In particular I like this paragraph.......

Access to affordable and flexible capital to support business start-up or growth
This project intends to support the empowerment of Matawa communities to build a small business sector that will create self-employment for community members and that will allow the community to take advantage of large-scale projects that seek to operate in their communities.

1. Matawa First Nations‏ @MatawaFNM 27m27 minutes ago

    

    

   ADVISORY: #Matawa Kicks Off Bizz Support Prgrm as Part of Ontario Poverty Reduction Fund http://bit.ly/2rjjAcw  #onpoli #fnpoli #endpoverty

   

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   Matawa First Nations‏ @MatawaFNM 25m25 minutes ago

    
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   Backgrounder here: http://bit.ly/2pOK5pT

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http://www.matawa.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Media-Advisory-Matawa-First-Nations-Management-Kicks-Off-Business-Support-Program.pdf

MEDIA ADVISORY
Monday, May 15, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATAWA FIRST NATIONS MANAGEMENT KICK OFF BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM AS PART OF ONTARIO POVERTY REDUCTION FUND
THUNDER BAY, ON: Matawa First Nations Management, will be kicking off the start of the Business Support Program (BSP) at a meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. The Matawa BSP is one (1) of seven (7) projects funded through Ontario’s Local Poverty Reduction Fund.
Jason Rasevych, Matawa Economic Development Advisor, will make an announcement about Matawa’s efforts to begin work with the Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO) and Rise Asset Management. He will be joined by Matawa Business Support Officers Brent Edwards and Brook Mainville along with Economic Development Officers from the nine (9) Matawa First Nations.
Members of the media are cordially invited to attend.
Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Location: 233 South Court Street, Upper Level (Ogoki Room)
Time: 11:30 a.m. (suggested media arrival 11:15 a.m.)
Attachment(s): Matawa Business Support Program Backgrounder – May 2017

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http://www.matawa.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Advisory-Backgrounder-Matawa-BSP-1.pdf

Matawa Business Support Program
— BACKGROUNDER —
Funded by the Government of Ontario - Local Poverty Reduction Fund Page 1 of 2 - Rev. May 2017
Matawa First Nation Management (MFNM) has partnered with the Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO), and Rise Asset Development (RISE) for a 36-month project to catalyze entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities for members of MFNM communities to sustainably alleviate poverty. There are very few traditional employment opportunities available, limitations to capital to create jobs, and capacity gaps to take advantage of economic opportunities. Fortunately, there is no lack of personal passion or purpose in MFNM. This collaborative project, based on a unique combination of wrap-around supports—will support MFNM communities to pursue self-employment by addressing the barriers that currently stand in the way.
Who is eligible to access the program?
The program will be open to MFNM community members with an interest in business, including current small business owners, as well as to community members interested in gaining knowledge about self-employment to pursue small business as a viable pathway to alleviating poverty.
What are the goals?
MFNM, CESO and Rise seek to collaboratively:
• Increase community entrepreneurship capacity by growing the capacity of local Economic Development Officers (EDO) networks through the provision of advisory supports from volunteer experts
• Provide access to low-interest, flexible financing designed to support the success of entrepreneurs with challenges
• Deliver all these services in a matter co-created to be respectful, relevant and culturally appropriate
To achieve these goals, the collaboration will:
• Build relationships and trust via in-person meetings
• Leverage respected local EDO networks
• Achieve coordination, leadership and ownership through a local respected Indigenous project coordinator
• Deliver services in the communities as opposed to requiring participants to travel for services
• Deliver support in the language of the community in a culturally appropriate manner
What are the key service components?
They include business education, knowledge/skills transfer, and capacity building in business operations, business growth/stabilization, and financial acumen:
• Workshop-based topics developed with Matawa EDOs will build capacity and identify business opportunities with community members. EDOs will participate in the workshops to support knowledge transfer and to ensure community relevance and trust. Workshops will also be conducted via community radio with simultaneous translations in the regional Indigenous language (Cree and Ojibway).

• One-on-one business coaching for individuals who have either identified an opportunity, encountered planning changes, or, are looking for support as they start-up or grow their business
• Access to affordable and flexible capital to support business start-up or growth
This project intends to support the empowerment of Matawa communities to build a small business sector that will create self-employment for community members and that will allow the community to take advantage of large-scale projects that seek to operate in their communities.

Who do I contact for more information?
For more information, contact a Business Support Officer at:
Matawa First Nations Management
233 Court Street South, Main Floor
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 2X9
Phone: 1-807-344-4575
Toll Free: 1-800-463-2249
Fax: 1-807-344-2977
www.matawa.on.ca