Ontario First Nation

Entrepreneur Membership

who is this for?

First Nation entrepreneurs who are starting, building, or growing a business in Ontario. Applicants must be members of a First Nation in Ontario.

Join a community of entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of First Nation business. This membership is designed to help you connect with peers, build your skills, and access resources tailored to your journey.

-

If you work in economic development for a First Nation, please register for our First Nation Community Membership instead.

If you operate a First Nation business in Ontario, but are a member of a First Nation outside of Ontario, please register for our Associate Membership.

membership benefits include:
  • Registration for up to two (2) Entrepreneurial professionals within the First Nation business

  • Entrepreneur Mentoring Program access for both registered individuals

  • Entrepreneurs' Membership Portal & Workshop access for both registered individuals

  • Access to Regional Networking Sessions & Coffee Meetups +unlimited guest access

  • Speaker opportunities at our Workshops, Entrepreneur Forum & Annual Conference

  • 50% one ticket to our Annual Conference

  • Access to online tools & recordings of past Entrepreneur events

  • Free monthly email newsletter

...and more still to be announced!

Exceptional Value for Emerging
First Nations Entrepreneurs

Unlock the full benefits of OFNEDA’s Entrepreneur Membership at an outstanding rate. This membership is valued at $100, but is currently available for $20 per year. Renews every year on April 1.

$100

$20 /year

REGISTER NOW

Entrepreneurs from outside Ontario or who are not First Nations should register for an Associate Membership.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

about entrepreneur membership

Who can become an OFNEDA member?
  • First Nation economic development officers in Ontario
  • First Nation‑owned businesses and entrepreneurs' operating in Ontario
  • First Nation communities and economic development corporations in Ontario
  • Corporate partners and service providers who support Indigenous economic growth
Who is the Entrepreneur Membership for?

First Nation entrepreneurs who are looking to build and grow their business.

Is there a cost to join?

This membership is valued at $100, but is currently available for $20 per year.

What membership tiers do you offer?

OFNEDA currently offers three membership tiers:

  • First Nation Community Membership – For First Nations, Tribal Councils, Economic Development Officers (EDOs), and Economic Development Corporations (EDCs).
  • Associate Membership – For businesses, industry partners, consultants, students, and individuals supporting First Nation economic development.
  • Entrepreneur Membership – For First Nation entrepreneurs in Ontario who are starting, building, or growing a business.

Each membership tier includes different benefits, networking opportunities, and access levels. Please view the full Membership Comparison Page for a detailed breakdown of eligibility and pricing, or use our quick Find My Plan tool to see which membership is right for you.

What are the benefits of joining?

Access to resources like webinars, one on one coaching, networking with other FN entrepreneurs, and option to join the Entrepreneurship Committee.

What are the benefits of becoming an OFNEDA member?
  • Training, workshops, and professional development 
  • Networking with 133 First Nations across Ontario 
  • Access to tools, resources, and best practices 
  • Invitations to virtual meetups, roundtables, and conferences
What is the Entrepreneurship Committee?

A committee of dedicated entrepreneurs who want to have a desire to improve access to resources; they meet regularly (monthly).

Are associate members allowed to join?

Yes. associate members who support Indigenous economic development - through services, partnerships, or investment - are welcome to join and engage with our network.

What is the term of an OFNEDA membership?

Memberships follow the fiscal year. They begin on April 1 and end on March 31.

How often do you communicate with members?

We communicate with our members through newsletters, our website, e‑blast event alerts, and our social media channels.

I work for a Tribal Council. What membership do I qualify for?

Tribal Councils qualify for the First Nation Community Membership.

I work for a treaty organization. What membership do I qualify for?

Treaty organizations qualify for the First Nation Community Membership.

I work for a business owned by a First Nation. Do I register for the First Nation Community Membership?

No. Businesses operated by First Nations, whether independently, in partnership with other First Nations, or as joint ventures, must register for an Associate Membership.

I am from a First Nation outside of Ontario, but I operate a business within Ontario. What membership should I register for?

You must register for an Associate Membership.

How do I contact OFNEDA for membership questions?

You can reach us through our Contact Form or by reaching out to Monica Lister, Research/Membership Support Specialist at membersupport@ofneda.ca for support with applications, renewals, or partnership inquiries.

Current Members' faq