesses. 

“EntrepreNorth is excited to support a talented group of Indigenous creatives who are helping to grow the digital arts and media sector across the North. Our programming  will help them to hone their business and leadership skills, access mentorship, and develop industry connections to expand their market reach and impact in a way that honours their own culture, languages, and worldviews.” says EntrepreNorth’s Founding Project Director, Benjamin Scott.
​

The 2022-23 Digital Creatives Cohort includes:

Nunavut:


  • Ipeelie Ootoova, an actor, writer, and director from Mittimattalik (Pond Inlet). Ipeelie first appeared on screen in John Houston’s The White Archer in 2010. In 2013, he was nominated for a Best Actor Award at the American Indian Film Festival for his portrayal of Natak in Maïna (2013). Now living in Cambridge Bay, Ipeelie is working to create opportunities in the northern film industry for Inuit living outside of the territorial capital of Iqaluit. 
     
  • Siku Rojas, a non-binary Inuk artist and designer from Iqaluit, Nunavut. Through their business, YURAK, Siku offers a wide range of services including brightly coloured illustrations, sharp logo designs, eye-catching album covers, and one-of-a-kind paintings and jewellery pieces. Their goal is to become a full-time artist and to create opportunities for other creatives in Iqaluit including a land-based art studio, community runways for seamstresses and upcoming designers, and a culturally safe tattoo studio where Inuit can receive their kakkiniit and tunniit. 
 
  • Rico Manitok, a videographer from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Rico’s introduction to the arts scene came in 2018 when he joined the cast and crew of the theatrical show Kiviuq Returns. He went on to work and train with Chickweed Arts in Iqaluit, which in turn paved the way for his entry into the Nunavut film industry. After moving back to Rankin in 2020, Rico created Manitok Media to provide the communities of the Kivalliq with videography services. 

Northwest Territories:

  • Brandon Larocque, a musician and sound engineer born and raised in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, but with deep roots in Tuktuyaaqtuuq. A graduate of the digital audio engineering program at Pixel Blue College in Edmonton, Brandon has released several albums that he produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered as BrandonSonnet. He has also scored and created original Foley sound effects for multiple short films. Brandon launched Rowhouse Rec to provide quality sound work in the North.
 
  • Cody Fennell, an artist and illustrator from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Working under his own name, Cody Fennell Design, Cody has created original movie posters and DVD cover art for the likes of Spike Lee; directed award-nominated music videos; and designed gig posters, shirt designs, and album covers for a variety of talented musicians. Moving forward, Cody wants to collaborate with new clients and continue to innovate, creating products for the North and beyond, and inspiring the next generation of northern creatives just as he was inspired as a child.
 
  • Elaine Landry, a Dene illustrator and designer from Zhatıé Kų́ę́ (Fort Providence) in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories. Elaine has been making art for more than 15 years and digital art for a decade. Although best known for her work as an illustrator, Elaine also loves designing clothing and accessories. Since 2017, Elaine has been selling her creations at a variety of venues from Indigenous craft shows in the North to comic conventions in Alberta. 
 
  • Jamie Wetrade-Stevenson, a Tłı̨chǫ photographer from Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories. Introduced to photography at 14, Jamie turned her hobby into a career when she was 18. Working under the banner of Jamie Stevenson Photography, Jamie is the North’s premier boudoir photographer. She also works closely with Dene make-up artist Karen Murray on artistic shoots and is regularly contracted to photograph events across the territory. 
 
  • Melaw Nakehk’o, a Dehcho Dene and Dënesųłıné artist born and raised in Denendeh (also known as the Northwest Territories). Melaw is a visual artist who paints, sews and beads. She is also a traditional moosehide tanner. Her work reviving and teaching moosehide tanning techniques has inspired a resurgence of the practice and shaped a broader community building movement within Canada. In addition to teaching land-based Indigenous art practices, Melaw works creatively through performance art, contemporary visual art, public art, filmmaking, and graphic recording. 

Yukon:
  • Brian Ladue, a videographer and producer and member of the Ross River Dena Council. Brian came to digital video storytelling through work with Kaska Nation governments gathering traditional knowledge, mapping, and documenting stories and language. Inspired by the power and potential of digital mediums for storytelling, Brian started a video production company, now known as Northern Wild Productions. With experience in the documentary, educational, and promotional genres, Brian is eager to explore new genres and opportunities. 
 
  • Nick Johnson, a hip hop artist and member of the Kluane First Nation based in Whitehorse, Yukon. After completing film school in Vancouver in 2010, Nick and Yudii Mercredi (Vuntut Gwitchin) formed a hip hop duo called Vision Quest. Producing music that reflects their experiences as Indigenous youth living in northern Canada, Vision Quest’s lyrics weave together Indigenous languages and social, political and economic issues facing Indigenous people across Canada and the world. 

Through a unique combination of cohort-based learning, applied work sprints, one-on-one business mentorship, professional coaching, and investment-readiness support, these ten entrepreneurs will be supported in taking strategic steps to develop and grow thriving businesses that provide digital services and content to the North and beyond. A key part of the experience will be learning from each other, building industry relationships across the three territories and Canada, and connecting with EntrepreNorth’s growing ecosystem of supporters.

“When I first became an entrepreneur, it was difficult to find the necessary information and resources to build a business and I didn’t have access to an entrepreneurial mentor. The EntrepreNorth program is so important because it provides northern entrepreneurs with these critical tools for launching and expanding their businesses. As importantly, it creates a safe space for Indigenous business owners to learn and grow together. I’m excited to see what the next nine months brings us!” says Jamie Wetrade-Stevenson, cohort participant. 

To learn more about the entrepreneurs and their ventures, visit the Digital Creatives Cohort page.


About EntrepreNorth:
EntrepreNorth empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across northern Canada. EntrepreNorth delivers culturally-grounded business programming to early-stage entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon who are ready to elevate their business and community impact. EntrepreNorth is a project on MakeWay's shared platform. For more information, visit www.entreprenorth.ca.
Website: entreprenorth.ca | Social Media: @entreprenorth | #innovationspirit

MEDIA CONTACT
Xina Cowan, Community Manager | EntrepreNorth
E: [email protected] 
T: 1 (514) 606-1226

For Immediate Release - Northern and Indigenous entrepreneurs feed their passion for food by sharpening business and leadership skills

10/6/2021

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Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon - October 5, 2021 - Starting this week EntrepreNorth is welcoming a new cohort into its Entrepreneur Growth Program. The theme of this 2021-2022 cohort is local food which is integral to our economies, daily health and wellbeing, and growing sovereignty as communities and Nations.

The making and sharing of food brings communities closer together and connects us to the land and our ways of life. This cohort is bringing together a group of entrepreneurs from across the North who are passionate about sharing their love of food with others. “We look forward to supporting this group of entrepreneurs with new business skills to offer products that bring a sense of culture and place to our tables” says EntrepreNorth Project Director, Benjamin Scott.

The 2021-2022 Local Food cohort includes:

Nunavut:
  • John Niakrok, who is Inuk and enjoys preparing dishes with caribou and Arctic char he has harvested himself. He likes to cook food not available at local restaurants, like donairs, pancit noodles, donair garlic fingers and donair poutine. The takeout restaurant and food truck that John is planning to open will be a welcome addition to the food scene in "the hub of the Kivalliq." *Based in Rankin Inlet*
 
  • Nuka Fennell, who was b​orn and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut by a large, mixed family. They are a Chef who has worked in the culinary industry for ten years and owns a catering company called Fireweed. Their repertoire features robustly flavoured dishes that centre natural and sustainable ingredients, nourish body and spirit, and cultivate comfort. Chef Fennell is a non-binary trans person. They are also proud to be one of Canada's most northern amateur drag performers. *Based in Iqaluit*

Northwest Territories:
  • Shayna Allen, who is Inuvialuk and owns a food truck called InuvikEats. Shayna’s culinary creations are best described as fusion. She loves learning about other cultures and then designing savoury dishes that meld the flavours and techniques of their cuisine with local northern ingredients (for example, her beloved “Nice Pho What?” soup). When Shayna isn’t operating her food truck, she is catering and offering cooking classes. *Based in Inuvik*

  • Lance Raddi Gray, who is Inuvialuk and owns Gray’s Harvest. He has a deep appreciation for all the plants and medicines that grow in the North. Gray’s Harvest is committed to sustainably harvesting local plant ingredients and transforming them into usable/consumable products, including delectable teas, syrups, and oil infusions. The Gray’s Harvest team makes products they like to use, knowing their clients will love them too. *Based in Inuvik*

  • Kaitlyn White-Keyes, who is originally from the southern reaches of Treaty 8 territory and owns Ever Sweet Company. Her business is located in Yellowknife (where she has spent most of her life) and serves up small-batch artisanal caramels, traditional candies and locally crafted treats. Profits from Ever Sweet Company will go toward developing a safe, land-based healing space for Northerners living with addiction. Kaitlyn is in the business of ‘doing good’ while satisfying her customers’ sweet tooth. *Based in Yellowknife*

Yukon:
  • Scott & Jackie Dickson, who have been married for 24 years and are partners in life and in business. They are the owners of Takhini River Ranch, located on Ta’an Kwäch’än territory (Scott  is a member of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council). Their business provides customers with a full farm-to-table experience: they raise the animals, grow the feed, and process the meat on site using a mobile abattoir. In addition to ensuring high quality meat, having control over the entire process allows Scott and Jackie to work closely with local chefs to develop tailored products. *Based in Takhini River Valley
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  • Allison Kormendy, who is Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yupik and is a holistic nutritionist. She is the Owner and Operator of Wild Roots, a small business promoting holistic nutrition and well-being on a cellular level. Wild Roots connects Allison’s traditional teachings with contemporary science and holistic health. Customers can enjoy a diverse range of products that prioritize local ingredients including teas, “boosts,” therapeutic elixirs, and the best-selling Klondike Kombucha. *Based in Dawson City*

  • Teresa Ward, (otherwise known as Grandma Treesaw) has long been making Teslin Tlingit-style bannock for her friends and family in the Yukon. In 2014, Teresa started selling premixed bags of her famous bannock recipe (crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside) and she hasn’t looked back since. Today, customers far and wide can enjoy a true taste of the Yukon by ordering Teresa’s bannock mix from her online store. Teresa is a grandmother of eight with one more on the way! *Based in Teslin*
 
  • Christine Lewis, who is Northern Tutchone, and is opening a food truck called Bannock Slap. The name of her business comes from a memory of the first time she made bannock with her mother (who gave her the bannock to slap raw). Bannock Slap will feature a menu of local, traditional and contemporary flavours. Customers can enjoy a variety of bannock options along with ice creams and teas featuring seasonal produce. ​Christine’s goal is to be the change she wants to see, starting with Bannock Slap. 

Beginning this month, these eleven entrepreneurs are embarking on a nine-month personal and business growth journey. Through a unique combination of cohort-based learning, applied work sprints, one-on-one business mentorship and professional coaching, the entrepreneurs will be supported in taking strategic steps to develop and grow thriving food businesses. A key part of the experience will be learning from each other, building industry relationships across the North and Canada, and connecting with EntrepreNorth’s growing ecosystem of supporters.

“I’m really looking forward to harnessing my skills as an entrepreneur with the other members of this program. There is so much involved in operating a food business and it feels good to know that we’re all on this journey together. We are creative, innovative people with a deep desire to connect with others through food and culture. The talent and determination is there, and we now have the opportunity to learn about business in a way that resonates with who we are as Indigenous people,” says Lance Raddi Gray, Cohort participant. 

To learn more about the entrepreneurs and their ventures, visit the local food cohort page.


About EntrepreNorth:
EntrepreNorth empowers Indigenous and community-based entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across Northern Canada. EntrepreNorth delivers culturally-grounded business programming to early-stage entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon who are ready to elevate their business and community impact. EntrepreNorth is a project on MakeWay's shared platform, which provides operational supports, governance, and charitable expertise for changemakers. The shared platform enables more time and money to go towards achieving greater impact. MakeWay is a national charity that builds partnerships and solutions to help nature and communities thrive together. For more information, visit www.entreprenorth.ca.

Website: entreprenorth.ca | Social Media: @entreprenorth | #innovationspirit


MEDIA CONTACT
Xina Cowan, Community Manager | EntrepreNorth
E: [email protected] 
T: 1 (514) 606-1226
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For Immediate Release – New Podcast Celebrates Northern Indigenous Entrepreneurs

5/26/2021

 
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Yellowknife, NT (May 26, 2021) A brand-new podcast from EntrepreNorth celebrates the innovation and tenacity of Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are paving the path forward.

​Titled “Venture Out", the show is created and produced by
EntrepreNorth, a project of MakeWay based in Yellowknife that focuses on empowering Indigenous and community-based entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across Northern Canada.   

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EntrepreNorth welcomes a cohort of 12 Indigenous fashion entrepreneurs ready to elevate their business and the industry

9/10/2020

 
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Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon - September 10, 2020 - EntrepreNorth is proud to announce the third cohort of its Entrepreneur Growth Program. The theme of this new cohort is Circumpolar Fashion.

​“We are very excited to welcome a new cohort of 12 inspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs - all women - who are ready to elevate Northern fashion through the power of entrepreneurship,” says EntrepreNorth Project Director, Benjamin Scott.

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EntrepreNorth and Shopify team up to advance Indigenous eCommerce across the North

6/19/2020

 
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Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon - June 19, 2020 - EntrepreNorth is excited to announce a new partnership with Shopify to accelerate the growth of ecommerce opportunities for Indigenous and community-based entrepreneurs across Northern Canada. Shopify is a leading global commerce company founded in Canada, providing trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. 

Read More

EntrepreNorth creates new partnership with Mastercard Foundation to amplify innovation in Northern communities

6/17/2020

 
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Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon – June 17, 2020 – EntrepreNorth is honoured to announce a new partnership with the Mastercard Foundation that will see $1 million invested over three years into the growth of Northern entrepreneurship for Indigenous youth.


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    Marketing & Communications Lead
    [email protected]

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    [email protected]

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  • About
    • Advisory Team
    • Project Team
  • Offerings
    • The Multi-Directional Business Compass
    • Entrepreneur Growth Program >
      • Cohort 1: Land Crafted
      • Cohort 2: On-the-land Tourism
      • Cohort 3: Circumpolar Fashion >
        • Cohort 3: Industry Mentors
      • Cohort 4: Local Food Products
      • Cohort 5: Digital Creatives
      • Cohort 6: Indigenous Language Innovation
      • Cohort 7: Made in the North: Indigenous Micro-Manufacturers
    • Ideation Workshops
    • Venture Out Podcast >
      • Episodes
  • Media
    • News