Highlighting Successful Atlantic Indigenous Businesses [Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Integrated Research Program, AAEDIRP]

Research conducted by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business shows that Indigenous small business owners across Canada are growing in numbers and experiencing wide-spread success in terms of profitability and growth and in ways that go beyond the bottom-line. Nationally, the number of Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs is growing at five times the rate of self-employed Canadians overall. The research identifies the number, industry scope and geography of Atlantic Indigenous businesses and their economic contribution and provides actionable recommendations to inform and expand business growth.

This study shows that Atlantic Indigenous business revenues were valued at $1.6 billion in 2016, an increase of +137% since 2012 and growing! Research shows $296 million in total wages paid by Indigenous business by over 850 Indigenous business with almost half (48%) being women-owned business/controlled. APEC’s report highlights factors that could further their growth. The research identifies the number, industry scope and geography of Atlantic Indigenous businesses and their economic contribution and provides actionable recommendations to inform and expand business growth.