Start with an idea that has potential. Find out as much as you can from others such as your friends, family, the library, other business owners, the web, etc. You must convince yourself and others that your plan makes sense and is commercially viable. Your enterprise must generate enough revenue to pay the bills and earn a living.
The Aboriginal Banking Department was created in 1996. It offers customized, long-term and flexible solutions specially designed for Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you want to deal with a bank that has in-depth insight into your unique business opportunities and challenges.
“Aboriginal entrepreneurs and business owners face several obstacles in accessing financing for start-up, on-going operations, acquisitions, and expansions.” *
Use the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan to:
Acquire fixed assets
Finance franchise fees
Cover start-up costs
Start exporting
Replenish working capital
The Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre is a strong supporter of hiring students. The placement allows them to apply classroom knowledge through a paid work term. Co-op helps students obtain valuable hands on work experience while developing new skills through experiential learning. The co-op program is a great opportunity to work in a field of interest while in school.
Work Smarts is a paid nine month internship that combines work experience, skills training and mentoring. It allows post secondary graduates the opportunity to apply the skill sets they developed at school, in a work setting that is consistent with their past education and will allow them to become leaders in their chosen fields.
The Saint Mary's University Student Entrepreneurship Centre offers undergraduates, graduates, and post-graduates from all disciplines the opportunity to increase their awareness of entrepreneurship as a career option, as well as to start or expand their own business. The Student Entrepreneurship Centre provides business advice through one-on-one counseling, technical expertise, seminars, work-shops, competitions and networking opportunities with the business community.
