executive Summary
The Partnership Stream - Entrepreneurship 2023 was supported by H&M. Creation's partnership streams are externally funded by a partner who is interested in supporting projects with a particular focus area, or in a specific region or community. The Partnership Stream - Entrepreneurship 2023 provided $42,600 in funding to 15 Indigenous youth-led businesses and social enterprises, to support and empower Indigenous youth entrepreneurs in building, scaling and enhancing their businesses.
Indigenous youth entrepreneurs funded through the Partnership StreamEntrepreneurship 2023 focused on developing their business or social enterprise through community engagement and collaboration. Grantees used their funding to access supplies and equipment, to access capacity building opportunities, and to enhance their community engagement initiatives. Most grantees said that they want their projects to support their communities and be responsive to community needs, and many youth entrepreneurs felt it was their responsibility to share their knowledge and skills with other youth in their community. As such, projects included community engagement through cultural and creative workshops, capacity building sessions, and community feedback sessions. Youth leaders reported that this access to new knowledge and skills, whether it be cultural knowledge or entrepreneurial knowledge, led to an increased sense of empowerment, both for themselves and for other youth in their community. It was also through learning and building their capacity as youth entrepreneurs that grantees were able to overcome challenges and achieve their project outcomes. Overall, the Partnership Stream - Entrepreneurship grant supported more than just the development of grantee businesses and social enterprises. It also helped empower youth and increase their confidence as entrepreneurs and supported youth in building stronger connections to their cultures and their communities.
Quantitive Results
Entrepreneurship 2023
Evaluation Reports
15 Indigenous youth-led Businesses and Social Enterprises received funding
Located in Western Canada
= Businesses
= Social Enterprises
Regional Representation of Groups 53% of grantees
Quantitive Results
Stream Funding Amount by Budget Item Category
*Percentages based on the 10 grantees that completed their final reports. 5 grantees did not complete this section.
21%
Funding Used for Project Activities
25%
Funding Used for Salaries
10%
Funding Used for Honoraria
Top 5 themes activity session
*Percentages based on the 14 grantees that completed their final reports. One grantee did not complete this section. of grantees ran activities focused on Capacity Building of all sessions were Community Workshops 43% 15%
The Creation Grant helped support my small business in ways that would have taken me years to save up and find the time for. It helped me realize my business goals and make an impact on Indigenous youth in my community and beyond. I am so grateful for the opportunity to create Indigenous language-based artwork and create resources for schools that are so desperately needed in this time of Truth and Reconciliation. Chi-miigwetch IYR for making my dreams as an Anishinaabe small business owner a reality.
— Jenna Valiquette, Founder of Eagle Woman Prints
One crucial piece of advice I would give to other young entrepreneurs from my experience with this project is to actively engage and listen to your community. The success of a project heavily relies on understanding the needs and cultural significance to the community you're serving. Authentic engagement fosters trust and ensures that the project aligns with the values and expectations of the community, which in turn drives acceptance and success. Be open to feedback and ready to adapt, as this flexibility can significantly influence the positive impact of your efforts. — Advice from Partnership Stream Entrepreneurship Stream 2023 Grantee
Image Credit: beadbyemily