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Indigenous Entrepreneurs Fight Uphill Battles for Business Growth in Canada

From financial struggles to digital divides, Indigenous entrepreneurs share their journeys—and how better support could transform their futures. One programme is changing the game.

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1 min read
The image shows a woman in a black and white dress standing in front of a fence with a quote on it...
The image shows a woman in a black and white dress standing in front of a fence with a quote on it that reads "Being a woman entrepreneur means having the passion to take risks and the courage to make them real through action and collaboration". In the background, there are trees, vehicles, and a clear blue sky.

Indigenous Entrepreneurs Fight Uphill Battles for Business Growth in Canada

Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada continue to face major hurdles in growing their businesses. Despite contributing £30 billion to the national economy, many struggle with financial constraints, digital training gaps, and limited mentorship. Two business owners, Machendagoos and Tessa Pizzale, say earlier support from programmes like the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation's Launchpad could have made a real difference.

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation runs Launchpad, a free 12-chapter online guide designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs build their businesses. The programme also pairs participants with mentors in their field, offering tailored advice. By 2026, around 500 Indigenous entrepreneurs will have access to structured mentoring through Launchpad and similar initiatives.

Research shows 57% of Indigenous entrepreneurs lack digital training, while 39% go without mentorship or digital business support. For women, the challenges are even steeper—91% report financial constraints and online harassment. Tessa Pizzale, a Moose Cree entrepreneur from northern Ontario, runs Muskwacreeations but finds it difficult to scale up without more resources. Machendagoos, based in Wahnapitae, east of Sudbury, operates Zhawenim Designs, an online business named after the Ojibway word for 'unconditional love.' She believes earlier access to programmes like Launchpad would have eased her startup journey. The foundation also offers *Money Smarts*, a physical and digital game aimed at improving financial literacy among Indigenous communities. Both entrepreneurs highlight the need for better support systems. While progress is being made, many still face barriers that slow their growth and limit opportunities.

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation's programmes provide critical tools, but demand remains high. With more mentorship and digital training, entrepreneurs like Machendagoos and Pizzale could expand their businesses sooner. Closing these gaps would strengthen Indigenous contributions to Canada's economy even further.

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