“It takes an entire village to raise a business to its feet and have it take flight…I honour you and I am proud to stand in circle with you.”
Teara Fraser, Iskwew Air CEO, 2012 IBA Awardee
COVID-19 has changed the economic landscape but Indigenous businesses throughout BC are leading in remarkable ways and demonstrating their resilience, tenacity and ability to give back.
The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program recognizes these businesses that are generating economic development opportunities, helping to create partnerships with industry, and shaping communities to build a prosperous economic future. Now, more than ever, it’s time to nominate an Indigenous business from your community and share its story of success. Nominate, Nominate, Nominate!
Marking the 10th anniversary of the IBA program, Chief David Jimmie of the Squiala First Nation expressed the importance of nominating Indigenous business and recognizing success because communities are doing good work. Their efforts are leading by example as they are generating revenue and contributing back to the community through education, elderly support and governance.
Geena Jackson, an active IBA nominator, has shared that she nominates businesses “to raise them up and show them that they can be the leaders and mentors their communities need them to be.” Over the past 11 years, the Indigenous Business Award program has showcased 41 community-owned enterprises; 91 small, medium and large businesses; 24 successful young entrepreneurs and 27 partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses!
Nominate Now for the 2020 Indigenous Business Award and share these important stories of Indigenous entrepreneurship. Chief Gibby Jacob, 2017 Award of Distinction recipient, believes these business narratives “are the continuation of an agenda set by our ancestors, and our people are starting to take hold of the opportunities”.
Be part of it and nominate today! Nominations are open online until July 26, 2020.