Business & Economic Development
SUPPORTING LOCAL OPPORTUNITY
Supporting Kanehsatà:ke entrepreneurs and community businesses through guidance, partnerships, funding opportunities, and initiatives that encourage sustainable economic growth.
Kanehsatà:ke Business and Economic Development
Encouraging entrepreneurship, building partnerships that create opportunities for community members, and fostering sustainable growth rooted in our cultural values.
Ionkwateriwaièn:ni
Mission Statement
Kanehsatá:ke Business and Economic Development (KBED) was established to support the growth, sustainability, and cultural alignment of economic activity in Kanehsatà:ke. Our department works with community members, entrepreneurs, and local businesses to foster self-determination, innovation, and prosperity within the territory.
KBED’s focus is to:
01
Support the creation and growth of community businesses and social economy
02
Promote eco-agriculture, cultural tourism, and sustainable development projects
03
Build capacity through workshops, mentorship, and educational programs
04
Engage the community at every stage of project development
05
Facilitate access to funding through government and Indigenous-specific programs
Programs and Services
The department is structured to provide two complementary streams: business development and economic development, ensuring a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, project support, and community-based initiatives.
Entrepreneur Support
The KBED team provides hands-on support for community members starting or expanding businesses:
01
One-on-one consultations and mentoring
02
Guidance on preparing funding applications and business plans
03
Review of project viability and funding eligibility
04
Assistance accessing funding through programs like SRPNI (IIF), TBCF, and MCK Economic
Development Grants
05
Follow-up and mentoring throughout project implementation
Applying for Funding
The department’s funding process is designed to help applicants turn ideas into viable projects:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Prepare your documentation, status card, resume, and a basic business concept.
- Book an appointment with the KBED Officer
Step 2: Application & Business Plan
- Prepare a business plan, including:
– Industry & competitor analysis
– Marketing & customer strategy
– Operations, equipment, and location needs
– Management team and HR planning
– Financial forecasts and budget
– Executive summary and action plan - Complete the MCK Funding Application Form (Start-Up Funds)
Step 3: Review & Approval
- Department staff review your application for viability.
- Small Projects deemed viable are presented to the Economic Development Committee.
- Large Project deemed viable by SRPNI are given a funding agreement through the IIF program and may receive assistance from other programs.
Step 4: Implementation & Mentorship
- Ongoing guidance and mentoring from Ec. Dev. Officer
- Assistance in meeting project milestones and reporting requirements
Applicants are encouraged to consult with professional advisors (accountants, lawyers, banks) to strengthen their business plan.
Workshops, Training & Community Projects
KBED supports entrepreneurship and community growth through hands-on workshops, training opportunities, and direct support for local projects. From 2021–2025, the department supported 46 projects, providing over $945,540 in combined funding for startups, business expansions, and community-based initiatives.
Contact Our Team
The department is led by an experienced team of professionals that are dedicated to the success of Kanehsatà:ke entrepreneurs and provide guidance, mentorship, and support. Together, the team assists with project planning, funding applications, business strategies, workshops, and community engagement.
Book a consultation with our Ec. Dev. Officer to discuss your business idea or project, learn about funding opportunities, or access our workshops and programs.
Economic Development Manager
Tracey Katsi’tsontha Bonspiel
Bonspiel.tracey@kanesatake.ca
(450) 479-6767