JEDI is pleased to announce our continued support of 17 more Indigenous entrepreneurs in the province of New Brunswick. During the week of December 9, 2019, three cohorts of entrepreneurs will graduate from JEDI’s Indigenous Business Incubator and Accelerator programs.
Jenn Harper of Cheekbone Beauty leads a session with JEDI Business Incubator and Accelerator participants
“We are proud of all the Indigenous entrepreneurs in this region,” said Alex Dedam, President of the Joint Economic Development Initiative. “It is exciting to see so many Indigenous peoples engaged in JEDI’s programs and we are happy to be able to provide them with the support and mentorship they need. Our Business Incubator program focuses on helping start-ups build their businesses while our Business Accelerator helps established companies grow and expand. JEDI’s first Indigenous Business Accelerator started in January 2016 and the demand for our entrepreneurial services continues to grow every year.”
The JEDI Indigenous Business Incubator is a unique 10-week program that provides Indigenous entrepreneurs with the skills, tools and resources they need to succeed in business. The training provider, Frank Erschen, owner of Artful Sciences™, designed and delivered a program that helps participants develop their idea into a viable, pitchable business plan.
“The business incubation process transitions a person with a dream into a ready-to-go entrepreneur with a business plan,” said Erschen. “Incubator participants worked hard throughout the program to discover what it takes to turn their idea into a viable business. Most inspiring for us is watching participants use their new knowledge to plan their upcoming business journey and develop the confidence to effectively communicate their plan. We congratulate all participants and, also, JEDI for providing programs like this.”
Nicole Pelletier, owner of A la Shoppe and a participant in the JEDI Business Incubator said, “You can pay someone to write a business plan but JEDI’s 10-week incubator program taught me how to do it myself and own it!”
The JEDI Indigenous Business Accelerator is designed for established businesses and provides participants with the tools to excel in advanced business opportunities with industry and government. The 10-week program, designed by BDO Canada, is personalized for each business based on their own needs and goals. In addition, it provides connections to the greater start-up eco-system, development resources, a customized business support plan, and follow-up from experienced mentors.
“It has been an honor to work with these four businesses over the past few months. Watching them learn, connect and grow as they progressed through the accelerator program. The region is fortunate to have JEDI and programs like the Indigenous business accelerator to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with the opportunity to develop their skills, and receive mentorship and support. We are extremely proud of the 2019 JEDI accelerator graduates and wish them continued success in the future.” -BDO Canada LLP
Sue and Martin Bear, owners of Bear Construction and Jonas Nash, owner of JBN Welding had this to say about the JEDI Business Accelerator program, “The 2019 Business Accelerator program offered by JEDI is a very exceptional and dynamic program. We have found it very beneficial for Aboriginal entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their business. We have all gained knowledge and increased opportunities to network with other businesses and professionals.”
Some of the current Incubator and Accelerator participants are developing and expanding businesses in tourism, trades, retail, food production, beauty, and fashion design. The JEDI Indigenous Business Incubator and Accelerator programs are supported by the Government of Canada, the Government of New Brunswick, and the First Nation communities in New Brunswick.