Presented by Luke Antonio, PLA Ltd. | Prosperi Co. Ltd.

• Luke will discuss our expanded procurement portal, which now includes opportunities from MERX, CanadaBuys, and Bids & Tenders.
• He will also provide an overview of BuildCode and our work developing Economic Development, business verification, and directory platforms for communities and organizations.

Join TD Bank for an informative session on grants, funding opportunities, and access to capital for First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs. Learn about the key factors that lenders consider when assessing credit, gain practical financial advice, and discover the tools, resources, and banking solutions available through TD to help support business growth and long-term success. This session will provide valuable insights for anyone looking to strengthen their financial knowledge and access funding opportunities.

Topics will include:

• Grants, funding opportunities, and access to capital
• Understanding credit and key factors lenders consider when evaluating financing requests
• Business banking products and services, including accounts, lending solutions, and cash management tools
• Financing processes and what to expect when applying for business credit
• Resources, tools, and advisory services available to support business growth and community economic development
• Examples of how financial institutions can support First Nations projects and investments

This is an excellent opportunity to learn directly from TD Commercial Banking representatives, ask questions, and gain insights into financing solutions that can help advance community and business development goals

Presented by:

Jett Lafantaisie | Regional Manager - Ontario | Indigenous Banking Group | TD Bank Group

Adam Carswell | Relationship Manager | Northern Ontario | TD Commercial Banking

The meeting link has been sent through a private invitation.

This monthly space offers an opportunity to have informal conversations, share ideas, discuss challenges and wins, and highlight what is happening in your communities. It is a chance to build relationships, exchange practical insights, and strengthen the network that supports economic development across First Nations in Ontario. We look forward to connecting with you and creating a supportive space for collaboration and learning.

Note: If you are a First Nations Economic Development Officer or entrepreneur and have not received an invitation link, please contact Debbie Donivan, Training Coordinator, at trainingcoordinator@ofneda.ca or 519-200-1033 for assistance.

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Opportunities for Cross Border Indigenous Trade

Join us to learn about foreign trade zones, customs brokering, and how sovereignty can support economic growth and global opportunities.

Presented by:
Jennifer Saeckl

Of Counsel

Mshkawzi Law, LLP.  

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Motivated by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Call to Action 92 (ii) “to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have equitable access to jobs, training and education opportunities”, I hear how an IT company in south-west Ontario is exploring ways to engage Indigenous Youth in careers in Information Technology, and how the company itself has changed as a result.

Presented by: PETE NEEDHAM

Pete lives and works in south-western Ontario for Next Dimension, an Information Technology Managed Services Partner. Pete is English and came to Canada in 2000. His work experience includes big enterprise (Unilever, Unilever Canada) and more recently IT (End to End Networks, Next Dimension), specializing in Human Resources, Employee and Customer Experience, and Strategy. In the last 3 years, Pete has headed up an initiative known as Project Cedar, aimed at securing equal opportunities for Indigenous youth in education and employment.

EPID@Work (Enhancing the Prevention of Injury and Disability at Work) is a research institute at Lakehead University who is currently conducting the Northwestern Ontario Workplace and Worker Health Study. This confidential online survey looks at physical and mental health in the workplace as we hope to highlight the voices of individuals in Northwestern Ontario. Ultimately, we are looking to improve the health of workers across NWO, help workplaces identify areas of concern, and suggest pre-existing interventions for workplaces.

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

For 15 years, the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA) has driven First Nations economic growth through advocacy, education, networking, and capacity building for communities and businesses across Ontario. The 15th anniversary of the First Nations Economic Advancement Conference (FNEAC) marks a defining moment in collaboration, resilience, and economic leadership, setting the foundation for the next generation of First Nations prosperity and opportunity. Attendees can expect a comprehensive experience that includes a dedicated exhibitor area, interactive workshops, plenary and breakout sessions, and curated networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections. The program will also feature a gala dinner and awards celebration recognizing excellence in First Nations economic development, along with optional tour experiences that showcase local initiatives, partnerships, and success stories. Onsite registration will open on September 14, followed by an opening reception that evening, setting the stage for relationship-building and collaboration. Over the following days, participants will engage in insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic networking, all designed to support long-term partnerships and advance economic opportunity across First Nations communities.

WHO CAN ATTEND

The conference welcomes First Nations entrepreneurs, First Nations community leaders, and businesses, with a strong emphasis on First Nations Economic Development Officers (EDOs) as a primary audience.

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It also includes First Nations entrepreneurs and businesses without restriction, as well as non First Nations entrepreneurs, organizations, industry professionals, and government representatives who are interested in exploring meaningful partnership opportunities and building relationships. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about current and emerging economic development initiatives that support First Nations communities across Canada, while gaining insight into best practices, innovation, and collaboration in the First Nations and First Nations economic landscape.

‍Sponsorship, Trade Show Booths, and Event Inquiries please contact: ‍

Tessa Lavoie, Event Coordinator at events@ofneda.ca
‍Reema Chopra,  Marketing & Training Director at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca

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Entrepreneurship Unlocked: A 10-Part Journey to Business Success

Sarah Hopkins | Facilitator

About the Presenter

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape, whose people were displaced from Lenapehoking (modern-day New York City) to Delaware Nation in southwestern Ontario. A Day School survivor, she was raised by strong matriarchs whose resilience shaped her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices.

In 2018, Sarah founded Three Sisters Consulting, dedicated to supporting Indigenous success across business, professional, and community spaces, where she serves as Matriarch. She is an active community leader, having served in elected and board roles, and works across sectors including government, non-profits, and industry on Indigenous engagement, economic development, and policy.

Grounded by her family and community, Sarah continues to advocate for and connect Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Session Overview

Growth is exciting but it can also break a business if you're not ready for it. This session is for entrepreneurs whose business is picking up and who want to grow with intention. We'll talk about what scaling really looks like for small First Nations businesses, when to hire, when to move to a physical location, and how to manage the financial side of growth without losing control. We'll also explore what it means to grow in a way that stays true to your values.

Topics Covered

•       Signs your business is ready to grow and warning signs it's not

•       Staffing: when to hire, what kind of help you need, and how to find the right people

•       Physical location: pros, cons, and when the timing is right

•       Expanding your products or services: how to do it without spreading too thin

•       Financial planning for growth: cash flow, investment, and managing risk

•       Staying culturally grounded as your business expands

•       Delegating and letting go: building a team you can trust

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

•       Identify 2–3areas of your business that are ready to grow

•       Create a simple hiring checklist or staffing plan

•       Map out the financial steps needed to support your next growth stage

•       Name at least one boundary or value you want to protect as you grow

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Note: This session is most  valuable for entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least 6–12 months  and are seeing consistent demand. This is also a great tool for new  businesses to spot when they’re ready for growth.

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‍The meeting link has been sent through a private invitation.

This monthly space offers an opportunity to have informal conversations, share ideas, discuss challenges and wins, and highlight what is happening in your communities. It is a chance to build relationships, exchange practical insights, and strengthen the network that supports economic development across First Nations in Ontario. We look forward to connecting with you and creating a supportive space for collaboration and learning.

Note: If you are a First Nations Economic Development Officer or entrepreneur and have not received an invitation link, please contact Debbie Donivan, Training Coordinator, at trainingcoordinator@ofneda.ca or 519-200-1033 for assistance.

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Entrepreneurship Unlocked: A 10-Part Journey to Business Success

FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

Sarah Hopkins | Facilitator

About the Presenter

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape, whose people were displaced from Lenapehoking (modern-day New York City) to Delaware Nation in southwestern Ontario. A Day School survivor, she was raised by strong matriarchs whose resilience shaped her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices.

In 2018, Sarah founded Three Sisters Consulting, dedicated to supporting Indigenous success across business, professional, and community spaces, where she serves as Matriarch. She is an active community leader, having served in elected and board roles, and works across sectors including government, non-profits, and industry on Indigenous engagement, economic development, and policy.

Grounded by her family and community, Sarah continues to advocate for and connect Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Session Overview

Government and corporate procurement is one of the biggest opportunities for First Nation entrepreneurs (and one of the most confusing). This session breaks it all down. We'll look at how procurement works, what buyers are looking for, and how to position your business to compete. We'll walk through how to read an RFP (Request for Proposal), what to include in your response, and common mistakes that get bids rejected. We'll also cover Indigenous procurement policies and supplier diversity programs that create real opportunities for your business.

Topics Covered

• How procurement works: the basics of government and corporate purchasing

• Where to find bids i.e. MERX, Nation Talk and other search platforms.

• Indigenous procurement policies: federal, provincial, and corporate programs

• Supplier diversity and certification: CCIB, CAMSC, and what they mean for you

• How to read an RFP step by step

• What buyers are looking for: evaluation criteria explained

• Writing a competitive bid: structure, language, and common mistakes

• Preparing your business: capabilities statements and vendor registration

• Building relationships before the RFP comes out

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least 2 procurement programs or opportunities relevant to your business

• Read a sample RFP and identify the key evaluation criteria

• Start or update your capabilities statement

• Register with at least one vendor database or certification program

Entrepreneurship Unlocked: A 10-Part Journey to Business Success

FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

Sarah Hopkins | Facilitator

About the Presenter

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape, whose people were displaced from Lenapehoking (modern-day New York City) to Delaware Nation in southwestern Ontario. A Day School survivor, she was raised by strong matriarchs whose resilience shaped her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices.

In 2018, Sarah founded Three Sisters Consulting, dedicated to supporting Indigenous success across business, professional, and community spaces, where she serves as Matriarch. She is an active community leader, having served in elected and board roles, and works across sectors including government, non-profits, and industry on Indigenous engagement, economic development, and policy.

Grounded by her family and community, Sarah continues to advocate for and connect Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Session Overview

A business plan is more than a document for the bank. It's a roadmap for where you're going and how you'll get there. In this session, we'll walk through the key components of a strong business plan in plain language, with real examples. Whether you're writing your first plan or updating an existing one, you'll leave with a clear structure and the content to fill it in. We'll also to use your business plan to apply for financing or grants and how to make it reflect who you are and where you come from.

Topics Covered

•       Why every entrepreneur needs a business plan, even a simple one

•       The key sections of a business plan explained simply

•       Executive summary: how to say it all in one page

•       Market analysis: understanding your industry and your competition

•       Operations plan: how your business runs day to day

•       Financial projections: what lenders and funders want to see

•       How to incorporate Indigenous identity and values into your plan

•       Using your business plan to apply for financing or government support

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

•       Identify the key sections of a business plan

•       Draft an executive summary for your business

•       Complete a one-page market analysis

•       Leave with a business plan template you can build on after the session

Note: Participants are encouraged  to bring any existing business plan, notes, or ideas to the session.

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