EDOs/Entrepreneurs Community Connections

The meeting link has been sent through a private invitation.

This bi-weekly 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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Join us for a discussion on FedNor funding opportunities available to support First Nations economic development, business growth, and community capacity-building initiatives. Learn about current programs and the Indigenous Pathfinder Service, which helps connect communities and entrepreneurs with funding, resources, and industry expertise.

Presented by:

Macey Smith-Arenovich ,

Program Delivery Officer, FedNor

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External Professional Development Event

Many First Nations and Indigenous communities and organizations still rely on legacy accounting systems, spreadsheets and manual processes, which slows reporting and stretches finance teams. Join Bryson Lewis, Manager, Business Platforms at MNP Digital, as he draws on his experience supporting Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada. He'll explore how enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can streamline financial processes, provide timely information, simplify funding and program reporting, and give finance teams more time to support their communities.

Presenter:

Bryson Lewis

Manager, Business Platforms

ERP Champion - Indigenous & Nonprofit

Bryson Lewis is a Manager, Business Platforms at MNP Digital. He specializes in Indigenous enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementations and business process transformations, with over a decade of experience supporting Indigenous governments’ rights to self-determination through financial management systems.

Before joining MNP, Bryson led cross-functional teams to implement ERP solutions purpose-built for Indigenous governments and organizations. At MNP Digital, he continues to steer financial management system implementations, advising clients on the right blend of technology and ERP capabilities to achieve strategic outcomes. Since 2010, he has helped more than 150 Indigenous governments, Tribal Councils, nonprofit organizations and Indigenous businesses adopt new systems, shorten their timelines to go live and get more value from their technology.

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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

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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Making IT Budgets Go Further: Reuse, Recovery & Responsible Recycling

Join presenter Charles Akkerman for an informative session on how First Nations organizations and businesses can maximize their IT budgets through equipment reuse, value recovery, and responsible recycling practices. Learn practical strategies to reduce technology costs while supporting sustainable and environmentally responsible IT management.

This workshop focuses on developing practical leadership skills for Economic Development Officers and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Participants will explore building confidence, effective communication, decision-making, managing pressure, and professional growth through practical examples, interactive discussions, and opportunities to reflect on their own leadership experiences. The session will also help participants identify ways to apply these skills within their communities and businesses.

Presenters:
Ryan Taylor and Dave Steeves.

BUILD & GROW: A 10-PART SERIES ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

We are excited to launch a new 10-part learning series for entrepreneurs, led by Sarah Hopkins, Matriarch and Founder of Three Sisters Consulting. Each session offers practical training to support our community in starting, building, or growing a business.

Session Overview

Running a business without a plan is like driving without a map. You might get somewhere, but not necessarily where you want to go. This session is about stepping back from the day-to-day and thinking clearly about where your business is heading. We'll cover the basics of strategic planning, including how to assess where you are right now, set a clear direction, and build SMART goals that are realistic and actionable. We'll also look at how Indigenous values and long-term thinking can shape a strategic plan that is grounded in who you are.

Topics Covered

• What strategic planning is and why it matters for small businesses (for every business, really)
• Doing a simple business assessment: what's working, what's not, what's missing
• Clarifying your vision and mission in your own words
• Introduction to SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Turning your vision into a 12-month action plan
• Prioritizing: how to focus on what matters most
• Seven Grandfather Teachings as a framework for ethical decision-making in business
• Reviewing and adjusting your plan as your business evolves

Learning Outcomes

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

• Complete a simple business assessment
• Write a clear vision and mission statement for your business
• Set 3 SMART goals for the next 12 months
• Build a one-page action plan with timelines

Note: This session pairs well with Session 08 (Business Plan Development). The tools from this session can be incorporated directly into your business plan.

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