Economic Development Training Program

It can be very challenging to be involved in Community Economic Development.

Numerous studies both in Canada and the USA have clearly established that business through Economic Development initiatives is one of the main ways of reversing poverty in Aboriginal communities. Yet it seems to be very challenging to bring this in to reality. Here is what we believe are only some of these challenges:

- Often the leadership and community members do not have a good understanding of Economic Development (Ec.Dev.) and concentrate instead on the pressing social issues that they deal with every day. As a result Ec. Dev. does not always receive the important attention it should have even though it is a great tool for reversing these pressing social issues

- The existing businesses and start up entrepreneurs have high expectations of the services they should receive. As well, the skills of the existing entrepreneurs required is often insufficient especially in growth situations. A coaching service in the areas of human resource management, financial and marketing management is the most effective solution.

- Budgets for Ec. Dev.Departments are often to small and as a result do not meet the requirements of the community. In some cases there is only enough budget to cover administrative overhead and no moneys are available for programs and training.

- There are often very few needed resources available such as accountants, trainers, business consultants and others. Here the process of an incubator can be a valuable asset. We have established an on line business incubator to help feel this need.

It is clear that the above challenges limit the success of most economic initiatives. Community owned and operated organizations although often necessary to deliver services have been shown to be in general unsuccessful unless they have an excellent well trained management team. In one First Nation we are working in every community owned business is in serious financial difficulties. Private entrepreneurship on the long run is the only way to go.

We believe that providing good skills training to Ec. Dev. professionals is a must. It is important that this training be short, practical and have immediate benefits. Aboriginal Entrepreneur is offering Ec Dev training workshops this summer across Canada.

Here are some of the areas we have identified as needs ion this training.

1.EDO's require leadership and communications training. This makes for more effective organizations and facilitates good client interaction.

2.EDO's who do not have a business background themselves need to have a clear understanding of the basics of business and how to run a business effectively. This will help them improve communications and foster a business climate and give proper guidance to their clients.

3.EDO's would greatly benefit from a clear understanding of Record Keeping Business Planning, Business Plans, Financial Plans, and Marketing Plans. These are some of the important tools needed in their delivery of services. EDO's do not have to be accountants or planners but basic training in these areas helps them to understand how this information is gathered and used.

4.EDO's have to be up to date on the various funding and grant resources and should have knowledge of the various financing options available and how to access them for their clients. In most First Nations it can be difficult to borrow money and Entrepreneurs often need grants and financial assistance to give the business a good chance to succeed..
Here is a link to the main Grant and Financial resources.

5.EDO's must be able to find strategies to get the various organizations and councils to support economic development. They can use the 5 Hats methodology of planning as well as the basic Strategic Plan and SWOT. With a clear strategy and good communications, programs can be initiated. As well as starting to promote Ec Dev opportunities from as early as Day Care all the way to High School.

It is our view that through this process more communities can start changing their priorities. Much more input will be needed by everyone to accelerate this process and make business development a top priority in every single Aboriginal community. Aboriginal Entrepreneur is proud to be apart of this mission.

2 Day Training Program for
Economic Development Professionals
click here for details