Strengthening)Métis) Women s)entrepreneurship)

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1 StrengtheningMétis Women sentrepreneurship Survey,ReviewandAnalysis WomenoftheMétisNation March2012 PaulHanleyConsulting

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3 TABEOFCONTENTS TABEOFCONTENTS...3 EXECUTIVESUMMARY INTRODUCTION OVERVIEWOFTHEBUSINESSDEVEOPMENTENVIRONMENTFORMÉTIS WOMEN ITERATUREREVIEW REFERENCESFORITERATUREREVIEW ABORIGINABUSINESSSURVEY:RESUTSFORMÉTISWOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ABSMÉTISRESPONDENTTABES OVERVIEWOFTHEBUSINESSSUPPORTENVIRONMENTFORMÉTISWOMEN MÉTISWOMENENTREPRENEURSURVEYRESUTS MÉTISECONOMICDEVEOPMENT/CAPITACORPORATIONSURVEYRESUTS BESTPRACTICESTOSTRENGTHENMÉTISWOMEN SENTREPRENEURSHIPS CONCUSIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES APPENDIXA SURVEYINSTRUMENTS Thefollowingareavailableseparately: Complete2011AboriginalBusinessSurveytablesforMétisWomenEntrepreneurs DetailedMWESurveyResponses DetailedMFISurveyResponses 3

4 EXECUTIVESUMMARY Thisstudybringstogetherfivepiecesofresearchthattogetherprovidethemost completepicturecurrentlyavailableofthebusinessenvironmentformétiswomen entrepreneurs(mwesinthefivewesternmostprovincesofcanada.thecomponentsof thestudyinclude: AsummaryofkeyfindingsfromthepublishedresearchonMétiswomen entrepreneurs. AnanalysisoftheMétiswomenspecificresultsofthe2011AboriginalBusiness Survey,whichincludeddetailedresponsesfrom191MWEs. TheresultsofindepthinterviewswithpersonnelofthefiveMétisFinancial Institutions(MFIsinAlberta,Saskatchewan,ManitobaandOntario. TheresultsofasetofinterviewswithMétiswomenentrepreneursoperatingin eachofthefivewesternmostprovinces. Adetailedreviewofthebusinesssupportservicesavailabletoentrepreneursin thefiveprovinces. WhathasbeenlearnedfromthisresearchaboutstrengtheningMétiswomen s entrepreneurship?thekeyobservationsandconclusionsareasfollows: 1.ResolvingtheDisconnect Theresearchrevealedasignificant disconnect betweentheperceptionsofmwesand thoseofmfipersonnelwithregardtothedeliveryofbusinesssupportservices. MWEsarebynomeansauniformgroup.Giventhateachwomanhadauniquesetof experiences,themwesurveyresponseswereverydiverse.mwesexpressedarangeof opinionsaboutthebarrierstheyface,forexample.somethoughtthemveryhigh, othersnonexistent.forsome,theirexperiencewithbusinessserviceproviderswas verypositive, othersfoundit brutal.incontract,responsestothemfisurveywere highlyconsistent.mostpersonnelsawthingssimilarlyacrossthefiveinstitutions:they wereofonemindthatmfisprovideafullrangeofaccessibleserviceswithoutregardto gender. Yetthefactis,mostMWEsdonotusetheservicesofMFIsorotherbusinessservice providers;manyarenotevenawarethattheyexistorfindthemintimidatingand difficulttoaccess;othersfindthattheservicesoffereddonotmeettheirneeds.thereis aclearlyadisconnectbetweentheexperiencesandperceptionsofmwesandmfis. Section3,Overview'of'the'Business'Support'Environment'for'Métis'Women,showsan impressiverangeanddepthofprogramsavailabletoassistmwes(andother entrepreneursinthefivewesternmostprovinces.oursurveywithmfipersonnel StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship4

5 suggeststhatthemfisintheprairiesaredoingeverythingintheirpowertoprovidea fullrangeofservicestothemétiscommunity,withequalaccesstowomenandmen, andarepromotingthoseserviceswidely.ifanything,mfisactuallyfavourfemale clients,findingthemtobemoreopentolearningandmorediligentintheirbusinesses. Sowhyaren tmorewomenusingtheirservices?whyaren tasmanywomenasmen creatingbusinesses? Clearly,theproblemsfacedbyMWEsarenotunique.Itwouldbewrongtooverstate thecasethatmétiswomenareuniquelychallengedbythebarriersthatexistto establishingandgrowingsmallbusinesses.indeed,thebarriersfacingmwesarealso experiencedbybusinesswomeningeneral,regardlessofraceorethnicity.theseare alsoproblemsthataffectmétismen,otherminoritiesandmanymeningeneral.yet, manyofthesebarriersaremorepronouncedamongmwes.thefactsspeakfor themselves:despitetheconsiderablesupportinfrastructureforbusinessdevelopment: MorethanhalfofthewomeninoursurveydidnotusetheservicesofMFIsorother businessserviceproviders,andthosewhodidhadmixedreviewsofthoseservices Accordingtothe2011ABS,justonequarterofMWEsusedgovernmentprogramsor accessedaboriginalfinancialinstitutions(afistosupporttheirbusiness.afis (includingmfiswereamainsourceoffinancingforjust8%ofmwes(12%ofmétis men. MWEsinterviewedinthe2011ABSperceivemorebarrierstostartingorexpanding businessesthanmétismen. FeweroftheclientsofMFIsarewomen(<40%,eventhoughMWEstendtobe bettereducatedandmoreofthem(39%haveformalbusinesstrainingthanmétis men(20%. Accesstofinancingisconsideredanobstacletobusinessgrowthbymorewomen (61%thanmen(39%. ackofcollateralisamoreimportantbarriertoobtainingcapitalforwomen(10% thanmen(6%. Creditratingwasamajorbarrierfor10%ofwomencomparedto5%ofmen. Just8%ofwomenreceivedbusinessgrantsinthelastyearcomparedto18%of men. Morethanonewomanmentionedthatbusinessserviceprovidershadtoldthem theywouldnotsucceed,yettheywentontobesuccessfulandevenwinawards. Inthe2011ABSsurvey,MWEssaythemainreasonsbusinessserviceprogramswerenot usedwerelackofawareness(26%andpaperworkandredtape(19%.otherreasons included:donotneedthem;wanttobeindependent;noprogramordifficulttoaccess; andapplicationturneddown(7%ofwomenand2%ofmen.oursurveyofmwes recordedsimilarobservations,althoughitalsoshowsthatuseofbusinessserviceshas increasedovertime. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 5

6 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship6 Despitegoodintentionsandgoodprograms,MFIsandotherserviceprovidersarenot gettingthewordouttoenoughwomenanditappearsthat,inmanycases,theyarestill notmeetingtheneedsofasignificantpercentageofmwes.moreneedstobedone, thentoreachprospectiveclientsandtomeettheirneeds.oursurveyshowsthatnone ofthemfishaveconductedmétiswomenspecificresearch.ourfirstrecommendation, then,isthatjointresearchbeconductedbythefivemétismfisto: Developaneffectivecommunicationsstrategytoreachmorepotentialfemale clientsandmakethemawareofthebusinesssupportsthatareavailablefrom MFIsandotherserviceproviders. IdentifythespecificneedsoffemaleclientsusingfocusgroupsofMWEs. 2.UnderstandingMWEs Motivation Inconductingtheresearchproposedintheaboverecommendation,itwillbeimportant tounderstandthemotivationofmwes.oneimportantfindingofthisstudyinvolves MWEs perceptionsaboutworkandfamilyinthecontextoftheirbusinesses.mostof theliteratureonmwes,aswellasthesurveyofmfis,identifiedwomen s responsibilitiesforchildrenandfamiliesasoneofthepossibleimpedimentsto developingtheirpotentialasentrepreneurs.fromourindepthandpersonalinterviews, however,itappearsthattheremaybeamoreconstructivewayoflookingatmwes familyresponsibilities,whichcouldhaveimportantimplicationsforserviceprovision. ManyMWEsgointobusinesspreciselybecauseselfemploymentwillallowthemto maintaintheirroleasprimarycaregiverstotheirchildrenwhileincreasingfamily income.thisisonereasonwhy69%ofmétiswomen sbusinessesoperatefromhome andalmostallmwesoperatemicrobusinesses.forthesewomen,startingabusinessis abettermatchwiththeirroleasamotherthanemploymentwouldbe.inthe2011abs, only5%ofmwesstatedthattheyhadstartedabusinessprimarilytomakemoney. Instead,morecontrolandbeingone sownbossisthepriority,oftenbecausethisallows themtopresentfortheirchildren. Obviously,thisisanimportantconsiderationformanywomen,regardlessofethnicity. YetforMétiswomenitcanbemoreimportantsincetheresearchshowsthatmore Métiswomenareloneparents,andmorehaveolderchildrenlivingwiththem,than womeningeneral.itmaybehelpful,then,todesignprogramsformweswiththis familyorientedparadigminmind.areviewoftheresearchshowsthattherearea numberofwaysthatprogramscaninadvertentlyundermineopportunitiesformwes withfamilies;theseinclude: AnunofficialbiasagainstmicrolendingbyAboriginalBusinessCanada(ABC, banksandcreditunions. TherequirementABCputsonitsclientstoworkontheirbusinessfulltime. TheresourcefocusofsomeMétisandaboriginalbusinessdevelopmentfunds, whichinadvertentlyexcludewomensincewomenrarelyoperateintheresource sector.

7 Thenewfocusonfundingforlargerprojects,giventhatalmostallMWEsoperate microbusinesses. 3.TailoringprogramstotheIndividual Whilethiscanbetrueofanyone,maleorfemale,Métisornot,itmaybeparticularly importantformwesthatbusinesssupportprogramsaretailoredtotheneedsofthe individualwoman.asonewomansoaptlyputit, Whenpeopleapplyfortheseservices, thewholepersonneedstobetakenintoconsiderationandyoucan tplaceverystrict, narrowlimitsonwhattypeofhelpyou regoingtoprovide. Métiswomenhavetoovercometwosignificantobstacles.Theyarepartofaminority groupthathasexperiencedoppressionanddiscrimination.theyalsoexperiencethe economicbarriersthathavetraditionallyfacedwomen.boththesefactorsmakeitmore likelythatmétiswomenarepoorerthantheaverageandthereforehavelessequityto startbusinesses.theymustalsoovercomesignificantpsychologicalbarrierstypically experiencedbyminorities,suchasalackofconfidence,tocompeteinthebusiness world. Whilewedonotseeaneed ordemand foraseparatewomen sbusinessservices stream,werecommendthatgovernmentfunderssupplyadditionalfundstomfisto ensurethathavesufficienthumanresourcestoprovidespecializedattentiontomwes. Thereareanumberofwaysthiscouldbehandled,however,oneapproachwe recommendistohireawomen sservicespecialistateachmfi.thepersonwouldhave severalroles,including:promotingservicesdirectlytoprospectivewomen entrepreneurs;actingasanadvocateforwomenentrepreneursandhelpingthemto removebarrierstofinancialsupports;supportingwomeninbusinessplanning;and providingaftercaresupport.thewomen sspecialistwouldprovideregular,short,on sitevisitstoprovidewomenwithanextrameasureofindividualizedsupport,including writingorupdatingannualbusinessplans. 4.EnhancingMentorshipandCommunity Onceagain,responsestoourMWEsurveyshowarangeofopinionsaboutmentorship andsupportfromwithinthemétiscommunity.manyofthewomenseemtolongfor mentorship,especiallyfromothermétiswomenandelders,yetjustasmanyhave problemswithnegativeattitudescomingfromwithintheirownmétiscommunity. Severalwomeninterviewedspokeofwhatoneofthemtermed lateralviolence inthe Métiscommunity.(ateralviolencehappenswhenthosewhoarevictimsofasituation ofdominanceturnoneachotherratherthanconfrontthesystemthatoppressesthem. ateralviolenceoccurswhenoppressedpeopleinternalizefeelingssuchasangerand rage,andmanifesttheirfeelingsthroughbehaviorssuchasgossip,jealousy,putdowns andblamingtowardtheirpeers. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 7

8 SomeMétiswomenseemtohaveakindoflove/haterelationshipwiththeir community.anumberofthewomenwecontactedpreferrednottoidentifyasmétis, forexample,anddidnotwanttobeinterviewed.ontheotherendofthescale,several womenidentifiedtheirmétiscommunity,eldersandmothersasimportantmentors, andonewomanattributedhersuccessprimarilytothefactthatshewasmétisandhad receivedsomuchsupportfromhercommunity. The2011ABSsurveyindicatedthatmorethantwiceasmanyMWEs(23%wouldliketo haveaccesstomentoringthanmétismen(10%,butdonothaveit.onereasonwhy womenmaycravementoringmoresothanmenmaybethatfewerwomen(23%felt encouragedintheperformanceoftheirbusinessbybanksthanmen(33%orcredit unions(women12%andmen17%. Anotherissueis Métispolitics.SeveralofthewomenweinterviewedfeltthatMétis politicsandfavouritismhadanegativeinfluenceontheirbusinesses.whilethisviewis notuniversal inthe2011absmoremétiswomen(35%saidtheyfeltencouragedby AboriginalgovernmentsthanMétismen(26% itissometimesexpressedwith considerablevehemence. Mentorshipisnotasimplematter.Itishardtofindpeoplewhoaregoodatmentoring, andhavetimeforit.itisalsohardformwestofindthetimeintheirscheduletospend timewithmentors.oneceoofanmfisaidthatconsiderableexperienceshowsthat mentoringprograms justdon twork. FromtheMFIperspective,theirstaffworkshardtoprovideaformofmentoringintheir trainingandaftercareprograms.theyhavefoundthatmostmwesdonottake advantageofaftercarebecausetheysimplydon thavetimeforit.yetwhenaskedfor anexampleofabestpracticethatcouldmakeamajordifferenceformwes,aftercare wasoftenmentionedasacriticalneed.ironically,mostmwesdon thaveenoughtime totakeadvantageoftheprogramthatwouldhelpthemmost. Severalwomenmentionedtousthat healing isrequiredtoresolvethelateralviolence thatplaguesthemétiscommunity(andotherhistoricallyoppressedgroups.howthis canbeaccomplishedisbeyondthescopeofthisreport,butitwouldseemthatthe healingprocessshouldbeseenaspriorityfororganizationslikewomenofthemétis Nation. ThereisaroleforsocialmediatoprovidenetworkingforMWEs.Werecommendthata MWEgroupbeestablishedonFacebookorsimilarsocialmediatofosteraninclusive climateofencouragementthroughtheprocessofsharingwomen sstories.asthis virtualcommunitygrows,thisexperiencecanbereinforcedthroughmweseminarsand workshopsheldinconjunctionwithregionalandnationalmétisgatherings.thesocial networkcanalsobecomeasourceofinformationtomfisonhowbesttoreachwomen andtotailorprogramstotheirspecificneeds. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship8

9 5.CreatingWomen^SpecificPrograming RespondentstoourMFIsurveywerequiteclearthattheydidnotseeaneedfor programsspecificallytargetingwomen,sincewomenandmenaretreatedequallyby themfis.furthermore,theysaidthereisnodemandforsuchprograms.ontheother hand,mfisarewillingtoofferprograms,includingspecificfundsandsetasidesfor women,ifmandatedtodosobytheirgovernmentsponsors.ifgovernmentswereto establishafundforaboriginalwomenentrepreneurs suchasthemicrolendingpilot programbeingconsideredbyaandc itwouldmakesensethatitbemanagedbyafis ratherthancreatinganewinfrastructure. WhileitisunlikelyaseparateMWEprogramstreamisneeded,onethingthatshouldbe doneistobegintomeasuretheimpactsofmfiprogramsonwomen.whatismeasured ismanaged.currently,onlyonemfispecificallymeasuresandreportsonfemaleclients. WerecommendthatalltheMFIsadoptthispractice. OnealternativetoestablishingaMétiswomenspecificbusinessprogram andan approachthatseemstobeeffective,atleastinsaskatchewanandmanitoba isto collaboratewithwomen sentrepreneurialorganizationsandagencies.onemfi respondentsuggestedthatitmightbepossible,insomeinstances,tocollocatemfi officeswiththoseofwomen sentrepreneurialorganizations. Aspreviouslymentioned,thereisalsoaneedtodospecificmarketresearchonMWEs todeterminehowtoreachmoreprospectivefemaleclientsandtodevelopand implementaneffectivecommunicationsstrategy. Twootherthingsshouldbeconsidered.Thefirstisthatmucheconomicgrowthtodayis focusedontheresourcesector,especiallyinthewest.statisticsshowthatforvarious reasons,veryfewmwesoperateinthissector.yetseveralfundshavebeenestablished inrecentyearsthatexclusivelytargetenergyandresources.thenewmétisvoyageur DevelopmentFundinOntario whichistheonlymfiinthatprovince isanexample. Therealityisthattheseare,ineffect,fundsformaleentrepreneurs.Theother considerationisthatthenewmétisandaboriginalfundsthathavebeendevelopedin recentyearstargetinvolvementinlargerprojectsandthereforelargerloans.while thesefundsareneeded,theyarenotfundsthatarelikelytohelpwomen.genderequity suggeststhatanothercategoryoffundbeestablishedthat,ifnottargetedspecifically forwomen,wouldcatertothetypeofbusinessesthatwomentendtoestablish.(see followingrecommendation. 6.FacilitatingMicro^lending MostMWEsoperatemicrobusinesses.The2011ABSshows,forexample,thatnet profitsbeforetaxes(inthemostrecentfiscalyearwereunder$30,000for41%of StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 9

10 MWEs(30%ofmenandover$50,000for28%ofwomen(41%formen.For20%of MWEs,profitswereunder$10,000.Profitwas$90,000ormoreforjust18%ofwomen (25%formen. Mostwomenoperateintheservicessectoranddonotrequirealotofstartupcapital SeveralMFIsmentionedthattheyfoundMWEstobemorecautiousthanmenwith regardtotakingondebt.somewomenmentionedthattheyrefusedloansbecausethey werebeingpressuredtoborrowmorethantheyneeded,andtheydidn twanttobear thecostsofservicingsuchloans.mfisalsomentionedthattheyfeltthatabchas pressuredmicrobusinessestotakelargerloansthantheyneed.formanymwes,loans inthe$5000$20,000wouldmeettheirrequirements. WhilemostMFIssaidthattheydoprovidemicroloans,severalrespondentsindicated thatbothabcprogramsandbanksunofficiallyfrownonmicroloansbecausetheyare moreworkthantheyareworth. OneMFIsaidtheyrarelyprovidemicroloansforthis reason;itcanbejustasmuchworktoserviceamicroloanasalargeloan,sothereis less bangforthebuck. AANDCannouncedin2010thatitisplanningamicrolendingpilotprogrambutithas nottakenshapeasyet.amicroloanfundwouldbeofparticularbenefittomwesand wouldcounterbalancethetendencytowardlarger,resourcebasedlending.we recommend,then,thatamicrolendingpilotbeestablishedimmediately,administered formwesbythemfis.thelearningfromthepilotshouldthenbeusedtoshapean effective,permanentmicrolendingfundavailablethroughallmfis.whilethisfund wouldnotneedtotargetwomenspecifically,butinpracticeitwouldlikelybeof particularbenefittomwes. 7.OvercomingBarriers OneareawhereMWEsandMFIswereinagreementisthatwomenaremorelikelythan mentobeimpairedinformingtheirbusinessbyalackofequity.thereisanobvious reasonforthis:women(andmétiswomenspecificallyhavehistoricallyearnedless moneythanmenandthereforehavelessequity.onemfirespondentmentionedthat womenwhohaveseparatedordivorcedareoftenparticularlyhandicappedinthisarea, sincewhateverequitytheyhadisnowsplitbetweenthecouple,andalsobecausethe womenhaveoftenbeenfinanciallydependentontheirhusbandsandmaynothavea separatecredithistory. AbadcreditratingwasfrequentlycitedasabigproblemforMWEs.Somewomenmay haveabadcreditratingwhileothersmaysimplyhavenocredithistory,andsometimes awoman sgoodcreditratingcanbeeclipsedbyherhusbandsbadcredithistory.itis stillcommonforbankstorequirementocosignfortheirwife sloans.forthemicro lendingfavouredbymanymwes,banksarefrequentlynotinterestedandsimply suggestthatthewomanapplyforacreditcard.ifthatapplicationisnotapproveddue StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship10

11 tocredithistory,forexample,that stheendofthestory.iftheyareapproved,the creditcarrieshighinterestrates. FormostMFIs,abadcredithistoryistheendofthelineforprospectivebusinesses becausethebankstheycollaboratewithonlendingwithdraw.onemfimentionedthey sometimesworkwiththemwetorestorehercreditratingandthenreconsiderthe applicationdowntheroad. Werecommendthat,inconjunctionwithamicrolendingprogram,thatastrategyis developedtoresolvesomeofthetypicalproblemsfacedbywomenstarting microbusinesses.alternativemeasures perhapsincludingpeerlendingcircles(see bestpractices areneededtoovercomebarrierssuchasthepoorcredithistoryofa spouseordifficultiesunderstandingstandardbusinesspractices.giventhesmallrisk involvedintheeventofdefaultwhenborrowingsmallsums,moreliberalaccessto financingisjustified.similarly,werecommendthatminimumequityrequirementsbe reducedformwes. Microbusinessesareunlikelytoprovidesufficientmoneytoliveonwhileservicing debtsinthefirstyearofoperation.thisisonereasonwhysomewomenneedto continuewithexistingemploymentwhiletheyaregettingtheirbusinessstarted.we recommendthataboriginalbusinesscanadaalteritsgrantandlendingprogramsto removetherequirementforclientsstartingsmallbusinessestoworkfulltime. 8.EstablishingMétis^specificProgramsforOntarioandBritishColumbia MFIsareprairiephenomena.StatisticskeptbytheClarenceCampeauDevelopment Fund(CCDF,forexample,showithassupported188MWEsovera13yearperiod. AssumingcomparableresultsfromtheotherMFIs,hundredsofwomenhavebeen assistedbytheseprograms.werecommendthatanmfibeestablishedinbritish Columbia,wherethereisnodedicatedMétisbusinesssupportprogram. InOntario,thenewMétisVoyageurDevelopmentFundhasbeenmodeledalongthe linesofccdf;however,thisfundisfocusedontheresourcesector.giventhatfew womenformbusinessesinthissector,werecommendthatthetermsofthisfundbe broadenedtoincludeothersectorsandtoincludeamicrolendingoption.thischange wasrecentlyappliedtoasimilarfundoperatinginsaskatchewan. 9.TakingTimeforTraining The2011ABSfoundthatthenumberonekeytosuccessforMWEsishavingabusiness plan,yetfewmweshaveone.asonemfirespondentsaid,thebestwaytoensurethat amwesucceedsistoensurethatsheestablishesabusinessplanandagoodsetof booksthatareinplacefromtheverybeginning.however,thewomenweinterviewed frequentlyidentifiedfinancialliteracyandbusinessplanningskillsassomethingthey StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 11

12 lacked.also,aftercaresupporthasbeenidentifiedasveryhelpfulinresolvingproblems, developingresilienceandensuringlongtermsuccess.yetitwasfrequentlystatedbythe womenweinterviewed andbymfisrespondents thatmwesdonothavetimefor theverythingsthatwouldmosthelpthemsucceedbecausetheyarebusyrunningtheir businessandlookingaftertheirfamily. Giventhatmostwomenoperatemicrobusinesses,itislikelythataverysimpleplanand bookkeepingsystemisneeded.werecommendthenthatresearchbeconductedonthe bestwaystosimplifybusinessplanningandbookkeepingformicrobusinesses,withthe goalofdevelopingauserfriendlyonlineapproachtoassistwomen.aspertheprevious recommendationtoincreasededicatedwomen sstaffatthemfis,regular,short,on sitevisitstoassistwomenwithaftercarearealsorecommended. RECOMMENDATIONS TheWomenoftheMétisNation(WMN,theorganizationsponsoringthisstudy,can makeuseofthereportandthefollowingrecommendationswhenadvocatingforthe strengtheningofmétiswomen sentrepreneurshipprogramswithprovincialmétis organizations,métisfinancialinstitutions,andrelevantprovincialgovernment departments,aswellasaboriginalaffairsandnortherndevelopmentcanadaand AboriginalBusinessCanada.The10recommendationsareasfollows: Recommendation1:WerecommendthatWMNaskforjointresearchtobeconducted bythefivemétismfisto: Developamoreeffectivecommunicationsstrategytoreachmorepotential femaleclientsandmakethemawareofthebusinesssupportsthatareavailable frommfisandotherserviceproviders. IdentifythespecificneedsoftheirfemaleclientsusingfocusgroupsofMWEs. Recommendation2:WerecommendthatAANDCandtherelevantprovincialfundersof MFIsbelobbiedbyWMNtoprovidefundstohireawomen sservicespecialistateach MFI.Thepersonwouldhaveseveralroles,includingpromotingserviceopportunities directlytowomen;supportingwomenintheirbusinessplanning;actingasanadvocate forwomen;helpingthemtoresolveobstaclestosuccess,andprovidingaftercare support.thewomen sspecialistwouldprovideregular,short,onsitevisitstoprovide womenwithanextrameasureofindividualizedsupport,includingwritingorupdating annualbusinessplans. Recommendation3:WerecommendthataMWEs groupbeestablishedonfacebook orsimilarsocialmediabythewmntofosteraninclusiveclimateofencouragement throughthesharingofmwes stories.asthevirtualsupportgroupgrows,this experiencecanbereinforcedthroughmweseminarsandworkshopsheldin conjunctionwithregionalandnationalmétisgatherings.thisnetworkcanalsobecome StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship12

13 asourceofinformationtomfisonhowbesttoreachwomenandtotailorprogramsto theirspecificneeds. Recommendation4:Whatismeasuredismanaged.Currently,onlyoneMFI(CCDF specificallymeasuresandreportsonitsimpactonfemaleclients.werecommendthat WMNaskalltheMFIstoadoptthispracticeandalsobroadentheareasofimpacton MWEscoveredinannualreports. Recommendation5:WerecommendthatWMNlobbyforamicrolendingpilotprogram beestablishedimmediatelybyaandc,administeredformwesbythemfis.the learningfromthepilotshouldthenbeusedtoshapeaneffective,permanentmicro lendingfundavailablethroughallmfis.whilethisfundwouldnotneedtotarget womenspecifically,inpracticeitwouldlikelybeofparticularbenefittomwes. Recommendation6:Werecommendthat,inconjunctionwithamicrolendingprogram, thatwnnadvocatethatastrategybedevelopedbythefivemfistoresolvesomeofthe typicalproblemsfacedbywomenstartingmicrobusinesses.alternativemeasures perhapsincludingpeerlendingcircles(seebestpractices areneededtoovercome barriers,suchasinsufficientequity,lackofcreditorthepoorcredithistoryofaspouse. Giventhesmallriskinvolvedintheeventofdefaultwhenborrowingsmallsums,more liberalaccesstofinancingisjustified.similarly,werecommendthatwmnasklendersto reducedminimumequityrequirementsformwes. Recommendation7:WerecommendthatWMNlobbyAboriginalBusinessCanadato alteritsgrantandlendingprogramsto: Removerequirementforclientsstartingsmallbusinessestoworkfulltime; Eliminatepoliciesthatunderminemicrolending,suchasunofficialminimum lendinglimits. Recommendation8:WerecommendthatWMNworkwiththeMétisNationalCouncil andmétisorganizationsinb.c.tolobbyforanmfitobeestablishedinbritishcolumbia, wherethereisnodedicatedmétisbusinesssupportprogram. Recommendation9:WerecommendthattheWMNaskthatthetermsoftheMétis VoyageurDevelopmentFundbebroadenedtoincludealleconomicsectors,aswellasa microlendingoption. Recommendation10:WerecommendthatWMNlobbytheMFIstoconductjoint researchonthebestwaystosimplifybusinessplanningandbookkeepingformicro businesses,withthegoalofdevelopingauserfriendlyonlineapproachtoassistmwes. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 13

14 1.0INTRODUCTION Economicdevelopment,includingbusinessdevelopment,isapriorityfortheWomenof themétisnation(wmn,thenationalvoiceformétiswomen.inanefforttohelpmétis womenstartandsustainsuccessfulbusinesses,wmnaimstounderstandtheneedsof existingandaspiringmétiswomenentrepreneursandwhethertheyhaveaccesstoand benefitfromtheentrepreneurialsupportprogramsofferedbytheprovinciallybased Métiseconomicdevelopmentandcapitalcorporations(termedMétisFinancial Institutions(MFIsinthisdocumentandotherprovidersofbusinesssupportservices. AslimitedinformationiscurrentlyavailableaboutMétiswomenentrepreneurs(MWEs, WMNwascontractedbytheOfficeoftheFederalInterlocutortohelpfillthatgap throughthestrengtheningmétiswomen sentrepreneurshipproject.inturn,thewmn contractedpaulhaneyconsultingtoundertakethefollowingactivities: SummarizepublicallyavailableinformationaboutMFIsandotherbusiness serviceprovidersandassessitsrelevancetomwes.thereportincludesafull listingofbusinesssupportservicesavailabletomwes. ObtainandanalyzeMétiswomenspecificinformationfromthe2011Aboriginal BusinessSurveyconductedbytheEnvironicsResearchGroupfortheCanadian CouncilforAboriginalBusiness. InterviewexistingandaspiringMWEstocollectindepthinformationabouta broadspectrumoffactorsinservicedeliverytométiswomen,including: o Métiswomen sperceptionsofandexperiencesinaccessingand benefittingfromtheservicesprovidedbymfisandotherservice providers; o PositiveandnegativeaspectsofMétiswomen sexperiencesasnewor returnedclientsoftheseserviceproviders; o WhethertheavailableservicesmeettheneedsofMWEs; o ThemaincharacteristicsofMétiswomenwhoseekassistanceinstarting andrunningbusinesses,aswellasthosewhoareeitherapprovedforor refusedloansorstartupandongoingentrepreneurialassistance;and o Improvementstotheeconomicdevelopmentandcapitalcorporations businesspracticesandprocessesinrelationtométiswomen. InterviewpersonnelatprovinciallybasedMFIstoidentifytheservicestheyare providingtométiswomenandtheirexperienceswithmwes;and Basedontheresearch,toidentifybestpracticesinservicedeliverytoMétis womenentrepreneursandrecommendimprovementstoservicedeliveryfor MWEs. ThesurveysamplewastoincludefiveMétiswomenfromeachoftheprovincesof Ontario,Manitoba,Saskatchewan,AlbertaandBritishColumbia.Recruitmenttookplace throughtheprovincialwmnnetwork,themncgoverningmembers,mfisandother referrals.aneffortwasmadetoobtainacrosssectionofparticipants,takinginto StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship14

15 accountage;educationalattainment;urban/rurallocation;businesssize;successfulor lackofsuccessfulinobtainingfundingsupport;yearsofbusinessexperience;andother factors. OntheMFIside,aseparatesurveyincludedonemanagementlevelperson operatinginapolicyandprogramdecisionmakingcapacityandtwofrontlineloanor programofficersateachofthethreeprairiemétiscapitalcorporations,i.e.theouis RielCapitalCorporation(RCCinManitoba,theSaskMetisEconomicDevelopment Corporation(SMEDCOinSaskatchewan,andApeetogosan(MétisDevelopmentINC.in Alberta;theClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund(CCDFinSaskatchewan;andthe newontariométisvoyageurdevelopmentfund(mvdf. Differentquestionnairesweredevelopedfortheentrepreneursandservice providers.attentiontoquestionnairedesignensuredavalidcomparisonbetweenthe twoperspectivesduringanalysisandreporting.thesurveyswereconductedsuchthat ethicalnormswereobservedandindividualprivacyandintellectualpropertyrightswere protected. AdministrationoftheMWEsurveywasbyprearrangedtelephoneinterviews conductedbyapersonotherthanthemainconsultantinordertoensuretheintegrity ofthestudy.themfisurveywasconductedateachofthemfiofficesbytheconsultant, exceptthemvdfinterview,whichwasconductedbyphone.(mvdfwasnotyetfully operationalatthetimeoftheinterviewandonlytheincomingceowasinterviewed. Thisreportincludesbothsummariessynthesizingtheresponsesfromthe surveysandappendicescontainingverbatimdetailedindividualresponses(available separately.onlytheinterviewerknowstheidentityofthemwerespondent.inthe caseofthemfisurvey,therespondentsarelistedbutindividualcommentsarenot attributedtospecificrespondents. Thedatawasanalyzedtoidentifytendsandpatterns,andtocorrelatefindings betweenthetwosurveygroupsandbetweenthesurveysandotherresearchthat relatedtomwes.thelattercomparisonrequiredthattheconsultantsconducta literaturereview.additionalinformationcamefromthe2011aboriginalbusiness SurveyconductedbytheEnvironicsResearchGroupfortheCanadianCouncilfor AboriginalBusiness.TheconsultantobtainedtheMétiswomenspecificresponsestothe surveyfromenvironics;theseareavailableinfullasanappendixtothedocument,with asetofeasytoreadsummarytablesalsoincludedinthebodyofthereport. Relevantconclusionsandrecommendationsaboutperformanceand enhancementofservicesandbestpracticesareprovided.theinformationobtainedwill assistthewmntoadvocateforimprovedbusinessservices,supports,andresources, includingfinancing,formweswithrelevantgovernmentdepartments,usingreliable datapertainingtométiswomen.therecommendationidentifiedinthisproject,if implemented,willassistserviceproviderstobetterservemétiswomenclients. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 15

16 2.0 OVERVIEWOFTHEBUSINESSDEVEOPMENTENVIRONMENT FORMÉTISWOMEN 2.1 ITERATUREREVIEW Aliteraturereviewwasconductedinorderto: Buildaknowledgebasetounderpinthedesignofthesurveyquestionnairesused inthestudy;andto IdentifycurrentandbestpracticesrelevanttoMétiswomenentrepreneursin fiveprovinces(ontariothroughtobritishcolumbia. AsignificantamountofresearchonAboriginal,Métis,andfemaleentrepreneurs categoriesthatincludemétiswomenentrepreneurs wasavailableforreview.thereis currentlyminimalliteratureavailablespecifictométiswomenentrepreneurs,however. ApreviousliteraturereviewconductedbyAMRConsulting(2011notedthatit didnot uncoveranyrecentqualitativeresearchprojectsthatfocusspecificallyonthe experiencesofmétiswomenentrepreneurs.whiletheseeffortsyieldedasubstantial collectionofinitiallypromisingresourcesrelatingtoaboriginaleconomicdevelopment, uponreviewitwasclearthatonlyafewactuallyreferredtométisentrepreneursand nonefocusedexclusivelyonmétiswomen sentrepreneurship.ultimately,therewas verylittleofvalueinthesematerialsfortheliteraturereviewandtheexercise demonstratedtheneedformoredataandpublishedresearchontheentrepreneurial experiencesofmétiswomen,whichleadtothisstudy. ThisreviewincorporatestheMétiswomenspecificresearchconductedbyAMR Consulting.Importantly,Métiswomenspecificdatawasalsoobtainedfromthe EnvironicsResearchGroup;itistakenfromthe2011AboriginalBusinessSurvey conductedforthecanadiancouncilforaboriginalbusiness.itincludestheresultsofan extensivesurveythatincludedinterviewswith191mwes.(thecompleteresultsfrom thissamplegroupareattachedasanappendixtothisdocument. AllofthisresearchwasgleanedforinformationrelevanttotheMétiswomenspecific research.therelevantpointsarenowbroughttogetherinthissection;afullsummaryis alsoprovidedofthe191métiswomenentrepreneurs surveyresponses.thisalloweda comparisonofthedatafromthemweandmfisurveystoinformationfromprevious research,withparticularreferencetopresentandbestpractices. Theresearchalsoconsideredtheprovincialbusinessdevelopmentenvironmentsin whichmétiswomenentrepreneursstartandoperatetheirbusinesses.althoughthere arenométiswomenspecificsupportsavailableatthistime,therearemanyservices andprograms formétisandaboriginalentrepreneurs,womenentrepreneursandall entrepreneurs thatareavailabletométiswomen;ascanofthisprogrammingis StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship16

17 into about 27,000 businesses operating both on- and offreserve a figure which does not include incorporated and community-owned entities given a lack of available data. 26 According to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB, the median age of an Aboriginal entrepreneur tends to be younger (35-44 years than non-aboriginal entrepreneurs (45-54 years. Most Aboriginal busi- providedbyprovince,alongwithasummaryofcurrentandbestpracticesinthis environment. nesses are small, located in urban areas and are profitable. astly, nearly 70% have been operating for more than 5 SummaryofResearch years. 27 The range of businesses that Aboriginal entrepreneurs GrowthofMétisEntrepreneurship are running is not isolated to one or two industries, but Métisentrepreneurshipisgrowingrapidly. essentially covers the gamut from airlines to mining supply to business services. Business owners are seeing op- o ThenumberofAboriginalbusinessownersandentrepreneursisgrowingata ratefarexceedingthatofselfemployedcanadiansoverall. portunities to fill the gaps that were opened up by past o The2006Censusreportedmorethan37,000selfemployedAboriginal market failures. For example, a shortage of available credit peopleincanada,upfromjustover27,000in2001 anincreaseof38%,five on reserve has been a particular issue, partly due to the timesthatofselfemployedcanadiansoverall(7%. fact that real and personal property on a reserve cannot be o By2011,AboriginalsmallbusinessownersacrossCanadaweregrowingin used as collateral for a loan under the Indian Act (see numbersandexperiencingwidespreadsuccessintermsofprofitabilityand box on the prior page. As a result, Aboriginal-owned financial institutions such as Alberta s Peace Hills Trust growth.thenumberofaboriginalbusinessownersandentrepreneurswas emerged. Today, there are more than 50 Aboriginal Capital Corporations and Aboriginal financial institutions oper- growingatfivetimestherateofselfemployedcanadiansoverall. In2006,therewere16,905Métispeoplewhoreportedbeingselfemployed,halfof ating across Canada. Aboriginalsreportingselfemployment.By2011,Métispeoplecomprised49.3%of Similarly, the emergence of Aboriginal business enterprises has been relatively widespread through the country, theaboriginalselfemployedpopulation. MétisentrepreneursarethefastestgrowingsegmentofAboriginalentrepreneurs. even if the buzz has been most significant in the resourcebased regions of north and western Canada. In particular, From2001to2006,thegreatestentrepreneurialgrowthcamefromtheMétis (45.5%increaseinselfemployedMétis. many Inuit and First Nations communities north of the 60 Between1996and2006,thenumberofMétispeoplewhowereselfemployedand (degrees latitude have seen their economies gain traction ranincorporatedbusinessestripled(to5,220in2006andthenumberself recent years, spurred by the success achieved settling employedmétispeople withunincorporated businessesnearlydoubled (to11,745in2006. Thisabsoluteincreasedoes notsignalapercentage increaseintheproportion ofthemétispopulation thatisselfemployed.the percentageofmétis employedwhoareself employeddeclined somewhatoverthisperiod (from9.2%to8.4%, althoughagreater proportionofthemétis Non-Aboriginal Population Métis First Nations (offreserve Aboriginal Population First Nations (onreserve Inuit SEF-EMPOYMENT RATE* % * Proportion of total employment made up of the self-employed. Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 and INAC Aboriginal People in Canada 15 selfemployedarenowincorporated,reflectingtrendsthatalsooccurredinthenon Aboriginalpopulation. Overall Com 1. Suncor Energy Inc. 2. Cameco Corporation 3. Petro-Canada 4. Tembec Inc. 5. EnCana Corporation 6. Teck Cominco imite 7. Imperial Oil imited 8. Husky Energy Inc. 9. Talisman Energy Inc 10. TransCanada Corpo * Examines each company' performance against that o company's Aboriginal rela Society, one of its six indic Source: Corporate Knights land claims and com with the Crown and ral gas and mineral ment about the poten north has been furth as Canada s next fr Aboriginal enterp it comes to busines delegation of Aborig trade mission to Chi by the hosting coun undertaking (MOU on November 13, 2 Aboriginal entr around some signif in particular is the response, there are a Canada that provide better access to cap costs. One exampl Cattail Centre and cated on the east si the first in Canada for city developmen the Saskatoon. Tod and non-aboriginal An important ca enterprises is their g the mainstream eco values. Chief amon and the environmen StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 17

18 MétisWomenEntrepreneurs OnethirdofentrepreneursinCanadain1995werewomen.Tenyearslater,3537% percentofsmeswerehalformajorityownedbywomen. In2001,whendatawasgatheredforthenationalAboriginalEntrepreneursSurvey, womenconstituted37%ofselfemployedaboriginalpeople.thisgroupincluded morethan4,500selfemployedmétiswomen,mostofwhomoperatedbusinesses inprofessional,scientificortechnical,education,healthandsocialservices industries. In2001,Métiswomenconstituted36%oftheMétisselfemployed.Morerecently, Métiswomen sshareoftheselfemployedsectorhasdeclinedsomewhat. AlloftheMétisFinancialInstitutions(MFIsinterviewedforthisstudyreportedthat 3540%oftheirclientgroupiswomen. In200910,theportionofemployedMétisCanadianswhowereselfemployed fluctuatedbetween10%and13%.ithasstayedwithinthisrangeformorethanten years.métiswomen'sshareoftheselfemployedsectordeclinedsomewhatover thisperiod. In2006,selfemploymentincomewasthemajorsourceofincomeforover3%of Métiswomen. AboriginalwomenarestartingbusinessesatdoubletherateofCanadianwomen generally.however,inspiteof thistrend,theyremainless likelytoownabusinessthan othergroups,andlagbehind theirmaleandnonaboriginal counterpartsonkeysocio economicindicators,suchas incomeandemploymentrates. Accordingtothe2006Census, thedemographicprofileof Aboriginalbusinessownersis similartothatforcanadian businessownersoverall.in bothgroups,selfemployment ismorewidespreadamong men(63%ofselfemployed Aboriginalpeopleand66%of selfemployedcanadiansthan women(37%and34%, respectively. Between1996and2006,the MétispopulationofCanada nearlydoubled,achange attributedprimarilyto The'above'respondent'profile'from'the'2011'CCAB'survey'of'Aboriginal' businesses'is'comparable'to'the'profile'of'canadian'aboriginal' entrepreneurs.' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship18

19 culturalmobility(thatis,ashiftinhowpeopleseeandreporttheirculturalidentity andonethathasbeenaccompaniedbyincreasesintheeducation,employmentand incomelevelswithinthemétiscommunity. Thetotalnumberofwomenwhowereselfemployedhasbeengrowingmore quicklythanselfemployedmen. AboriginalbusinessownersareslightlyyoungerthanCanadianbusinessowners overall.half(50%ofaboriginalentrepreneursarebetweentheagesof15to44, comparedtofourinten(42%selfemployedcanadiansgenerally.inturn,self employedcanadiansaremorelikelytobe55yearsandover(29%vs.21%ofself employedaboriginalpeople.selfemployedwomentendtobeyoungerthanself employedmen. BusinessTypeandSize Women(69%aremorelikelythanmen(55%tobesoleproprietors. 47%ofMétisbusinessesareownedbyoneperson. Aboriginalwomenownedbusinessestendtobesmaller,newerandgrowmore slowlythantheirmaleownedcounterparts.accesstobusinessdevelopmenttools andcapitalthatistargetedtotheseuniqueneedscanenablesmallscale entrepreneurswithlimitedresourcestoincreasetheirincomes,buildassetsand reducetheirvulnerabilitytounforeseenevents. ClienttypevariesbyAboriginalidentitygroup.Privatesectorclientsaremost commonamongmétisownedbusinesses,whichareinturnlesslikelythaninuitand FirstNationsfirmstobesupplyingAboriginalgovernments. ConcentrationofSectors Aboriginalbusinessesarediverse,andarenotlimitedtoanyoneregion,industry sector,ormarket. Aboriginalentrepreneursarewellestablishedinconstruction(18%andprimary sectors(agriculture,forestry,fishingandhunting,mining,andoilandgasextraction; 13%.Yet,justasmanyoperateinknowledgeandservicebasedsectors,suchas education,scientificandtechnicalservices,orhealthandsocialservices(28%. Womenentrepreneursweremostfrequentlyworkingintheservicesector(61.5%, followedbyretailandwholesaletrade(17.5%,agriculture(9.9%,and finance/insurance(approximately5%.veryfewwomenoperatedbusinessesinthe manufacturing,construction,transportationorcommunicationsindustries. Menarewellrepresentedintheresourceandenergyindustriesofthenorththat continuetoexperiencesignificantgrowth,whilewomenaremoreactiveinthe service,finance,education,orgovernmentsectorsofthesouth. ManybusinessesownedbyMétiswomenaretoosmalltocompeteeffectivelyfor contractsavailableintheresourcesector. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 19

20 AboriginalandNon^AboriginalBusinessesbySectorin1996^2011 AboriginalEntrepreneursSurvey Industry 1996 % 2002 % 2011 % 2011 # All Canada SMEs 2001% Non^Aboriginal Entrepreneurs2011 %# Primary ,865 Construction ,110 Manufacturing, transportation, warehousing Wholesale,retailtrade ,835 Professional,scientific andtechnicalservices, education,healthand , ,270 social Arts,entertainment, accommodation,foodand cultural ,240 Otherservices ,535 Total Population , ,993,710 Source:'Statistics'Canada'Aboriginal'Entrepreneurs'Survey'1996,'2002;'2001'Census;'and'Canadian'Council'for' Aboriginal'Business'2011'Aboriginal'Business'Survey.' Employees AboriginalsmallbusinessescreatejobsforAboriginalandnonAboriginalpeople alike. 37%ofAboriginalentrepreneurshaveatleastonepaidemployee,whichis consistentwithcanadianentrepreneursgenerally.thelargemajority(86%of AboriginalbusinesseswithemployeesemployatleastoneAboriginalperson. Twothirdsofbusinessessurveyedoperatedunderasoleproprietorshipstructure. Men(45%aremorelikelythanwomen(23%toemployothers,likelyareflectionof thegreaterconcentrationofmalebusinessownersintheagriculturaland constructionsectors. In2002,Aboriginalsmallandmediumenterprisescreatedapproximately82,000full timejobs,and18,000parttimejobs. EducationandTraining Between1996and2006,thenumberofMétiswomenwithBachelor sdegrees, Master sdegreesandearneddoctoratesincreasedmuchmorequicklyineach categorythanthenumberofmétismendid.by2006,11,000métiswomenhada universitydegree(comparedto8,000métismenandthenumberofmétiswomen whoheldmastersdegreeswasnearlyequivalenttothatofmétismen. Businesstrainingismorecommonamongincorporatedfirmswithnoemployees (39%,firmsintheservicesector(36%andwomenbusinessowners(37%.Such trainingisalsounderstandablymorecommonamongthosewithacollegeor universityeducation;onlyninepercentofthosewithahighschooldiplomaorless StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship20

21 educationhavetakenformalbusinesstraining. OnequarterofAboriginalentrepreneurshadtakenbusinesstrainingatthecollege oruniversitylevel.accounting,bookkeeping,businessadministrationand managementwerethemostpopularcourses. UnemploymentratesforMétiswomenaregenerallylowerandmorestablethan thoseofmétismen.however,inspiteoftheirhigherlevelsofeducationandlower unemploymentratesandevenwhilemétiswomenmadesomewagegainsoverthis period,theirwageshavestillnotreachedequitywiththeirmalepeers.thishas implicationsformétiswomenneedingequitytostartbusinesses. Motivation Reasonsforstartinganewbusinessvarybyidentitygroupandage.Métisbusiness ownersaremorelikelytosaytheyaspiredtoselfemploymentandhaving independence/creativecontrol. Theperceivedadvantagestobeingasmallbusinessownerarelargelyconsistent acrossthepopulation,withafewexceptions.aflexiblescheduleismorefrequently identifiedasabenefitbyyoungerbusinessowners(under45years,unincorporated businesseswithnoemployees,andfirstnationsandmétisbusinessowners (comparedtoinuit.inturn,independenceandautonomyismorecommonly identifiedbyolderbusinessowners(45andolderandincorporatedbusinesseswith noemployees.métisarealsothemostlikelytosayanadvantageofbeingasmall businessownerishavinggreatercontrol. SuccessandSustainability Sixin10(61%Aboriginalbusinessesreportedprofitsin %ofAboriginalbusinessownersareclearlyoptimisticaboutfuturerevenue growth. Nationally,sevenin10(71%Aboriginalbusinessesanticipaterevenuegrowthinthe nexttwoyears.thisisconsistentwiththedegreeofoptimismexpressedby CanadianSMEsgenerally. Half(49%ofAboriginalsmallbusinessownersconsidertheirbusinessasuccess,not onlybecauseofprofitsand/orgrowth,butbecausetheyaredoingworkthatis personallyrewardingandhaveasteadyclientbase. Intermsofbusinessobjectivespursued,Aboriginalentrepreneursratedstability (84%andprofitability(80%asveryimportant,followedbypersonalandfamily employment(69%. Withrespecttogrowthandstability,businessesownedbywomenwerecomparable tobusinessesownedbymen. SuccessfulAboriginalsmallbusinessesaredistinguishedbytheiruseofannual businessplansandinnovation.in2011,however,just29%ofmétiswomenbusiness ownershadawrittenbusinessplanforthepastyear. ThefactorsMétiswomenentrepreneursidentifiedaskeydeterminantsoftheir successwereprimarilyaroundthebusinessplanningandpreparationandabilityto StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 21

22 accessfinancialresourcesaspectsofentrepreneurship.also,accesstoaftercare supportsandserviceswereotherimportantfactorsthatwereidentified. Métiswomen sabilitytosuccessasentrepreneursisalsoimpactedby:sexism,the challengeofmanagingchildcareandotherfamilyresponsibilitiesinadditiontowork lifeandlimitedopportunitiestoconnectornetworkwiththeirpeers(othermétis womenentrepreneurs. Itappearsthatfemaleentrepreneursmayhaveastrongernetworkinthe community,with58percentofwomenclaimingthattheirlocalcommunityhas encouragedtheirbusinessperformance,comparedtoonly40percentofmale respondents. OnehallmarkofsuccessfulAboriginalsmallbusinessesistheiruseofinnovation. Thesebusinessesaremorethantwiceaslikelyasthelowsuccessgrouptohave introducednewproductsorservices,ornewprocesses,inthepastthreeyears. Thevastmajorityofbusinesses(85%operatedfulltime(2002,andtwooutof threehadbeeninoperationformorethanfiveyears. Approximately5outofevery10Aboriginalbusinesseshadbeeninoperation for10yearsormoreinthreesectors:primaryindustries;construction;and manufacturing,transportationandwarehousing.theyoungestbusinesseswerein professional,technicalandsocialservices,whereonly30%hadbeeninbusiness for10yearsormore. MostAboriginalbusinessesownersseethemselvesmaintainingtheirpersonal commitmenttotheirbusinessforsometimetocome.sevenintensayitverylikely thattheywillstillberunningtheirbusinessfiveyears. SuccessFactorsforMétisBusinessWomen ThefollowingkeycontributorstotheentrepreneurialsuccessofMétiswomenhave beenidentified: Ademonstrable,definedbusinessopportunity Agoodbusinessplan Abilitytoaccessfinancialresources.Anindividual sequitypositionandherabilityto accessfinancialresourcescanbeadecidingfactorinherabilitytostartandsustaina business. Abilitytoaccesssupportsandservicesforbusinessdevelopmentandaftercare, includingassistancewiththedevelopmentofaninitialbusinessplan,marketing,and businesscoaching. Accesstoinfrastructurethatsupportsbusinessactivities,includinghighspeed Internetconnections,transportationservicesandaccesstomarkets. OpportunitiestoconnectwithandlearnfromMétiswomen(andother entrepreneurs,throughformalandinformalnetworking;mentoringactivities;and conferences,workshopsandotheractivitiesthatenablethemtoexchangesupport, knowledgeandexperiencewiththeirpeers. Serviceproviders willingnesstomodifyprogramsandservicestoaddressthe distinctneedsofmétiswomen,includingtheprovisionofculturallyrelevant StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship22

23 services,asappropriate. Programs'should'be'designed'and'adapted'according'to' the'needs'of'the'end'users. Personalexperienceandknowledge,includinganunderstandingofbusinessin generalandofone sownbusiness,community,andclienteleinparticular. Personalqualitiesthatsupportentrepreneurialsuccess,suchasastrongworkethic, theabilitytomultitask,determination,adrivetosucceed,andtheabilityto perseverewhenothersmightgivein. Family,childcareandworklifebalance.ikeotherfemaleentrepreneurs,Métis womenareoftenresponsiblefortakingcareoftheirbusinessesandtheirchildren, partnersandhomes.familystability,familymembers support,andaccesstohigh quality,reliablechildcarehelpwomenmanagethedemandsofentrepreneuriallife. Communityconnections.Intheirrolesascommunitymembersorasleaders,Métis womenmaydevelopinfluenceorbeconnectedtolocalnetworks.inadditiontothe valuableemotionalsupportwomenmayfindinthesenetworks,theymayalso becomeimportantsourcesofequityandcustomerswhen,asentrepreneurs,the womenaredevelopingtheirbusinesses. ImprovingfinancialliteracyisessentialtoensuringthatAboriginalwomencan effectivelyparticipateineconomicactivitiesandeconomicdecisionmakingintheir communities.foraboriginalwomenentrepreneurs,increasedfinancialliteracycan providetheknowledge,skillsandconfidencerequiredtostartasmallbusinessorto helpanexistingbusinessthrive. WhenaskedwhetheranyofthefactorscontributingtoMétiswomen s entrepreneurialsuccessareuniqueordifferentthanthoseofmen,participantsin MEDSpolicydialoguesessionandsurveyreferredprimarilytohowdifficultitmaybe formétiswomentoaccesssomeofthecontributorstosuccessdescribedabove. Theysingledoutthefollowingasimportantfactorsthathavegenderdistinct impactsonentrepreneurialsuccess: o Abilitytoaccessfinancialresources.Métiswomenoftenstruggletofindthe financialresourcestheyneedtostartorexpandtheirbusiness.wage disparitiesbetweenmenandwomenpersist,whichcanconstrainwomen s abilitytocontributeequitytoabusinessventure.manymétiswomenhave aninadequatepersonalcredithistoryandsofinditdifficulttogetloansor otherformsofcredit.métiswomenmayalsobelesslikelythanmento qualifyforcertainfundingpoolsestablishedtosupportbusinessstartupor expansion.forexample,aboriginalbusinesscanadahasestablishedcriteria thatexcludeapplicantswhoretainotheremploymentoutsidetheirbusiness venture. o OpportunitiestoconnectwithotherMétiswomen(andother entrepreneurs.menaremorelikelythanwomentoworkinareassuchasthe tradesorinpositionssuchasseniormanagementfromwhichitmaybe relativelyeasytostartandbuildabusiness.theseprofessionalexperiences alsomakeiteasierformenthanwomentobeidentifiedasorconnectwith rolemodelsandmentors. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 23

24 o Inadditiontotheconditionsorfactorsthatparticipantsidentifiedaslimiting opportunitiesinthisarea,the doubleburden offamilyandbusiness responsibilitiescarriedbymanymétiswomenentrepreneursmaymeanthat theyhaveverylittletimeavailabletomentorornetworkwiththeirpeers. GenderBias Anecdotally,womenreporttheyhaveadifficulttimesecuringadequatefinancing fortheirventures.thesignificantquestioniswhetherthisisduetogender discriminationorotherfactors,suchaschoiceofventure,businessexpertiseofthe entrepreneur,sizeofventureormaturityofthecompany.anotherpossibilityforthe perceiveddiscriminationmaybeduetofactorspertainingtopersonalandsocial networksoftheentrepreneur(orlackthereof. o A1995studythatpairedwomenownedfirmswithsimilarfirmsownedby menfoundthatwomenownedfirmswere20%morelikelytobeturned downforfinancingbyabankandwerelikelytobechargedaninterestrateat least0.5%higherthansimilarfirmsownedbymen. o Anextensivestudyof"gender,structuralfactorsandcredittermsbetween Canadiansmallbusinessesandfinancialinstitutions"foundthat"after accountingforstructuraldifferencesbetweenmaleandfemalebusiness owners,nodifferenceremainedintherateofloanrejections;nordidany differencespersistinotherobjectivemeasuresofcredit".thisissupported bylaterworkperformedbysomeofthesameauthorsandbearsoutthe resultsofearlierworkbystatisticscanada.thestructuralattributesofa business,suchasform,size,industryandtrackrecordareaproxyforrisk fromalendingperspectiveandthesestructuralattributeswerefoundtobe closelycorrelatedwithgender.onaverage,womenownedbusinesseshave lowersalesvolumes,lesscapacity,lesscapital,lesscollateral,andtheowners havelessbusinessmanagementexperiencethanmaleownedbusinesses. Thislikelycontributestotheperceptionofgenderbiasinfinancingaccess amongfemalebusinessowners. o MorerecentworkexaminedaccesstocapitalandtermsofcreditintheUS andfoundthattherewasnodiscriminationbylenderswhenevaluatingrisk. Generally,genderdifferencesinfirmperformancehavebeenexplainedinoneof twoways:womenfaceparticularchallengesbecauseoftheirgender;orgender issuesaretheresultofsystemiceffectsrelatedtothenatureofwomenowned firms. o Determiningthevalidityofeachexplanationisnotstraightforward,for severalreasons.first,thereisapreponderanceofdescriptivesurveysbut fewlarge,comparativestudiesaboutgenderandfirmownership. Understandinggenderbarriersisimpededbyalackof(asexsegregated selfemployment/businessownershipdataand(bindepthresearchonthe dynamicsofwomen'sbusinessownership. o Second,itisdifficulttodistinguishbetweenthetwoexplanations.Thereisa needtounderstandstructural'influences(e.g.,accesstocredit,networks, StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship24

25 firm'characteristics(e.g.,age,size,sector,capitalizationandowner' differencesastheyarereflectedinmanagementcompetenciesanddecision making(e.g.,growthintentions,operationalstrategies. o Third,itisnoteasytodifferentiatebetweenhistoricalandcurrentpractices. WithfewCanadianstudiestodrawon,thereisatendencytociteolder, perhapsoutdatedwork. o Finally,policymakersandresearchersarechallengedbythelackof informationabouttheparticipationofwomeninfederalsmeprograms.asa result,littleisknownabouttheincrementalimpactofpoliciesandprograms aimedathelpingwomenbusinessowners.thisknowledgegapcanresultin policiesandprogramsbasedonperceptionsratherthanfacts. Women saccesstooansandinvestments Femaleentrepreneursusedinternalfunds(retainedearnings,lovemoneyorcredit cardsmostoften,andtendedtoaskforsmallerloansthatcarryhigherinterestrates whentheysoughtoutsidecapital.thisconfirmedthefindingsofanotherprevious studythatcomparedaccesstodebtfinancingandtermsofcreditbetweenmaleand femaleowned. Withrespecttosourcesofcapital,astudybytheNationalFoundationofFemale BusinessOwnersinCanadawasperformedin1999.Theprimarysourcesoffinancing forthisgroupwerereportedtoberetainedearnings(59%,creditcards(56%, privatesources(47%andbankloans(39%.withinprivatesources,women surveyedutilizedpersonalsavings(79%,friendsandfamily(35%,andfamily savings(32%.amajorityofwomenentrepreneurshavebankcredit(67%;as expected,thisnumberismuchsmallerforwomenwhohavebeeninbusinessfor lessthan3years(54%.bycomparison,82%ofsmallbusinesses(revenuesof >$100,000or>5employeeshavebankfinancingwhereasonly50%ofmicro businesses(revenues<$50,000andnoemployeeshavesomeformofbank financing.bankfinancingistypicallyusedforworkingcapital(75%andexpansion (46%andaminorportionisusedforrefinancingordebtreduction(18%. Ingeneral,thereareveryfewspecificprogramsforfinancingSMEsownedby womenincanada,withtheexceptionofmicroloansthatareavailableonaregional basisbyavarietyoforganizations.oneexceptiontothisarethewomen'senterprise InitiativesofWesternDiversification(programsavailableinBC,Alberta, Saskatchewan,andManitobathatwillprovideloansofupto$100,000toSMEs ownedbywomen.thesegroupsalsoprovidementoring,trainingandsupport opportunitiesforwomen. InOctober2006,theQuébecgovernmentannounced$55millionoverfiveyearsfor therenewalofthefonds'd initiatives'autochtones,providingsupporttoaboriginal business,withdedicatedstreamswithinthatamountforwomenentrepreneursand youngentrepreneurs. In2010,FederalGovernmentannouncedaninvestmentof$1millionovertwoyears todevelopandimplementpilotprojectstopromoteaboriginalwomen's entrepreneurship.theinvestmentwillfocusonprovidingaboriginalwomen StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 25

26 entrepreneurswithfinancialliteracytrainingalongwithaccesstobusiness developmenttoolsandcapitaltohelpthemestablishandrunviable,sustainable businesses.theseinitiativeswillhelptoaddresssomeofthekeybarrierscurrently limitingtheparticipationofaboriginalwomeninthecanadianeconomy.(this initiativehadnotbeenrealizedasofapril2012. AboriginalAccesstooansandInvestments AccesstocapitalandfinancingareoftencitedasamajorbarriertoAboriginal businessstartupandexpansion.thesebarriersprovideanopportunityforfinancial institutionsandgovernmenttoevaluatetheircurrentofferingsandbettermarket theirservicestothisgrowingbusinesscommunity. Tostartabusiness,Aboriginalentrepreneursrelymostheavilyonpersonalsavings (55%,comparedwithbusinessloansorbankcredit(17%,creditfromgovernment programs(17%,orloansfromaboriginallendinginstitutions(15%.personal savingsaresimilarlytheprimaryfinancingsourceforstartupsmallandmedium sizedenterprises(smesacrosscanada. Personalsavingswereusedmostfrequentlyforbusinessesintheprofessional, technicalandsocialservicessector,wherestartupcostsaregenerallylower.the secondmostfrequentlyusedsourceoffundsbyallaboriginalbusinesseswas commercialloansfrombanksorcreditunions(51%. MostAboriginalbusinessowners(80%indicatedthattheyneededless than$50,000tostarttheirbusinesses.intheprofessional,technicalandsocial services,thisproportionreached91%.intheprimaryindustries,startupfunding requirementsweregreaterand72%requiredlessthan$50,000. UseofSupportServices ProvidingeffectivesupporttoAboriginalwomenownedbusinessesrequires attentiontotheiruniqueattributesandpriorities,aswellasthespecificbarriers theyface,suchasalackoffinancialequity,lackofaccesstotargetedtrainingand networkingsupport,andsometimeslackofconfidenceintheirabilitytosucceedas entrepreneurs. Alackofawarenessismoreoftencitedasareasonfornotusinggovernment programsforaboriginalbusinessintheprairieprovinces,amongaboriginalbusiness ownerswithoutapostsecondaryeducation,andamongmétisandinuitbusiness ownersthanfirstnations. Acrossidentitygroups,InuitandFirstNationsbusinessownersaremorelikelythan MétistofindtheirlocalcommunityandAboriginalgovernmentsencouragingof theirbusinesses;inturn,métisfindthesetwogroupslessrelevanttotheirbusiness thandoothers.thegreatersupportfromthelocalcommunityfeltbyfirstnations andinuitisclearlyafunctionofthesmaller,tightlyknitcommunitiesonfirst NationsreservesandinInuitcommunities(whileMétisprimarilyliveinurbanareas. Moreover,programdatasuggestswomenarenotbenefittingfromthesupportfor AboriginalentrepreneurshipofferedbyAANDCatthesamerateasAboriginalmen. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship26

27 WhenAboriginalbusinessownerswhohavenotusedanygovernmentprogramsin thestartupandmaintenanceoftheirbusiness(69%ofthetotalsamplewereasked themainreasonswhynot(unprompted,withoutofferingresponseoptionsa varietyofdifferentreasonsaregiven,including: o Alackofawarenessoftheprogramsavailable(22%, o Alackofperceivedvalueorrelevancetothem(17%, o Concernsabouttoomuchpaperworkorredtape(17%, o Adesiretobeindependentandnotrelyongovernment(15%,and o Notqualifyingorapplyingandbeingturneddown(15%. o Smallerproportions(6%orfewereachhavenotusedagovernment programbecausetheyhaddifficultyaccessingthem,foundnothing applicabletotheirbusiness,foundithardtofindinformationabout them,orbecausetheyhavejuststartedorareaverysmallbusiness. ManyAboriginalentrepreneursarenavigatingtheirbusinessplanning(orgrowth withoutoutsideadviceorsupport. Relativelyfew(38%Aboriginalsmallbusinessownershaveanindividualor organizationthathasprovidedthemwithparticularlyvaluablebusinessguidanceor advice.infact,mostcannotenvisionthetypeofguidancetheywouldmostliketo have.thereappearstobeanoveralllackofawarenessofthekindofinformation thatisavailabletohelpsuccessfullyguidethesesmallbusinessowners. Aminority(29%hasusedanygovernmentprogramsinthestartupormaintenance oftheirbusiness.reasonsfornotusingsuchprogramsincludealackofawareness aboutwhatisavailable,alackofperceivedvaluetotheirbusinessorbeingdeterred byperceptionsof redtape. BarrierstoSuccessinBusiness TheproportionofAboriginalbusinessownerswhoperceivenobarriersdoesnot varyacrossthepopulation,withoneexception:thisperceptionismorewidespread amongmen(44%thanwomen(35%. onghoursandlimitedtimeoffarechallengesmorecommonlymentionedby youngerbusinessowners(under45yearsandbymétispeople.métisandbusiness ownersintheprairieprovincesaremorelikelythanotherstosaydealingwith regulationsandgovernmentsisachallenge. Family,childcareandworklifebalance.Asonegroupsuggested,manyMétiswomen developqualitiesthatareassetsforentrepreneurs(suchasbeingdetailoriented, thorough,andprudentplannersandgoodbudgetersthroughtheirexperiencesas caretakersandhomemakers.atthesametime,familyresponsibilitiesoftenimpose anextraburden(onethatmostmaleentrepreneursdon tcarryonmétiswomen entrepreneurs,whomaystruggletofindadequatechildcareormanagetheirregular scheduleimposedbybusinessownership.métiswomenwhoareparentsor caregiversandwhoarealsointerestedinopeningabusinessoftendelaystarting theirbusinessesuntiltheirchildrenareolderorhavelefthome. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 27

28 Genderstereotypes,prejudiceanddiscriminationcanunderminethesuccessof Métiswomenentrepreneursinmultipleways,rangingfromsexistactionsthatset uppracticalbarriers(e.g.thestoryrelatedbyoneparticipantofafinancial institutionsuggestingthatawomanshouldsecureherhusband spermissionbefore applyingforaloantothesteadyerosionofwomen sconfidenceintheirownability tosucceedgeneratedbyconditionssuchas,forexample,theirlimitedaccesstopeer networksorrolemodels(includingtheshortageofwomenindecisionmaking positions. IntheAMRsurvey,Métiswomenentrepreneursemphasizedthatgenderspecific barrierssuchaswomen sabilitytoaccessfinancialresources;family,childcare,and worklifebalance;andgenderstereotypesanddiscriminationimpacttheirsuccessas businessowners. ChallengesorbarriersthatAboriginalwomenfrequentlymustnegotiatewhen startinguporrunningabusinessinclude: o Significantcaregivingandotherfamilyandcommunityresponsibilities (andinadequatesupporttohelpwomenmanagethesealongside businessownership o imitedaccesstoeffectivesupportstructuresornetworks,important resourcesthatcanhelpwomenmanagetheheavydemandsofbusiness startupmoreeffectively. o ackofpracticaland/ortechnicalexperienceandskills,inareassuchas businessplanning,marketing,financialmanagement,orinformation technology. o imitedaccesstocapitalandfinancing,particularlygiventherelatively lowincomeandsavingslevelsinaboriginalcommunities. o Experiencingsexismandracisminbusinessandsocialenvironments. IntheMEDSpolicydialoguesessionandthesurvey,thefollowingkeychallenges, barriers,orobstaclestométiswomen ssuccessasentrepreneurswereidentified: o Inadequateplanningandpreparationforbusinessstartup.Inadequate planningandpreparationforbusinessstartupmayinclude:inaccurate assessmentoftheviabilityand/orsuitability(i.e.,matchestothe entrepreneur sskills,knowledgeandinterestsofabusinessopportunity; lackofaneffectivebusinessplan;andfailuretounderstandand/or completeaspectsofbusinesssetup(e.g.,registeringbusinessname, taxes,learningaboutregulationsthatmayaffectbusinessactivities,etc.. Tovaryingextents,theseproblemsmayoccurbecausebudding entrepreneurshavedifficultyfindingtheinformationorguidancethey needtoeffectivelyplanandstartupabusiness. o imitedaccesstofinancialresources,includingfundstosupportbusiness startupandexpansion.métiswomen,onaverage,arepoorerthanmétis men(aconditiondue,inpart,topayinequityandmayhavelimitedor nocredithistory(particularlytrueifallhouseholdassetsorbillshave beenintheirhusbands orpartners names.asaresult,theyoften struggletosecureequity,downpayments,loans,orcredittheyneedto StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship28

29 startoroperateabusiness.thisincludesbothmainstreamfinancial institutionsandaboriginalcapitalcorporations. o imitedaccesstosupportsandservicesforbusinessdevelopmentand aftercare,suchasbusinessplanningormarketingsupports.where supportsdoexist,parttimeentrepreneurs(agroupthatincludesa significantproportionofmétiswomenentrepreneursmaybeineligible. Accesstosupportsandservicescanbelimitedbyculturalbarriers,and participantsidentifiedthelackofbusinesssupportsorservices specificallydesignedforanddeliveredbymétiswomenasasignificant challenge. o imitedaccesstoinfrastructurethatsupportsbusinessactivities,suchas highspeedinternet,itsupport,ortransportationservices.theimpacts oflimitedaccesstobusinessrelatedinfrastructurecanbeparticularly acuteforentrepreneursbasedinruralandremoteareas. o imitedopportunitiestoconnectwithothermétiswomen(andother entrepreneurs,includinglimitedaccesstonetworkingormentoring supports. o imitedopportunitiestoparticipateinrelevanttrainingandeducation. While,statistically,Métiswomenaremorelikelythanmentocomplete postsecondarydegrees,theydonotnecessarilydosoinbusinessrelated areasofstudy.womenwithchildrenmayfinditparticularlydifficultto upgradetheireducation. o Businessactivitiesnotwellmatchedtocurrentopportunities.Currently, someofthemostsubstantialopportunitiesforbusinessdevelopment andgrowthareintheresourceandenergysectors.manymétiswomen entrepreneursownbusinessesthatarenotclearlylinkedtoopportunities inthesesectorsand,whentheyare,theirbusinessesmaybetoosmallto competeeffectivelyforcontracts. o Difficultiesmanagingfamily,childcare,andworklifebalance.Métis womenaretypicallythekeycaregiversintheirfamilies.asentrepreneurs whoarealsomothers,caregivers,and/orhomemakers,manyfindithard tobalanceorfulfillalltheirresponsibilitiesandthosewhocommitto put 100% intotheirbusinessventuresmayfeelguiltyabouttheirchoice. Inadequatesupportfromtheirpartnersorfamiliesanddifficulty accessingqualitychildcarearesignificantfamilyrelatedchallengesfor manymétiswomenentrepreneurs. o Stereotypes,prejudiceanddiscrimination,Métiswomenentrepreneurs mustnavigatepresumptionsandbiasesaboutboththeirgenderand theirculturalidentity.thisincludesstereotypicalassumptionsaboutthe businessabilitiesofaboriginalpeoplethatcan,inturn,generateracist outcomes,suchasareluctancetoinvestinaboriginalbusiness.métis womenentrepreneursalsomustnegotiatesexistpresumptionsabout, forexample,theirsuitabilityandcapabilitiesasbusinessowners,and sexistoutcomessuchasdifficultysecuringloansorotherformsof StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 29

30 businessfinancing.womenwhorejointheworkforceafterraising childrenmayalsohavetonegotiateageism. Whenaskedwhetheranyofthechallenges,barriersorobstaclesthatMétis womenentrepreneursmightfaceareuniqueordifferentthanthoseofmen, participantssingledoutthefollowingasgenderspecificaspectsofthe challenges,barriers,orobstaclesthatmétisentrepreneursnavigate: o imitedopportunitiestoconnectwithmétiswomen(andother entrepreneurs,limitedaccesstosupportsandservicesforbusiness developmentandaftercare,andlimitedaccesstoinfrastructurethat supportsbusinessactivitiesareeachfrequentlyasignificantchallengefor womenentrepreneursinruralareas. o imitedaccesstofinancialresources.métiswomen,onaverage,areof lowersocioeconomicstatusthanmétismen,aconditiondue,inpart,to lackofpayequity.forthisandotherreasons,itcanbedifficultfor womenentrepreneurstosecureequity,creditorotherformsoffinancing forbusinessstartup. o Businessactivitiesnotwellmatchedtocurrentopportunities.Both occupationalexperienceandgeographycanpresentchallengesto womenwhowanttostarttheirownbusinesses.menarewell representedintheresourceandenergyindustriesofthenorththat continuetoexperiencesignificantgrowth,whilewomenaremoreactive intheservice,finance,education,orgovernmentsectorsofthesouth. o Difficultiesmanagingfamily,childcare,andworklifebalance.Métis womenentrepreneurstypicallyhavemoreresponsibilitiesathomethan theirmalecounterpartsandaremorelikelythanmentobetheheadsof singleparentfamilies.itcanbedifficult(particularlywhenchildcareisnot readilyavailableforwomenwhoareprimarycaretakersintheirfamilies tobalanceworkandfamilyresponsibilitiesortomakethetransitionfrom homemakertoentrepreneur.women ssenseofresponsibilityfortheir familiesmayalsomakethemlesswillingthanmentotakerisks associatedwithentrepreneurship. o Stereotypes,prejudiceanddiscrimination,Métiswomenmustsometimes contendwitha doublestereotype abouttheirculturalidentityand theirgender.businesscanfeellikea man sworld,evidencedin stereotypicalassumptionsaboutwhatawomancandocomparedtoa manorthatfemaleentrepreneurscanonlyoperateonasmallscale.the businessfieldsinwhich,traditionally,themajorityofwomenhave participated,generatelowerincomes(onaveragethanthoseinwhich menhavedominated. Asthefollowingtableshows,Métiswomenarelesslikelytobemarried, considerablymorelikelytobealoneparent,andmorelikelytohaveolderchildren livingathomethanotherwomen.thisshowsthatcareofdependentsandwork/life balancearemorelikelytobeissuesfacingmétiswomenentrepreneurs. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship30

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olvingtheIssuesFacingMétisWomenEntrepreneurs ;SM&E#&,-%"$&123*:&& & Assumepersonalresponsibilityandcontroloftheirownentrepreneurialsuccess. CF#"9"*(8&123*&13#3&83$$&8"V38J&%H(*&**=CF#"9"*(8&123*&%&F3&839(88J&2(##"3.:&/*&K??+&@?M&E&CF#"9"*(8& 123*& Métiswomenentrepreneursshouldexplorewaystoimprovetheirabilitytoaccess (93.& B>& (*.& G3#+& G3#$0$& SPM& E& **=CF#"9"*(8& 123*+& 8"G3.& 1"%H& (& $D0$3:& /*& 5*%#($%+& (& 8(#93#& D#D#%"*&E&CF#"9"*(8&123*&13#3&8"G"*9&"*&(&522*=8(1&#38(%"*$H"D&52D(#3.&%&**=CF#"9"*(8&123*+& financialresourcesforbusinessstartupandexpansion.onewaytodothismightbe BPM&G3#$0$&B?M:&622*=8(1&$%(%0$&#3E3#$&%&D3#$*$&1H&8"G3&%93%H3#&($&(&50D83&F0%&1H&(#3&*%&839(88J& 2(##"3.&%&3(5H&%H3#:&& tocometogethertoformlendingcircles,throughwhichtheymightbeabletohelp & eachotheraccesssmallbusinessloansandbuildcredithistory.,(##"3.& (*.& 522*=8(1& 50D83$& "*580.3& %H$3& E& %H3& DD$"%3& $3I& #& E& %H3& $(23& $3I:& OH3& K??& 63*$0$& 3*023#(%3.&(F0%&B+@>?&CF#"9"*(8&123*&"*&$(23=$3I&50D83$W&(F0%&B>M&E&CF#"9"*(8&123*&"*&$(23=$3I& Supportthedevelopmentofstrongbusinessplans. 50D83$&13#3&2(##"3.+&1H"83&%H3&#32("*.3#&13#3&8"G"*9&"*&(&522*=8(1&#38(%"*$H"D:& Governmenthasaroletoplayinaddressingsomeofthereasonsitmaybedifficult & X38(%"G38J&E31&CF#"9"*(8&123*&13#3&8"G"*9&(8*3:&/*&K??+&Y0$%&B?M&E&CF#"9"*(8&123*&8"G3.&(8*3+&52D(#3.& formétiswomenentrepreneurstoaccesscapital.gendereddifferencesinincome 1"%H&BSM&E&**=CF#"9"*(8&123*:&C2*9&CF#"9"*(8&123*+&,-%"$&123*&13#3&%H3&2$%&8"V38J&%&8"G3&(8*3:& meanthatmétiswomen,onaverage,earnlessthantheirmalepeers(andare,on OH(%&J3(#+&BBM&E&,-%"$&123*+&G3#$0$&<M&E&"#$%&'(%"*$&123*&(*.&>M&E&/*0"%&123*+&8"G3.&FJ&%H32$38G3$:& /%&$H08.&F3&*%3.&%H(%&*3(#8J&H(8E&E&**=CF#"9"*(8&123*&1H&8"G3.&(8*3&13#3&>&J3(#$&(*.&G3#+&52D(#3.& average,poorerandthereforelesslikelytohaveaccesstomoneyorotherfinancial %&K@M&E&CF#"9"*(8&123*&NO(F83&PQ:& resourcesforbusinessstartupordevelopment.tohelpaddressthis,government & * shouldacttoenhanceemploymentandpromotepayequityformétisandother * womeninthelabourforce.governmentshouldalsoconsiderallocatingfundingto provideloansand/orgrantsspecificallyforbusinessstartupandexpansionbymétis women. GovernmentshouldenhanceopportunitiesforMétiswomentoaccesssupport 4%(%"$%"5$&6(*(.(&7&6(%(8903&*:&;<=>?@=A& duringtheinitialplanningphase,includingenhancingaccesstoprebusiness & B<& programs(tohelpwomendeveloptheskillsandknowledgetocompletetheirown businessplansoradvisorswhocanassistwomenastheydeveloptheirbusiness plan. Métiscapitalcorporationsshouldallocateanappropriateamountoffunding specificallyforbusinessstartupandexpansionbymétiswomenentrepreneurs. TheyshouldalsosupportMétiswomenentrepreneurs accesstofinancialadvisors whocanhelpthempreparetoapproachconventionalfinancialinstitutionsfor StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 31

32 financingand,alongwithgovernment,explorewaystoensurethatmétiswomen entrepreneursareawareofavailableopportunitiesforbusinessrelatedfinancing. Theavailabilityofbusinessaftercareservicesandsupportsshouldbeexpandedto beavailableinmorecommunities.theclarencecampeaudevelopmentfundwas identifiedasaproviderofvaluableaftercareservicesthatcanhelpentrepreneurs budget,developplans,andcreatestrategiestogrowtheirbusinesses. Establishingonlineaccesstoaftercareservicesandsupportscanextendthereach oftheseactivities. Enhancingtheaccessibilityofstartupandaftercareservicesandsupportsforhome basedbusinesses(by,forexample,changingcriteriathatprohibitparticipationfrom entrepreneurswhohaveotheremploymentorbyloweringtheminimumamountof fundingthatentrepreneurscanapplyforinvariousprogramsmaycreatenew opportunitiesfortheseentrepreneurstoexpandtheirbusinessesand/ordevelop fulltimeoperations. Ensuringthatbusinesssupportsare runbywomen canhelpmakethemmore accessibleandmoreeffective. Government,MétiscapitalcorporationsandotherMétisandAboriginal organizationsshouldexplorewaysinwhichbusinesssupportprogramsmightbe adaptedtobecomemoreflexible,responsive,andcapableofmeetingthedistinct needsofmétiswomenentrepreneurs.onewaytodothisistoincreasethenumber ofmétiswomenindecisionmakingroles. SupportinnovativebusinessmodelsthatprovetobeagoodfitforMétiswomen entrepreneurs Newbusinessparadigmssuchascooperativesandsocialbusinessesmaybemore attractivetoand/orappropriateforwomenthanconventionalbusinessmodels.co opsmayworkespeciallywellforwomenwhoareselfemployedasartisans. Streamlinedaccesstobusinessandentrepreneurialinformationandservices,such asadirectoryofmanagement/businessservicesandsupports,aresourceguideand handbookonbusinessmanagement,orregularbusinesscolumnsinpublications thatmétiswomenarelikelytoread,aswellasonlineaccesstoaftercareservices andsupportsandamétiswomenentrepreneur shotline,throughwhichwomen canconnectwithadvisorsandgatherinformation,willhelpentrepreneursensure thattheyhavetheinformationtheyneedtooperatetheirbusinesseseffectively. Entrepreneurs accesstoongoingopportunitiesforrelevanttrainingshouldbe enhanced.thisincludesbothpostsecondaryprogramsandshorttermlearning opportunitiessuchasconferences,seminars,andwebinars. Tomanagetheirbusinessesefficientlyandcompetitively,entrepreneursneedto ensuretheirskillsarecurrent.enhancingaccesstocontinuingeducation,particularly initrelatedareassuchasonlinemarketing,willhelpsupportentrepreneurial successformétiswomen. Participantsproposedtheestablishmentofarangeofnetworkingandmentorship activitiesformétiswomenentrepreneurs. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship32

33 AformalpeersupportnetworkforMétiswomenentrepreneurswouldprovidea forumthroughwhichwomenwouldbeabletoconnect,shareexperiences,learn fromeachotherabouteffectivebusinesspracticesorstrategiestomanage challengestheymightencounterasentrepreneurs,andbuildconfidenceintheir ownentrepreneurialabilities.thenetworkcouldbeusedtoorganizeworkshops, conferencesandotherformalandinformalpeerlearningopportunities. Governmentcouldalsoactivelysupportmentorshipactivitiesby,forexample, offeringtaxbreakstowomenbusinessleaderswhomentornewentrepreneurs. Webbasednetworkingandmentorshipactivities(includingblogsorconferences andworkshopswherewomencouldacquireskillsandtoolsforsuccesscould significantlyextendthereachofactivitiesinthisarea. Youthshouldhavemoreopportunitiestolearnaboutandparticipatein entrepreneurialopportunities.thisincludeseducatingyouth(inhighschooland othersettingsaboutwhatisinvolvedinstartingabusinessandtherangeof businessopportunitiesavailabletothem. Enhanceaccesstoaffordable,highqualitychildcare Governmentshouldoffertrainingontheprocurementsystemandestablishset asidesandotherformalprocurementpracticestosupportbusinessopportunitiesfor Métiswomenentrepreneurs. Similarly,theprivatesectorshouldmakeanefforttoinformMétiswomen entrepreneursofexistingopportunitiesin,forexample,spinoffindustriesfromthe resourceandenergydevelopmentsectors. GovernmentshouldworkwithMétisorganizationstogathermoreevidenceand informationontheexperiencesandneedsofmétiswomenentrepreneurs.this includesresearchthatexplorestrendsinmétiswomen sentrepreneurialactivities, examiningthelevelandnatureofmétiswomen sparticipationinvariousbusiness supportprograms,anddistinguishingtheneedsofruralandurbanentrepreneurs. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 33

34 2.2 REFERENCESFORITERATUREREVIEW Theaboveinformationiscitedfromthefollowingsources: AboriginalBusinessOwnersGrowinginNumbers,BusinessesExperiencingGrowthand Profitability,April5, AboriginalEntrepreneursinCanada:ProgressandProspects,MicroEconomicPolicyAnalysis BranchandAboriginalBusinessCanada. AboriginalEntrepreneursSurvey2002,TheDaily,Monday,September,StatisticCanada27, AboriginalabourForceAnalysisSeries,AboriginalPeopleandtheabourMarket:Estimates fromtheabourforcesurvey, ,jeannineusalcas,abourstatisticsdivision,statistics Canada. AboriginalPeopleinCanada,June11,2009,TDEconomics. AboriginalPeople ssurvey,statisticscanada. bin/imdb/p2sv.pl?function=getsurvey&sdds=3250&lang=en&db=imdb&adm=8&dis=2 AboriginalWomen scommunityeconomicdevelopment:measuringandpromotingsuccess, IsobelM.FindlayandWandaWuttunee,InstituteForResearchinPublicPolicyChoices,Vol.13, no.4,august2007. AboriginalWomen'sEntrepreneurship:KeyIssues,NewsReleaseBackgrounder,October13, 2010,AboriginalAffairsandNorthernDevelopmentCanada. aandc.gc.ca/eng/ BCAboriginalEntrepreneurs:AGrowingForce,BCAboriginalSmallBusinessProfile,Aboriginal BusinessServiceNetworkB.C. BCAESProfile.pdf ClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund,AnnualReport2010. CommunityandCommerce:ASurveyofAboriginalEconomicDevelopmentCorporations,2011, CanadianCouncilforAboriginalBusiness. EstimatingtheSizeoftheAboriginalMarketinCanada,June17,2011,TDEconomics. FinancingSMEsinCanada:BarriersFacedbyWomen,Youth,AboriginalandMinority EntrepreneursinAccessingCapital,Phase1iteratureReview,WomenEntrepreneurs. FirstNations,MétisandInuitWomen,VivianO'DonnellandSusanWallace,StatisticsCanada, July2011. GovernmentofCanadaSupportsAboriginalWomen'sEntrepreneurship,NewsReleaseRef.#2 3416,October13,2010,AboriginalAffairsandNorthernDevelopmentCanada. JourneytoSuccess:AboriginalWomen sbusinessplanningguide,maryjamieson,native StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship34

35 ManagementServices. text/ecd_pubs_js_js_ _eng.pdf MEDSIISideEventAgenda:FacilitatedPolicyDialogueSessiononWomenEntrepreneurship, January20,2010,DeltaHotel,Vancouver,BC. PopulationProjectionsbyAboriginalIdentityinCanada2006to2031,StatisticsCanada DemographyDivision. PromiseandProsperity:TheAboriginalBusinessSurvey2011,CanadianCouncilforAboriginal Business. NumbersonAboriginalEntrepreneursinAlberta,AlbertaVenture. SharingCanada sprosperity AHandUp,NotaHandout,FinalReport,SpecialStudyonthe InvolvementofAboriginalCommunitiesandBusinessesinEconomicDevelopmentActivitiesin Canada,StandingSenateCommitteeonAboriginalPeoples,March StateofAboriginalsEntrepreneurs,CanadianCouncilforAboriginalBusiness. TheStateofEntrepreneurshipinCanada,February2010,IndustryCanada StrengtheningEntrepreneurshipamongMétisWomen(DiscussionPaper,SubmittedtoKyle ambier,policyanalyst,officeofthefederalinterlocutorformétisandnonstatusindians, March2011,AMRPlanningandConsulting. SuccessFactorsofAboriginalWomenEntrepreneurs:AStudyofMohawkCommunityinCanada, TerriR.ituchy,MarthaA.Reavley,Elenavina,andRonaldJ.Abraira,InternationalJournalof EntrepreneurshipandSmallBusiness2006Vol.3,No.6,pp =&ps=10&m=or SustainingtheMomentum:AnEconomicForumonWomenEntrepreneurs SummaryReport FactsaboutWomenownedFirms,IndustryCanadaSmallBusinessResearchandStatistics. TowardaNewFederalFrameworkforAboriginalEconomicDevelopment,DiscussionGuide, MinisterofIndianAffairsandNorthernDevelopmentandFederalInterlocutorforMétisand NonStatusIndians,Ottawa,2008. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 35

36 ABORIGINABUSINESSSURVEY:RESUTSFORMÉTISWOMEN ENTREPRENEURS In2011,theCanadianCouncilforAboriginalBusiness(CCAB,inPartnershipwiththe EnvironicsResearchGroup,producedthestudyPromiseandProsperity TheAboriginal BusinessSurvey.PrevioustotheCCABsurvey,thelastcomprehensivestudyof AboriginalbusinesseshadbeenconductedbyStatisticsCanadaandAboriginalBusiness Canadain2002.TheCCABreportsthatit embarkeduponthe2011aboriginalbusiness Survey(ABStoaddressthisknowledgegapandcontributetotheunderstandingofthe opportunitiesandchallengesfacedbyaboriginalbusinesses. TheABSisatimelyexplorationofthisgrowingbusinesscommunity.Ourresearch seekstodeepenourunderstandingofprivatelyownedaboriginalbusinesses, theirgoalsandstrategies,andtoidentifythekeyfactorsthatcontributeto growth. TheCCAB sgoalistowidelycommunicatetheresearchfindings,sotheycanbe usedbyaboriginalpeople,businessesandcommunities,aswellasbythe mainstreambusinesscommunityandgovernments,todevelopnewtoolsand practicesthatfullyrealizethepotentialofaboriginalsmallbusinessincanada. The2011ABSprovidesbothdemographicinformation,aswellasinsightsinto corporategovernance,markets,competitiveadvantageandsizeofbusiness (includingnumberofemployeesandthenumberofaboriginalemployees.the researchalsoexaminestrendsinbusinessgrowth(profitability,businessincome growth,financing,andobstaclestogrowth,useofprivatecapitalandgovernment programsandaboriginalbusinessowners perceptionsoffederalgovernment ProcurementStrategyforAboriginalBusiness(PSABcriteria. Theresultsofthe2011ABSarebasedonatelephonesurveyconductedwitha representativesampleof1,095selfidentifiedfirstnations(onandoffreserve,métis andinuitsmallbusinessowners(definedasthosewith100employeesorlessbetween September10andNovember19,2010.EnvironicsResearchGroup,oneofCanada s leadingpublicopinionresearchfirms,conductedtheresearch.thefullreportis availableonlineatwww.ccab.com/uploads/file/ccabbusinessurveyf2singles.pdf. Asthe2011ABSreportdidnotseparatetheresultsforMétiswomenentrepreneurs, CCABandEnvironicswereapproachedtoobtaintheMétiswomenspecificanswersfor thisstudy.environicsprovidedtheresponsestothesurveyquestionsbymetis respondents,includingthe191métiswomenrespondents.thefulldatatablesare providedasanappendixtothisreport. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship36

37 Asetoftablesthatmaketheinformationmoreaccessibletoreaderswasproducedby theconsultantandisincludedbelow.asummaryofkeyresultsisalsoprovidedinthis section. KeyRelevantFindings Theresponsestothe2011ABSsurveyby191Métiswomenentrepreneurswere reviewedtoobtaininformationrelevanttothisstudy.inmostcases,theresultsofthe MétiswomenarecomparedtotheresponsestoMétismen.Thefollowingarethekey findings: SimilarnumbersofMétismenandwomenhadacollegeeducation,butmoreofthe womenrespondents(11%haduniversitydegreesthanmen(5%. Morewomen(39%hadformalbusinesstrainingthanmen(20%;however,halfof womenhadtraininginbusinessplanningcomparedto67%ofmen. Just30%ofthefemaleentrepreneurshademployees,comparedto53%ofthemen. 58%ofwomenoperatedassoleproprietors,comparedto41%ofmen;27%of womenincorporatedtheirbusiness,comparedto47%ofmen. 67%ofwomenoperateintheservicesector,comparedto37%ofmen. Themainreasonwhywomenstartedtheirbusinesswastobetheirownboss(ora similarreason(27%orbecauseofamarketopportunity(20%.only5%ofwomen startedabusinessprimarilytomakemoney,comparedto12%ofmen. Communityservicewasamoreimportantbusinessobjectiveforwomen(61%than men(54%. Mostwomen(90%feltatleastsomewhatsuccessfulintheirbusiness. Beingincontrolwasconsideredthegreatestadvantageofbeinginbusinessby57% ofwomen,comparedto43%ofmen. Financingandcashissuesareconsideredadisadvantageorchallengetobeingin businessformorewomen(49%thanmen(38%. 69%ofthewomen sbusinessesoperatefromhome. Fewerwomen(79%findtheirbusinessoperatesinahighlycompetitiveindustry thanmen(91%. Onthosebusinessesthathaveemployees,fewerwomen(48%providedthemwith trainingthanmen(70%. Only29%ofwomenhadabusinessplaninplaceinthepastyear. Women(60%aremorelikelytousemedialikewebsites,Facebookandthe internet/ intheirbusinessesthanmen(38%.themainpurposeisforsales andmarketing(84%. Grosssalesincreasedforfewerwomen(32%thanmen(47%overthelastyear. Accesstofinancingisconsideredanobstacletobusinessgrowthbywomen(61% comparedtomen(39%. Accesstolabourwaslessanobstacletobusinessgrowthforwomen(25%thanmen (36%. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 37

38 Netprofitbeforetaxesinthemostrecentfiscalyearwasunder$30,000for41%of women(and30%ofmenandover$50,000for28%ofwomen(41%formen.for 20%ofwomenitwasunder$10,000;another24%didnotknowwhattheirnet profitwas.for18%ofwomen,profitwas$90,000ormore(25%formen. Personalsavingswasthemainsourceofstartupfinancingforwomen(58%and men(52%,followedbybanks(16%forwomenand22%formen;government programsprovidedthemainsourceoffinancingfor17%ofbothmenandwomen; AFIswerethemainsourcefor8%ofwomenand12%ofmen. Morewomen(44%perceivebarrierstoaccessingcapitalthanmen(38%.ackof collateralisamoreimportantbarriertoobtainingcapitalforwomen(10%than men(6%.creditratingwasamajorbarrierfor10%ofwomenand5%ofmen. Just8%ofwomenhavereceivedbusinessgrantsinthelastyearcomparedto18%of men. Morewomen(26%reportedreceivingbusinessadvicefromaboriginalandother businessdevelopmentorganizationsthandidmen(13%. Morethantwiceasmanywomen(23%wouldliketohaveaccesstomentoringthan men(10%,butdonothaveit. Fewerwomen(23%feltencouragedintheperformanceoftheirbusinessbybanks thanmen(33%orcreditunions(women12%andmen17%.morewomen(35% feltencouragedbyaboriginalgovernmentsthanmen(26%. FewwomenusedgovernmentprogramsorAFIstosupporttheirbusiness.The largestcontributorwasabc(for9%ofwomen.reasonprogramswerenotused werelackofawareness(26%;paperworkandredtape(19%;donotneedthem(9% ofwomen,18%ofmen;wanttobeindependent(14%ofwomen,13%ofmen;do notqualify(11%ofwomenandmen;noprogramordifficulttoaccess(8%of womenand7%ofmen;andapplicationturneddown(7%ofwomenand2%of men. Veryfewwomen(18%havebidonagovernmentcontract. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship38

39 ABSMÉTISRESPONDENTTABES QA.Age Male Female TOTA Under35 10% 6% 35to44 26% 27% 45to54 28% 39% % 21% DK/NA 4% 7% QB.Whatisthehighestlevelofeducationthatyouhavereached? Male Female TOTA Someelementary(Grades1^6 4% Completedelementary(Grade7or8 3% 1% Somehighschool(Grades9^11 24% 19% Completedhighschool(Grades12or13orOAC 11% 12% Somecommunitycollege,vocational,trade 5% 8% school(orsomecegep Completedcommunitycollege,vocational,trade 38% 37% school(orcompletecegep Someuniversity(nodegree 10% 12% Completeduniversity(Bachelor sdegree 2% 6% Postgraduate/professionalschool(Master s 3% 5% Degree,Ph.D.,etc. DK/NA 0% QC.Didyoutakeanybusinesstrainingcoursesatthecollegeor universitylevel? Male Female TOTA Yes 20% 39% No 78% 61% DK/NA 2% 1% QD.Whichofthefollowingcoursesdidyoutake? Subsample:Thosewhotakeanybusinesstrainingcoursesatthecollege oruniversitylevel Male Female TOTA Managementpractices 71% 54% Accounting 57% 63% Developingabusinessplan 67% 51% Marketing 61% 49% Businessadministration 57% 48% Finance 49% 44% Startingabusiness 48% 45% Economics 48% 29% Apprenticeship 18% 7% Noneoftheabove 1% 4% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 39

40 Q2A.Howmanybusinessesdoyouown? Male Female TOTA % 88% 2 17% 8% 3 6% 3% 4 1% 0% 5 0% Q2B.Doyouhaveanyemployeesotherthanyourself? Male Female TOTA Yes 53% 30% No 47% 70% Q3.Isthebusinessa? Male Female TOTA Soleproprietorship 41% 58% Incorporatedunderafederalorprovincial 47% 27% charter Partnership 11% 15% DK/NA 1% 1% Q6.Inwhatindustryorsectordoesyourbusinessoperate? Male Female TOTA NET:SERVICE 37% 67% Professional,ScientificandTechnicalServices 12% 8% (e.g.legal,accounting,advertising AccommodationandFoodServices 3% 17% Arts,EntertainmentandRecreation 4% 13% InformationandCulturalIndustries(e.g. 5% 8% publishing,broadcasting,internet EducationalServices 2% 5% AdministrativeandSupport,Waste 3% 2% ManagementandRemediationServices HealthCareandSocialAssistance 1% 3% RealEstateandRentalandeasing 2% 1% FinanceandInsurance 1% 4% ManagementofCompaniesandEnterprises 1% 3% OtherServices 3% 5% TOTA NET:SECONDARY 23% 24% Manufacturing 10% 6% RetailTrade 4% 12% TransportationandWarehousing 7% 5% WholesaleTrade 2% 0% NET:CONSTRUCTION 25% 6% Construction 25% 6% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship40

41 NET:AGRICUTURE 14% 4% Agriculture,Forestry,FishingandHunting 8% 3% MiningandOilandGasExtraction 6% 1% NET:OTHER 2% Utilities 2% Q7.Inwhatyeardidyouestablishyourbusiness? Male Female TOTA Priorto % 29% 1995^ % 26% 2005^ % 45% DK/NA 2% Q8.Whatisthemainreasonwhyyoudecidedtostartyourownbusiness?First mentioned: Male Female TOTA Tobeself^employed/myown 21% 27% boss/entrepreneurship/entrepreneurialvision Identifymarketopportunity/needs 16% 20% Financial/makemoney/income/goodliving 12% 5% Independence/freedom/creativecontrol 9% 8% Enjoymyjob/useofskills/natureofmywork 9% 4% Dislike/tiredofworkingforothers/previousjob 8% 4% Havepreviouseducation/businessexp./startednewone 6% 7% Unemployed/retired/disabledandneededajob 6% 6% Better/moresupportforfamily/Havemoretime/stayhome 3% 3% Familybusiness/purchased/tookoverfromfamily 3% 3% Hobby/somethingtodo/change/challenge 3% 1% Acquiredbusinessfrompreviousowners[non^family] 1% 1% Createemploymentforothers/Aboriginalcommunities 1% 1% Helppeople/givebacktocommunity/FirstNations 2% Other 2% 8% Q8.Whatisthemainreasonwhyyoudecidedtostartyourownbusiness?All Mentioned: Male Female TOTA Tobeself^employed/myown 31% 30% boss/entrepreneurship/entrepreneurialvision Identifymarketopportunity/needs 21% 24% Financial/makemoney/income/goodliving 21% 9% Independence/freedom/creativecontrol 14% 18% Enjoymyjob/useofskills/natureofmywork 15% 14% Dislike/tiredofworkingforothers/previousjob 9% 8% Havepreviouseducation/businessexp./startednewone 8% 8% Better/moresupportforfamily/Havemoretime/stayhome 7% 8% Unemployed/retired/disabledandneededajob 6% 6% Hobby/somethingtodo/change/challenge 5% 1% Familybusiness/purchased/tookoverfromfamily 3% 5% Createemploymentforothers/Aboriginalcommunities 3% 2% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 41

42 Helppeople/givebacktocommunity/FirstNations 1% 3% Acquiredbusinessfrompreviousowners[non^family] 1% 1% Other 4% 10% Q9.Basedonyourownpersonalobjectivesforyourbusiness,howsuccessfuldoyou feelyourbusinesshasbeentodate? Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 52% 54% Extremelysuccessful 11% 14% Verysuccessful 41% 40% Somewhatsuccessful 39% 36% Notverysuccessful 5% 5% Notatallsuccessful 1% 3% BOTTOM2BOX 6% 9% DK/NA 3% 1% Q10.Whydoyoufeelthisway? Male Female TOTA NET:POSITIVE 66% 53% NET:Profit/Growth 25% 20% Profit/sales/revenue 18% 14% Growth/expansion 11% 9% NET:rewardingwork 21% 16% Personalmeasureofsuccess 21% 14% Ienjoythework/it'srewarding 1% 2% Haveagoodclientbase/contacts/steadywork 16% 11% Stilloperating/inbusiness/beenaroundforawhile 10% 11% NET:provideforothers 7% 8% Beingabletoprovideemploymentforothers 4% 4% Givetothecommunity/makeadifference 3% 4% Goodreputation/recognition 3% 5% Wefillaniche 1% 2% Canhandlethecompetition 1% 2% Wehavealargecompany/bigclients/nationwide 2% 0% ow/nodebts 1% 0% Plentyofopportunity/goodeconomy 1% NET:NEGATIVE 29% 43% Pooreconomy/market 10% 7% Havingdifficultieswithmarketing 1% 14% ack/losingbusiness/customers 4% 3% Competition 3% 3% ackofcapital/financing 2% 5% ack/slowgrowth 2% 4% ack/lowprofit 2% 4% NotassuccessfulasI'dhoped 2% 1% We'restillverysmall/settingup/I'mbymyself 2% Seasonal/tourismwork 4% Poorlocation 1% 2% NoFirstNations/Métissupport 1% 1% Onlydoitparttime/it'sahobby 3% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship42

43 Havenotcompletedmygoals 1% 1% Staffingproblems 1% 0% Stillneedswork 0% 1% Equipmentdifficulties 1% Gettingtired/boredofit/nomotivation 1% Healthreasons 1% ackofconsistency 0% Highworkload/can'tkeepup 1% Needmorework 0% ackofsupport 0% Other 6% 4% DK/NA 3% 3% Q11A.Pleaseratetheimportanceofeachofthefollowingobjectives foryourbusinessoverthecomingyear? a.profitability Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 78% 76% 5^Veryimportant 58% 49% 4 20% 27% 3 18% 18% 2 3% 4% 1^Notimportantatall 2% BOTTOM2BOXES 5% 4% DK/NA 0% 2% b.growth Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 56% 65% 5^Veryimportant 37% 39% 4 18% 26% 3 30% 21% 2 6% 6% 1^Notimportantatall 7% 5% BOTTOM2BOX 13% 11% DK/NA 1% 3% c.stability Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 80% 87% 5^Veryimportant 59% 57% 4 21% 30% 3 14% 12% 2 4% 1% 1^Notimportantatall 2% BOTTOM2BOX 6% 1% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 43

44 d.personaland/orfamilyemployment Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 65% 67% 5^Veryimportant 43% 55% 4 21% 12% 3 18% 17% 2 7% 5% 1^Notimportantatall 10% 10% BOTTOM2BOX 17% 15% DK/NA 0% 1% e.communityemployment Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 53% 48% 5^Veryimportant 34% 26% 4 19% 22% 3 18% 21% 2 12% 10% 1^Notimportantatall 15% 17% BOTTOM2BOX 27% 26% DK/NA 2% 4% f.communityservice Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 54% 61% 5^Veryimportant 29% 42% 4 26% 19% 3 26% 22% 2 10% 7% 1^Notimportantatall 8% 7% BOTTOM2BOX 19% 14% DK/NA 1% 3% Q12.Wouldyousayarethegreatestadvantagesorbenefitsofbeingasmallbusiness owner? Male Female TOTA NET:Incontrol 43% 57% Beingownboss/don tanswertoanyone 24% 28% Makealldecisions/creativecontrol 12% 24% Controlmyowndestiny/life/career 14% 15% NET:Independence/Freedom 22% 36% Freedom/dowhatIwant 13% 16% Independence/autonomy/don trelyonothers 9% 20% Setownschedule/hours 21% 34% NET:Makemore/Taxbreaks 19% 15% Makemore/control 15% 14% money/profit/income/revenue Taxes/breaks/benefits/write^offs 5% 0% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship44

45 Senseofachievement/fulfillment/pride 12% 14% NET:Beingapartofthecommunity 9% 7% Helpingpeople/family/givingbacktothe 9% 7% community Wellknown/getrespect/beingpartofthe 0% community Flexibility[Unspec.] 2% 4% Tobeathome/businessathome/closetohome 1% 2% Abletoprovideuniquepersonalized/goodservice 2% Easieroperationtomanage/lessemployees 1% Buildingrelationship/interaction/meetingnew 0% 0% peoples Other 4% 4% None/Nothing 2% DK/NA 9% 2% Q13.Whatarethegreatestdisadvantagesorchallengesofbeingasmallbusiness owner? Male Female TOTA Financing/cashflow/budgets/payroll 38% 49% otsofresponsibility/stress/risk 23% 19% onghours/timeoffislimited 21% 21% Dealingwithregulations/governments/bureaucrats 15% 12% Employeeissues(e.g.recruiting,managing,retaining 14% 8% Competingwithlargerbusinesses 9% 9% Finding/maintainingclientele/lackofwork 7% 7% Businessdevelopment/support/instability 4% 7% Marketing/advertisingofservices/products 2% 10% Taxes 5% 5% ackofpensions/benefits 1% 6% ackofeducation/experience 3% 1% Dealingwithaccesstosupplies/goods 1% 3% Poorlocation/isolation/needmorespace 0% 3% Dealingwithstereotypes/criticism 0% 0% Weatherfactors 0% Other 1% None/Nothing 0% 1% DK/NA 3% 3% Q14.Thinkingahead,howlikelyisitthatinfiveyearstimeyouwillstill berunningthisbusiness?isit? Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 89% 88% Verylikely 75% 67% Somewhatlikely 14% 21% Notverylikely 4% 5% Notatalllikely 5% 6% BOTTOM2BOX 9% 12% DK/NA 2% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 45

46 Q15.Doesthisbusinesscurrentlyoperatefromyourhome(IFA PARTNERSHIP:orfromthehomeofanotherbusinessowner? Male Female TOTA Yes 63% 69% No 36% 31% Q17.Howdidyoudecidewhereyourbusinessshouldbelocated? Male Female TOTA Nearfamily/inmycommunity/thisiswhereI 53% 50% live Neartocustomers/market/visibility 19% 24% Affordabilityofleasing/purchasingrealestate 15% 15% Acquiredexistingbusiness/alreadyestablished 7% 3% location Neartoreadily^availablelabour/sourceof 4% 3% employees Availabilityofspace/location 1% 5% Alreadyownland/familyproperty/operations 2% 1% Personalchoice/outofnecessity 2% 1% ocatedon^reservefortaxbenefits 2% Mybusinessislocated/operatedeverywhere 1% 2% Neartosimilarbusinesses 1% 1% Other 0% 2% DK/NA 3% 5% Q18.Inwhichofthefollowingplacesdoesyourbusinesshaveclients? Male Female TOTA Withinyourlocalcommunity 84% 81% Inotherpartsofyourprovinceorterritory 74% 84% InotherprovincesorterritorieswithinCanada 51% 59% IntheU.S. 21% 28% IncountriesotherthanCanadaandtheU.S. 15% 20% Noneoftheabove 2% 1% Q19.Inthepastyear,didyousupplygoodsorservicestoanyofthe following? Male Female TOTA Privatesectorbusinesses 82% 70% Consumers 70% 73% Provincialgovernmentdepartments,agenciesor 42% 37% Crowncorporations Municipalgovernments 41% 28% Aboriginalgovernments 36% 34% Federalgovernmentdepartments,agenciesor 33% 36% Crowncorporations Noneoftheabove 7% 13% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship46

47 Q20.Howcompetitiveistheindustryinwhichyourbusinessoperates? Wouldyousay? Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 91% 79% Highlycompetitive 59% 49% Moderatelycompetitive 32% 30% Slightlycompetitive 7% 11% Notcompetitive 2% 6% BOTTOM2BOX 9% 17% DK/NA 4% Q21.Whatdoyouregardasyourcompetitiveadvantageinyour industry? Male Female TOTA Highqualityproduct/service 38% 42% Myexperience/knowledge/reputation 23% 16% Strongrelationshipwithclients 8% 9% Cheaper/offercompetitivepricing 8% 7% IdentifiedasanAboriginalbusiness 6% 10% Offerbettervalue 5% 9% ocationofindustry/proximity 6% 6% Smallbusinessismoreflexible/quickerto 8% 1% adapt Unique/rare/onlyone 3% 7% Useoftechnologytoimproveprocesses 6% 0% Greatestmarketshare 2% 3% UseofInternet/socialmediaformarketing 0% Other 2% 1% None/Nothing 3% 3% DK/NA 6% 13% Q22A.Excludingyourself,howmanyemployeesdoesyourbusiness currentlyhavewhoare? Permanentfulltimeemployees (SUBSAMPE:Thosewhohaveemployees Male Female TOTA None 13% 30% 1 16% 22% 2 14% 11% 3 8% 6% 4 11% 7% 5 7% 9% 6^10 14% 4% 11^25 11% 10% 26+ 5% 1% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 47

48 Q22B.Excludingyourself,howmanyemployeesdoesyourbusiness currentlyhavewhoare? Permanentparttimeemployees (SUBSAMPE:Thosewhohaveemployees Male Female TOTA None 39% 32% 1 17% 28% 2 16% 14% 3 2% 10% 4 7% 6% 5 4% 5% 6^10 6% 1% 11^25 3% 4% 26+ 5% DK/NA 1% Q22C.Excludingyourself,howmanyemployeesdoesyourbusiness currentlyhavewhoare? Casualortemporaryemployees SUBSAMPE:Thosewhohaveemployees Male Female TOTA None 55% 54% 1 14% 15% 2 11% 11% 3 5% 1% 4 3% 5 5% 9% 6^10 5% 7% 11^25 2% 1% 26+ 0% 1% DK/NA 1% Q22.Excludingyourself,howmanyemployeesdoesyourbusiness currentlyhavewhoare? Totalemployees SUBSAMPE:Thosewhohaveemployees Male Female TOTA None 2% 4% 1 6% 15% 2 9% 14% 3 7% 14% 4 13% 7% 5 5% 11% 6^10 24% 14% 11^25 20% 16% 26^50 8% 4% 51+ 5% 2% DK/NA 2% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship48

49 Q23A.Howmanyofyourpermanentfull^timeemployeesare Aboriginal? Subsample:Thosewhohavepermanentfulltimeemployees Male Female TOTA None 21% 35% 1 21% 33% 2 22% 5% 3 8% 9% 4 9% 9% 5 6% 6^10 9% 2% 11^25 4% 5% 26+ 0% 2% DK/NA 0% Q23B.Howmanyofyourpermanentpart^timeemployeesare Aboriginal? Subsample:Thosewhohavepermanentparttimeemployees Male Female TOTA None 28% 31% 1 20% 42% 2 18% 5% 3 5% 2% 4 7% 13% 5 6% 6^10 8% 7% 26+ 5% DK/NA 2% Q23C.Howmanyofyourcasualortemporaryemployeesare Aboriginal? Subsample:Thosewhohavecasualortemporaryemployees Male Female TOTA None 21% 41% 1 32% 22% 2 12% 27% 3 16% 8% 4 9% 5 1% 0% 6^10 3% 11^25 2% 26+ 1% 3% DK/NA 3% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 49

50 Q24.Didyourbusinesssupportorprovidetrainingoreducationforits employeesinthepastyear? SUBSAMPE:Thosewhohaveemployees Male Female TOTA UNWEIGHTEDTOTA Yes 70% 48% No 30% 51% DK/NA 1% Q25.Didyourbusinesshaveawrittenbusinessplaninplaceforthe pastyear? Male Female TOTA Yes 30% 29% No 70% 71% Q26.Didthebusinessplaninclude? Subsample:Thosewhohaveawrittenbusinessplaninplaceforthepast year Male Female TOTA Amarketingplan 80% 94% Afinancialplan 85% 81% Aproductdevelopmentplan 49% 50% Ahumanresourcesplan 48% 46% Noneoftheabove 3% 3% Q27.Iwouldnowliketoaskyouaboutinnovationwithinyour business.inthepastthreeyears,didyourbusiness? Male Female TOTA NetAny 53% 55% NetBoth 31% 28% Introduceanynewproductsorservices 46% 50% Introduceanynewprocesses 38% 33% NetNone 47% 45% Q28.Which,ifany,socialmediatoolsdoyouuseinyourbusiness? Male Female TOTA Companywebsite 14% 27% SocialnetworkslikeFacebook 11% 20% Internet[variouswebsites]/e^mail 13% 13% Media[TV/Radio/newspaper/advertising] 11% 6% MicroblogslikeTwitter 3% 2% PhotoorvideosharingsiteslikeYouTubeand 2% 3% Flickr Wordofmouth 3% 1% Telephone/cellphone/PDA/fax 2% 2% Haveownblog 1% 0% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship50

51 Instantmessaging 1% SMS/textmessagingtoyourcellphone 0% Other 5% 1% Idon tusesocialmedia 26% 21% None/Nothing 17% 13% DK/NA 9% 7% Q29.Whatpurposesdoyouusethesesocialmediatoolsinyour business? Subsample:Thosewhousesocialmediatoolsintheirbusiness Male Female TOTA Sales/marketing 67% 84% Networking 16% 11% Findingcustomers 15% 10% Monitoringcustomerfeedback/experience 3% 6% Communication[unspec.] 4% 3% Research[unspec.] 0% 5% Hiring/trainingnewemployees 3% Buildinganonlinecommunity 2% Readindustry/expertblogs/publications 2% Competitiveintelligence/trackindustrytrends 2% Dailyoperations/activities/issues 1% Other 5% 1% None/Nothing 2% DK/NA 2% Q30.Between2009and2010,haveyourbusiness sgrosssales revenues? Male Female TOTA Increased 47% 32% Decreased 25% 27% Stayedthesame 26% 29% DK/NA 3% 11% Q31.Doyouexpectyourbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuestogrow withinthenexttwoyears? Male Female TOTA Yes 81% 74% No 15% 18% DK/NA 4% 8% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 51

52 Q32.Whatisthemainreasonwhyyoudonotexpectyourbusiness s grosssalesrevenuestogrow?isitbecause? Subsample:Thosewhodonotexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenues togrowwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA Barriers,suchasaccesstofinancingoreconomic 58% 43% conditions,makeitdifficulttogrowthebusiness Youarenotinterestedingrowingthebusiness 21% 54% Youarereluctanttotakeontherisksofgrowing 4% 3% thebusiness Other 8% DK/NA 8% Q33.Howdoyouexpecttoachievethisgrowth? Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA Byfindingnewcustomerswithinexisting 51% 55% markets Bysellingmoretoexistingcustomers 22% 20% Byexpandingintonewmarketsinotherparts 8% 12% ofcanada Byofferinganewproductorservice 10% 3% Byexpandingintoforeignmarkets 3% 8% Other 6% 2% DK/NA 2% 1% Q34A.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? a.accesstofinancing Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 39% 61% Agreatdeal 19% 43% 4 20% 19% 3 26% 14% 2 10% 9% Notatall 23% 14% BOTTOM2BOX 33% 23% DK/NA 1% 1% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship52

53 Q34B.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? b.costofborrowing Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 35% 47% Agreatdeal 17% 32% 4 19% 15% 3 25% 20% 2 12% 7% Notatall 27% 23% BOTTOM2BOX 39% 30% DK/NA 1% 3% Q34D.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? d.traderegulationsorexchangerate Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 18% 9% Agreatdeal 5% 3% 4 13% 6% 3 17% 13% 2 15% 14% Notatall 50% 61% BOTTOM2BOX 65% 76% DK/NA 0% 3% Q34E.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? e.competition Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 39% 36% Agreatdeal 18% 23% 4 21% 13% 3 34% 29% 2 14% 21% Notatall 14% 11% BOTTOM2BOX 27% 32% DK/NA 3% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 53

54 Q34F.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? f.availabilityofskilledlabour Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 36% 25% Agreatdeal 20% 20% 4 16% 6% 3 26% 25% 2 13% 17% Notatall 23% 31% BOTTOM2BOX 37% 47% DK/NA 1% 2% Q34G.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? g.costofdoingbusiness,suchasinputcosts Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 43% 41% Agreatdeal 18% 23% 4 25% 18% 3 33% 34% 2 8% 11% Notatall 16% 10% BOTTOM2BOX 24% 21% DK/NA 1% 4% Q34H.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? h.overalleconomicconditions Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 51% 54% Agreatdeal 28% 34% 4 23% 20% 3 30% 35% 2 9% 5% Notatall 10% 4% BOTTOM2BOX 19% 10% DK/NA 1% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship54

55 Q34I.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? i.governmentpolicy,rulesandregulations Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 39% 28% Agreatdeal 25% 15% 4 14% 13% 3 28% 20% 2 15% 20% Notatall 17% 29% BOTTOM2BOX 33% 49% DK/NA 0% 4% Q34J.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesin growingyourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? j.infrastructuresuchasinternetaccess,telephone,electricity,waterand roads Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA UNWEIGHTEDTOTA TOP2BOX 39% 34% Agreatdeal 19% 23% 4 20% 10% 3 17% 18% 2 10% 14% Notatall 34% 32% BOTTOM2BOX 44% 46% DK/NA 0% 2% Q34.Towhatextentdoanyofthefollowingpresentobstaclesingrowing yourbusinessoverthenexttwoyears? SummaryTables:Top2Box Subsample:Thosewhodoexpecttheirbusiness sgrosssalesrevenuesto growwithinthenexttwoyears Male Female TOTA Overalleconomicconditions 51% 54% Accesstofinancing 39% 61% Costofdoingbusiness,suchas 43% 41% inputcosts Accesstoequityorcapital 40% 43% Costofborrowing 35% 47% Competition 39% 36% InfrastructuresuchasInternet 39% 34% access,telephone,electricity, waterandroads Governmentpolicy,rulesand 39% 28% regulations Availabilityofskilledlabour 36% 25% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 55

56 Traderegulationsorexchange 18% 9% rate Noneoftheabove 11% 13% Q36.Whatwasthebusiness snetprofitbeforetaxesforyourmost recentfiscalyear?wasit? Subsample:Thosewhosebusinessexperienceanetprofit Male Female TOTA essthan$10,000 6% 20% $10,000to$29,999 24% 21% $30,000to$49,999 13% 7% $50,000to$69,999 9% 6% $70,000to$89,999 7% 4% $90,000ormore 25% 18% DK/NA 16% 24% Q37.Whatwasthebusiness snetlossbeforetaxesforyourmost recentfiscalyear?wasit? Subsample:Thosewhosebusinessexperienceanetloss Male Female TOTA essthan$10,000 29% 48% $10,000to$29,999 10% 20% $30,000to$49,999 14% 7% $50,000to$69,999 19% 3% $70,000to$89,999 3% 5% $90,000ormore 9% DK/NA 16% 16% Q38.Doyouexpectyourbusinessincometogrowwithinthenexttwo years? Male Female TOTA Yes 81% 80% No 16% 15% DK/NA 3% 5% Q39.Towhatextentdidtherecentglobaleconomicrecessionhavean impactonyourbusiness?wouldyousayithada? Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 18% 11% Verypositiveimpact 7% 1% Somewhatpositiveimpact 11% 10% Noimpact 26% 27% Somewhatnegativeimpact 34% 30% Verynegativeimpact 20% 30% BOTTOM2BOX 55% 61% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship56

57 Q40.Whatadjustmentsdidyoumakeorwhatlessonsdidyoulearn,if any,asaresultoftheeconomicrecession? Subsample:Thosewhohaveanimpactofglobaleconomicrecessionon theirbusiness Male Female TOTA Moreaggressivebusinesspractices 19% 18% Monitorbottomline 14% 9% Savemoney 5% 3% Adjuststaff/hours 6% 1% Acceptslowgrowth 4% 3% Adjustprices 3% 4% Don'tborrowmoney/loans/gointodebt 4% 1% Nottorelyononesourceofincome/have 3% 1% anotherjob Peopledon'tspendasmuch 2% 0% Don'ttrustthegovernment 1% 1% Becomemoreaware 2% 0% Betterplanning 0% 2% Bettercustomerrelations 0% 2% Everyoneisaffected 1% Other 2% 4% None/Nothing 34% 38% DK/NA 7% 15% Q41.Whatwasthesourceoffinancingyouusedtostartupyour business?allmention: Male Female TOTA Personalsavings 52% 58% Businessloans/creditfromabank 22% 16% Creditfromothergovernmentprograms(INACor 17% 17% AboriginalBusinessCanada oansfromaboriginalbusinesslending 12% 8% institutions Personalloansfromabank,creditunionor 9% 10% caissespopulaire Businessloans/creditfromcreditunionsor 5% 2% caissespopulaires oansorequityfromfriends/family 4% 3% Personalcreditcards 2% 1% Nofinancing 2% Business/commercialcreditcards 2% Other 2% 2% DK/NA 6% 7% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 57

58 Q42A.Pleasetellmewhethereachofthefollowingsourcesoffinancing isvery/somewhat/notvery/ornotatallimportanttoyourbusinessat thepresenttime? a.retainedearnings Male Female TOTA UNWEIGHTEDTOTA TOP2BOX 79% 70% Veryimportant 55% 46% Somewhatimportant 24% 24% Notveryimportant 7% 1% Notatallimportant 7% 14% BOTTOM2BOX 14% 15% DK/NA 7% 15% Q42B.Pleasetellmewhethereachofthefollowingsourcesoffinancing isvery/somewhat/notvery/ornotatallimportanttoyourbusinessat thepresenttime? b.personalsavings Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 69% 72% Veryimportant 48% 51% Somewhatimportant 22% 21% Notveryimportant 9% 3% Notatallimportant 20% 18% BOTTOM2BOX 29% 21% DK/NA 2% 7% Q42C.Pleasetellmewhethereachofthefollowingsourcesoffinancing isvery/somewhat/notvery/ornotatallimportanttoyourbusinessat thepresenttime? c.businessloansorlinesofcreditfromfinancialinstitutions Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 68% 57% Veryimportant 45% 34% Somewhatimportant 23% 23% Notveryimportant 11% 14% Notatallimportant 18% 19% BOTTOM2BOX 28% 33% DK/NA 4% 10% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship58

59 Q42D.Pleasetellmewhethereachofthefollowingsourcesoffinancing isvery/somewhat/notvery/ornotatallimportanttoyourbusinessat thepresenttime? d.governmentgrantsandloans Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 47% 51% Veryimportant 35% 34% Somewhatimportant 12% 18% Notveryimportant 14% 11% Notatallimportant 31% 30% BOTTOM2BOX 46% 41% DK/NA 7% 8% Q42E.Pleasetellmewhethereachofthefollowingsourcesoffinancing isvery/somewhat/notvery/ornotatallimportanttoyourbusinessat thepresenttime? e.aboriginallendingagenciesandcapitalcorporations Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 54% 47% Veryimportant 42% 30% Somewhatimportant 12% 17% Notveryimportant 12% 12% Notatallimportant 27% 30% BOTTOM2BOX 39% 42% DK/NA 7% 11% Q42F.Pleasetellmewhethereachofthefollowingsourcesoffinancing isvery/somewhat/notvery/ornotatallimportanttoyourbusinessat thepresenttime? f.personalloansorlinesofcreditfromfinancialinstitutions Male Female TOTA TOP2BOX 58% 51% Veryimportant 32% 25% Somewhatimportant 26% 26% Notveryimportant 14% 18% Notatallimportant 25% 22% BOTTOM2BOX 39% 40% DK/NA 3% 9% Q43.Whatbarriers,ifany,restrictyouraccesstocapital? Male Female TOTA NET:Barriers 38% 44% Dealingwith 11% 6% regulations/governments/bureaucrats ackofcollateral 6% 10% Toomuchdebt/interest/poorcredit 5% 10% rating/history New/smallbusiness/highrisk 6% 6% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 59

60 Firmisnotprofitable 2% 5% Inaccessibilitytowardsinformation/lackof 3% 4% knowledge Timerestrictions/processislengthy 1% 3% Pooreconomicconditions/recession 2% Unabletouseassetsascollateralbecauseof 2% 1% section89oftheindianact BeingAboriginal/FirstNations 2% Financialinstitutionsnotlocatedwithinthe 1% 1% community Agerestrictions/tooold 1% Other 4% 3% None/nobarriers 48% 33% DK/NA 14% 23% Q44.Hasyourbusinessreceivedanygovernmentgrantsor contributionsinthepastfiveyears? Male Female TOTA Yes 18% 8% No 81% 90% DK/NA 1% 2% Q45.Arethereanyindividualsororganizationsthathavebeen particularlyimportantinprovidingyouwithguidanceoradviceabout yourbusiness? Male Female TOTA Aboriginalorganizations/council/funding 8% 14% Economicbusiness/development/associations 5% 12% Familymember/friend 7% 3% Government/program/organization 4% 7% AboriginalBusinessCanada 3% 6% Accountant 4% 4% Bank/creditunion/lendinggroup 1% 3% Mentor 1% 3% BusinessDevelopmentBankCanada 2% 1% awyer 1% 1% Elder 0% 1% Bookkeeper 1% Othersmallbusinessowner Aboriginal 2% Othersmallbusinessowner non^aboriginal 3% Othersmallbusinessowner^notspecified 4% 1% Other 4% 4% TOTA None/Nothing 30% 22% DK/NA 34% 39% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship60

61 Q46.Isthereanykindofguidanceoradvicethatyouwouldliketo havebutdon tcurrentlyhaveaccessto? Male Female TOTA UNWEIGHTEDTOTA Financialadvice/loansand 15% 14% funding/accounting Educational/businessmanagement 10% 23% mentoring Marketingguidance/currentmarket 4% 9% information Findingresources/informationassistance 6% 5% Governmentassistance[funding]/programs 3% 2% Computers/Internet/moderntechnology 3% 1% advice Advice[other/unspec.] 1% 1% Other 2% 4% None/Nothing 49% 34% DK/NA 14% 20% Q47B.Foreachofthefollowingorganizationsorgroups,pleasetellme whetheryoufeelithasencouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness,is notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness,orhasimpededthe performanceofyourbusiness? b.banks Male Female TOTA Encouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness 33% 23% Notrelevanttotheperformanceofyour 48% 52% business Impededtheperformanceofyourbusiness 15% 20% DK/NA 3% 5% Q47C.Foreachofthefollowingorganizationsorgroups,pleasetellme whetheryoufeelithasencouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness,is notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness,orhasimpededthe performanceofyourbusiness? c.creditunions Male Female TOTA Encouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness 17% 12% Notrelevanttotheperformanceofyour 70% 73% business Impededtheperformanceofyourbusiness 5% 10% DK/NA 8% 5% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 61

62 Q47D.Foreachofthefollowingorganizationsorgroups,pleasetellme whetheryoufeelithasencouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness,is notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness,orhasimpededthe performanceofyourbusiness? d.aboriginalgovernments Male Female TOTA Encouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness 26% 35% Notrelevanttotheperformanceofyour 60% 46% business Impededtheperformanceofyourbusiness 8% 13% DK/NA 7% 6% Q47E.Foreachofthefollowingorganizationsorgroups,pleasetellme whetheryoufeelithasencouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness,is notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness,orhasimpededthe performanceofyourbusiness? e.thefederalgovernment Male Female TOTA Encouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness 15% 13% Notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness 64% 64% Impededtheperformanceofyourbusiness 13% 20% DK/NA 7% 3% Q47F.Foreachofthefollowingorganizationsorgroups,pleasetellme whetheryoufeelithasencouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness,is notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness,orhasimpededthe performanceofyourbusiness? f.yourprovincialgovernment Male Female TOTA Encouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness 13% 15% Notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness 64% 65% Impededtheperformanceofyourbusiness 19% 18% DK/NA 4% 2% Q47G.Foreachofthefollowingorganizationsorgroups,pleasetellme whetheryoufeelithasencouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness,is notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness,orhasimpededthe performanceofyourbusiness? g.themunicipalgovernment Male Female TOTA Encouragedtheperformanceofyourbusiness 17% 9% Notrelevanttotheperformanceofyourbusiness 70% 73% Impededtheperformanceofyourbusiness 10% 15% DK/NA 3% 3% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship62

63 Q48.Whatgovernmentprograms,ifany,haveyouusedinthestart^up andmaintenanceofyourbusiness? Male Female TOTA AboriginalBusinessCanada(INAC 11% 9% Employment/Training/Apprenticeshipprograms 4% 2% (Various Small/startupbusinessloans/grantsfrom 2% 5% Government(Unspec. FirstNation/AboriginalOrganizations(Others 2% 2% Self^EmploymentProgram 2% BDCGrowthCapitalforAboriginalGrowth 1% 1% ClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund(CCDF 1% 0% CommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation 1% 0% (CFDC AboriginalBusinessDevelopmentFund 1% (Ulnowwegoan EconomicDevelopmentCorporations(Others 1% 0% Women'sEnterpriseCentre 1% ProcurementStrategyforAboriginalBusiness 0% 1% (PSAB CanadaSmallBusinessFinancingProgram 0% (IndustryCanada WaubetekBusinessDevelopmentCorporation 0% (WBDC Other 5% 5% None/Nothing 71% 74% DK/NA 2% 1% Q49.Whatisthemainreasonwhyyouhavenotusedanygovernment programs? Subsample:Thosewhohavenotusedanygovernmentprogramsinthe startupandmaintenanceoftheirbusiness Male Female TOTA Notawareofany 28% 26% Toomuchpaperwork/redtape 14% 19% Donotneedthem/haven'thadtheneedto/It 18% 9% hasnovaluetome Wanttobeindependent/Don twanttodepend 13% 14% ongovernment Donotqualify 11% 11% Noprogramsavailable/difficulttoaccess 7% 8% Appliedbutwasturneddown 2% 7% Nothingapplicabletomybusiness/nothing 5% worthwhile Highcost/fees/taxes/interest 2% 2% Noinformation/hardtosource/no 1% 3% guidance/support Juststarted/Ihaveasmallbusiness 1% 2% Education/notimetogetthe 0% knowledge/businessplancourses Nospecificreason 0% Other 3% 8% DK/NA 2% 2% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 63

64 Q50.HaveyoueverbidorconsideredbiddingonaGovernmentof Canadacontract? Male Female TOTA Yes,bid 23% 18% Yes,consideredbidding 28% 20% No,neither 46% 59% DK/NA 4% 4% Q51.WasthecontractaPSABsetaside,whichhelpsAboriginal businessesaccessfederalgovernmentprocurementopportunities? Subsample:ThosewhobidorconsideredbiddingonaGovernmentof Canadacontract Male Female TOTA Yes 34% 37% No 60% 52% DK/NA 6% 11% Q52.Doyouthinkthecurrentcriteriaareareasonablewaytoprovea businessisanaboriginalbusiness,orshouldthecriteriabechanged? Subsample:ThosewhosecontractwasaPSABsetaside Male Female TOTA UNWEIGHTEDTOTA Reasonable 61% 78% Shouldbechanged 29% 22% DK/NA 10% Q53.Inwhatwaydoyouthinkthecriteriashouldbechanged,and why? Subsample:Thosewhothinkcriteriashouldbechanged Male Female TOTA 17 6 NET:WHAT 70% 100% Criteriashouldbehigher/100%/majority 51% 42% Aboriginalowned/operated Moreopportunity/helpforsmallbusinesses 12% Moreenforcement/programsregardingwhois 0% 42% Aboriginal/FirstNationsandwhoisnot Amountofemployeesrequiredshouldbe 7% 58% lessened/ornotmatter/includingnon^aboriginal NET:WHY 32% 58% 33%factorisdifficult/hardtofind 28% 58% qualified/aboriginalemployees Manycompaniespretendingtobe 4% Aboriginal/moreaccessforthem Other 76% 12% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship64

65 Q53.Inwhatwaydoyouthinkthecriteriashouldbechanged,and why? Subsample:Thosewhoofferedawayinwhichthecriteriashouldbe changed Male Female TOTA 12 6 NET:WHAT 100% 100% Criteriashouldbehigher/100%/majority 73% 42% Aboriginalowned/operated Moreopportunity/helpforsmallbusinesses 17% Moreenforcement/programsregardingwhois 0% 42% Aboriginal/FirstNationsandwhoisnot Amountofemployeesrequiredshouldbe 9% 58% lessened/ornotmatter/includingnon^aboriginal NET:WHY 29% 58% 33%factorisdifficult/hardtofind 29% 58% qualified/aboriginalemployees Manycompaniespretendingtobe 0% Aboriginal/moreaccessforthem Other 71% 12% Q53.Inwhatwaydoyouthinkthecriteriashouldbechanged,and why? Subsample:Thosewhoofferedareasonwhythecriteriashouldbe changed Male Female TOTA 6 3 NET:WHAT 63% 100% Criteriashouldbehigher/100%/majority 38% Aboriginalowned/operated Moreopportunity/helpforsmallbusinesses 25% Moreenforcement/programsregardingwhois 0% Aboriginal/FirstNationsandwhoisnot Amountofemployeesrequiredshouldbe 0% 100% lessened/ornotmatter/includingnon^ Aboriginal NET:WHY 100% 100% 33%factorisdifficult/hardtofind 88% 100% qualified/aboriginalemployees Manycompaniespretendingtobe 12% Aboriginal/moreaccessforthem Other 37% 21% StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 65

66 3.0OVERVIEWOFTHEBUSINESSSUPPORTENVIRONMENTFOR MÉTISWOMEN Thefollowingisasurveyofthevariousbusinesssupportservicesthatareavailableto entrepreneursinthefivewesternmostprovinces.theservicesarecategorizedbyfocus, accordingtoprovince,whethertheyaremétis,femaleoraboriginalspecific,or availabletoall. ONTARIO Métis^specificServices MétisNationofOntario(MNO^BusinessResourceine Providesadvisory,supportandreferralservicestoMétisbusinesses. TotakeadvantageofMNO snewbusinessresourceinecontactpetersmithat MétisVoyageurDevelopmentFund(MVDF TheMVDFistheMNO seconomicdevelopmentsupportarmformétisentrepreneurs andbusinessesintheresourcesector.itprovides(orwillprovideafullcomplementof economicdevelopmentsupportsformétisentrepreneursandbusinessesinontario, including: Businessplanning,startupandadvisorysupports; Equityandcapitalinvestmentsforbusinessstartupsandexpansions; FacilitatingpartnershipsandjointventuresbetweenMétisentrepreneurs,Métis businessesandtheprivatesector; NetworkingopportunitiesforMétisentrepreneursandbusinesseswiththe privatesectorandotherrelevantstakeholders; ResearchanddatacollectiononMétisentrepreneurshipandbusiness developmentinontarioinordertoidentifyneeds,trendsandopportunities;and OtherinnovativeinitiativestosupportMétisentrepreneurshipandbusiness developmentinontario. Women^specificServices TheBusinessandProfessionalWomen'sClubofOntario Networkingwithwomenentrepreneursandprofessionalstoimproveeconomicand businessconditionsforwomen. CommunityMicroSkillsDevelopmentCentre Offersbusinesswomenaplacetobegintheirbusinessoperationandmeetandshare StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship66

67 ideaswithothers;providemeetingandofficespace,aswellasaccesstocomputers,the Internet,telephonesandbusinessresources.Thesesupportsareavailabletoallwomen entrepreneurs. AboriginalSupportServices WaubetekBusinessDevelopmentCorporation OhwisthaCapitalCorporation(OCC WakenagunCommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation TecumsehDevelopmentCorporation TwoRiversCommunityDevelopmentCentre(TRCDC IndianAgriculturalProgramofOntario(IAPO NishnawbeAskiDevelopmentFund(NADF GeneralSupportServices StartingaBusiness OntarioGovernmentResources StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 67

68 ServiceOntario ServiceOntarioprovidesavarietyofbusinesstools,supportsandservicesforOntario businesses,includinglicenses,permits,registrationformsandgrantinformation. SmallBusinessEnterpriseCentres(SBEC SmallBusinessEnterpriseCentresarededicatedtoprovidingtools,supportandservices tosmallbusinessthroughoutontario.therearenumerouslocationsacrossthe province. MANITOBA Métis^specificServices MétisNationGateway:EconomicDevelopmentPortal TheMétisNationEconomicDevelopmentportalprovidesaccesstoinformationon businesssupportresources,educationandtraining,andpartnershipdevelopment. ManitobaMétisFederation BusinessDevelopment =114 TheBusinessDevelopmentAdvisorwillassistMEDOinprovidingMetisbusinesspersons andentrepreneurswithaccesstoprogramming,servicesandpotentialfundingsources forstartuporexpansionofbusinessventures. TheouisRielCapitalCorporation(RCC TheouisRielCapitalCorporation(RCCisaManitobaMétisownedlendinginstitution createdtofinancethestartup,acquisitionand/orexpansionofviablemétisandnon StatusIndiancontrolledsmallbusinessesbasedinManitoba.RCChelpsMétisclients findbusinessinformation,identifyskillstrainingandprovidesaccesstofinancing.team membershaveextensivepracticalexperienceandbackgroundsinbusinessresearch, businessknowledge,andcommerciallending.rccprovidesbusinessoans,business DevelopmentandCounsellingSupportinthefollowingareas: BusinessTermoans DevelopingBusinessPlans AnalyzingBusinessPerformance BusinessAdvisoryServices UnderstandingFinancingOptions MétisEntrepreneurshipFund(MEF TheMétisEntrepreneurshipFundwasestablishedtorespondtoademandformid StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship68

69 marketloanfinancingformétisentrepreneursandwillserveasafinancialtoolto generateopportunitiesformétisbusinessesintheprairies.thiscontributionwill supportopportunitiesformétisbusinessestoaccessfinancingbetween$250,000 and$1million.withthisfunding,métisentrepreneurswillbeabletoexpandtheir businessesandcreateadditionaljobs.manitobamétisentrepreneurscancontact theouisrielcapitalcorporationformoreinformation. TheMetisEconomicDevelopmentOrganization TheMetisEconomicDevelopmentOrganization(MEDOisabusinessinvestmentand managementfirmthatworkswiththemanitobametisfederation(mmftomakekey businessinvestmentdecisionsbasedongeneratingprofitandbuildingcapacityforthe longtermsustainabilityofthemetiswithinmanitoba.medoalsoprovidessupportto othermetisbusinessownersandentrepreneursthroughaccesstoprogramsand services,businesspartnerships,andpotentialsourcesofequityforbusiness development.activitiesinclude: TheMetisGenerationFund(MGF:ThenewselfsustainingMetisGeneration FundForResourceandEnergyDevelopment,investsinManitobaMetisowned businesseshelpingtoincreasemetisparticipationintheprovince smining,oiland gas,forestry,fishingandrenewableenergysectors. TheMetisEconomicDevelopmentFund(MEDF:Thefundestablishedbythe ManitobagovernmentandtheManitobaMétisFederationwillprovide$10million forequityinvestmentinmetisbusiness. TheAffinityoyaltyProgram:ArewardbasedprogramforMetisconsumers, measuringtheirimpactonlocal,provincialandnationalcompanies. Women^specificServices TheWomen'sEnterpriseCentreofManitoba(WEC WEChelpswomenthroughouttheprovincefindinformation,improvetheirskillsand acquirefinancingsothattheycanstart,expandorpurchaseanexistingbusiness. AboriginalSupportServices Canada/ManitobaBusinessServiceCentre TheCanada/ManitobaBusinessServiceCentre(C/MBSCisapartnershipbetweenthe GovernmentofCanadaandtheProvinceofManitoba,whichdeliversservicesin Manitobaonbehalfof38federalgovernmentdepartmentsandorganizations,13 provincialgovernmentdepartmentsandfiveprivatesectorpartners.thefollowing servicesareaboriginalspecific: StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 69

70 TheAboriginalBusinessServiceNetworkdedicatedtohelpingnewandexisting Aboriginalentrepreneurs. AboriginalBusinessGuidehelpsusersnavigatethroughthewiderangeof programsandservicesinaspecificareaaswellasrelatedregulationsthatmay affectbusinessventures. ( oguide/ ManitobaEntrepreneurship,TrainingandTrade:SmallBusinessDevelopmentBranch ness_development_branch/ AboriginalBusinessDevelopment:Promotesentrepreneurshiptraining,business information,seminarsandcounsellingtoindividualsandcommunityorganizationsin theinterestsofdevelopingsmallbusinessandentrepreneurship.accesstobusiness information,servicesandprogramsisprovidedthroughthebranchandthe AboriginalBusinessServiceNetwork.Thisinitiativeincludestheupdatingand distributionofthe350pageotamiskaresourcedirectory ( provincial,federalandprivateprogramsofbenefittomanitoba saboriginalpeople. GeneralSupportServices Canada/ManitobaBusinessServiceCentre TheCanada/ManitobaBusinessServiceCentre(C/MBSCprovidesservicesthatareopen toallmanitobansthatcanbeaccessedbymétisentrepreneurs: Acomprehensivewebsitewhereuserscanclicktofind"howto"guides, upcomingevents,businessandtradeinformation,frequentlyaskedquestions, interactivebusinessproductsandmuchmore. AcallinservicestaffedbyBusinessInformationOfficerswhocanimmediately providefreeinformationonhundredsofgovernmentprograms,servicesand regulations. Awalkininformationserviceforclientsprovidingfreepublicationsonavariety ofbusinessandtradetopics. ABusinessStartupServiceforclientswhowanttocomeinandtalktosomebody oneononeaboutstartingtheirownbusiness. Anextensivebusinessandtradereferencelibrarystaffedwithprofessional librariansandtechnicianswhocanhelpyoufindtheinformationyouneedon topicsrangingfromstartingaspecifictypeofbusinesstointernationalmarket researchtodemographicsandsomuchmore. ClientInternetworkstationsandsearchableonlinedatabases. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship70

71 InformationSpecialistswhocanhelpclientswithbusinessinformationandbest practicesintheareasofplanning,developingnewmarkets,accessingprograms andinformedreferralstofindcontacts. AGuestAdvisorProgramthatoffersManitobaentrepreneurstheopportunityto speakwithlawyers,accountantsandbankingprofessionalswhovolunteertheir timeandsharetheirexpertise. ExportServicesincludeassistingnewandexistingexporterswithinternational businessplans,marketintelligence,researchandmarketaccess. Entrepreneuriallearningthroughseminarsonbusinessandtradedevelopment topicssuchasbusinessplanning,exporting,financialmanagement,business startup,ebusiness,intellectualproperties,managinghumanresources, marketing,franchisingandmore. AnetworkofregionalaccesssitesthroughoutManitobatohelpentrepreneurs wherevertheymayliveandwork. ManitobaEntrepreneurship,TrainingandTrade:SmallBusinessDevelopmentBranch ServicesareavailabletoallManitobans,includingMétisEntrepreneurs. ness_development_branch/ EntrepreneurialDevelopmentTrainingPrograms:Developsanddeliversawide rangeofbusinesscourses,seminarsandworkshopsforentrepreneursand owner/managerstoimproveentrepreneurialandmanagementskills. ManitobaMarketingNetworkInc.:Providesconsultativeassistanceinmarketing andproductpromotiontobusinessclients,viaitsprivatesectoradvisorygroup. One^on^OneBusinessCounselling:Telephoneandinpersoncounsellingto entrepreneursincludingbusinessstartups,businessdevelopment,expansionand planning.referralsaremadetospecialistsinspecificsectorsasrequired. BizCoachManitobaInc.BusinessMentoringProgram:Createsanopportunityfor newentrepreneurstoseekguidancefromexperiencedbusinessowners.the businessmentoringprogramprovidesongoingassistancetoentrepreneursonmany facetsofbusiness,includingfinance,businessstartup,businessgrowth,salesand financialmanagementetc. CommunityFuturesOrganizations CommunityFuturesManitobaInc.(CFMisanassociationrepresenting16Community Futureorganizations(CFsestablishedthroughoutruralandnorthernManitoba.The goalofeachcfistoassistthecommunitiesintheirregiontodeveloptheireconomic potential.tothisend,cfsprovideawiderangeofbusinesscounselingandtraining services: Preparingandassessingbusinessplans StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 71

72 Providingbusinessandmarketinformation Understandingfinancingoptions Accessingbusinessresources Throughitspartnerships,CFSoffersalinktoadditionalbusinessresources,including informationon: Marketing Exportandtrade Otherloanprograms Regulationsandlicensing Trademarksandpatents Sellingtogovernmentmarkets Othergovernmentproducts,services,adsupportprograms ManitobaEntrepreneurship,TrainingandTrade:SmallBusinessDevelopmentBranch ness_development_branch/ BusinessStartProgram:TheBusinessStartProgramisaloanguaranteeprogram withaneducationalcomponent.oanstonewownermanagedbusinessesare providedthroughparticipatingfinancialinstitutionsandguaranteedbythe ManitobaGovernment.Thefiveyeartermloanisa$30,000maximumamountwith aninterestrateofprimeplusonepercentandaoneyeardeferralofprincipal repayment.oanproceedscanprovidefundsforcapitalneedsandworkingcapital purposes. ManitobaIndustrialOpportunitiesProgram Growyourbusinesswithasecuredloanorgovernmentloanguaranteeforprojects relatedtothediversificationofthetechnological/industrialbaseinmanitoba.access isbasedoneligibilitycriteriaandacomprehensivebusinessplan. PrivatePlacementCapitalFundsandabour^sponsoredInvestmentFunds CommercializationSupportforBusinessProgram Thisprogramhelpsentrepreneursandbusinesseswitheverystageinthebusiness lifecycle.entrepreneurscangetsupporttocreatenewideas,products,services, processes,marketsandjobsinallsectorsandregionsoftheprovince. TheManitobaBusinessStartProgram by_department/en trepreneurship_training_and_trade/business_start_program_bsp/ TheManitobaBusinessStartProgramisaloanguaranteeprogramwithan educationalcomponent.oanstonewownermanagedbusinessesareprovided throughparticipatingfinancialinstitutionsandguaranteedbythemanitoba StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship72

73 Government.Thefiveyeartermloanisa$30,000maximumamountwithan interestrateofprimeplusonepercentandaoneyeardeferralofprincipal repayment.oanproceedscanprovidefundsforbusinessregistrationor incorporationcosts,equipmentandinventorypurchases,promotionalcostsand workingcapitalneeds. DetailedlistofadditionalManitobabusinessloanandsupportprograms CommunitiesEconomicDevelopmentFund(CEDF CEDFisareliablesourceofcapitalfornorthernbusinessstartupandexpansion. CEDFcanprovideloansandotherformsofassistanceincludingtrainingandadvisory servicestoallbusinessesthroughoutnorthernmanitobaandtoaboriginalclients throughouttheprovinceoutsideofwinnipeg.itcanalsoprovidefinancialassistancein theformofloansandguaranteestoallaspectsofthecommercialfishingindustry throughouttheprovince. In2010,theCEDFActwasamendedtoallowCEDFgreateropportunitytoparticipatein expandingthenortherneconomy.themostsignificantchangeswere: RemovalofthelenderoflastresortrequirementswhileenhancingCEDF sobligation toattractothercapitalproviderstoprojects; AmendingtheconditionsunderwhichCEDFcanlendtoAboriginalclientswhichwill enableittoworkmorecloselywithnewlycreated,provinciallyfundedaboriginal loanfundssuchasthefirstpeopleseconomicgrowthfundandtherecently announcedmétiseconomicdevelopmentfund;and ChangingthewayCEDFcanmanagefundsforthirdpartiesenablingittoprovide trustandotherfinancialservices. CommunityFuturesManitoba CommunityFuturesManitobaInc.(CFMisanassociationrepresenting16Community Futureorganizations(CFsestablishedthroughoutruralandnorthernManitoba. CommunityFuturesoperatesacrossruralandNorthernCanadaasagrassrootsdriven programcreatedtostrengthenruraleconomiesbyenablingentrepreneurshipand assistingincommunityeconomicdevelopment.thegoalofeachcfistoassistthe communitiesintheirregiontodeveloptheireconomicpotential.tothisend,cfswork withcommunitiesandtheiragenciesandorganizationstoprovidebusinessloansupto $150,000. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 73

74 FirstNationsBankMicrooanProgram TheFirstNationsBankMicrooanProgramfromWesternEconomicDiversification Canada(WDandtheFirstNationsBankofCanadaoffermicroloanstohelpstartor expandabusiness.itenhancesselfemploymentopportunitiesforaboriginalpeoplesby supportingtheideasandskillsofaboriginalandnonaboriginalentrepreneurswholack theassetsandcapitalrequiredbytraditionallenders. SASKATCHEWAN Métis^specificServices ClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund(CCDF TheCCDFprovidesequityforMétisbusinesses,supporttocommunityeconomic developmentinitiativesandassistanceforthedevelopmentofthemanagementskillsof newandexistingmétisbusinessownersandentrepreneurs. Pleaseclickonthefollowinglinkstolearnmoreaboutthevariousfundingprograms offered: oan/equitycontributionprogram CommunityBusinessDevelopmentProgram argescaleorjointventureprojectsprogram DevelopmentofManagement&MarketingSkillsProgram BusinessPlanAssistanceProgram SupportforAftercareProgram SaskMetisEconomicDevelopmentCorporation(SMEDCO SMEDCOisaMetisCapitalCorporationthatfinancesthestartup,acquisitionand expansionofmétiscontrolledsmallbusinessesinsaskatchewan.smedcooffersa varietyofprogramsformétisbusinessincluding: DirectCapitaloans SharedorSyndicatedoans Bridgeoans WorkingCapitaloans StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship74

75 Women^specificServices WomenEntrepreneursofSaskatchewan WESprovidesavarietyofuniqueproductsforwomenentrepreneursincludingadvisory services,trainingoptions,networkingopportunities,businessloansandreferralsto complementaryservices.staffalsohelpwomenaccesstraditionalbankfinancing. AboriginalSupportServices FirstNationsandMétisFund Thefundwillconsidermakinginvestmentsforthefollowingpurposes: Startups newbusinesseswhichhavedevelopedoracquiredproductsor servicesandarereadytoproceedtocommercialization; Earlystageinvestments businesseswhichhavebeeninoperationforsome time,buthavenotyetfullydevelopedtheirproductorservice; Expansions businesseswhichrequirefinancingtoexpandsales,ortolauncha newproductorservice; Managementbuyouts addingnewmanagementandcapitaltoacquirecontrol ofabusinessandrealizeitspotentialforexpansion;and Restructuringorturnarounds addinginvestmentandmakingchangesin management,staffing,operationsormarketingstrategiestohelpthebusiness succeed. FirstNationsandMétisEconomicDevelopmentProgram ThisprogramisdesignedtoincreaseAboriginalparticipationintheeconomy,whichis expectedtobenefittheeconomicandsocialwellbeingoftheprovinceasawhole. GrantswillbeprovidedtoFirstNationsandMétisentrepreneurswhowanttoget involvedinthekeystrategicgrowthsectorsoftheprovince. GeneralSupportServices BeaverRiverCommunityFuturesCorporation BRCFDCserves46communitiesinnorthwestSaskatchewan,providingbusinesssupport serviceandloans.injustoveradecadeandahalfofservice,thecorporationhasissued over900loanstotalingover$22million.approximately52%ofleanswenttométis businesses. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 75

76 NorthernEnterpriseFundInc.(NEFI NEFIassistsinfinancinginitiativesprimarilythroughdirectandparticipationloans.We assistallsizesofcommerciallyviabledevelopmental,realestateandcommercial projects. VisionsNorthCommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation VisionsNorthCFDCcurrentlyhasfourfundsfromwhichitprovidesfinancialassistance. TheInvestmentandRepayablefundsprovidethefundsformostclientneeds.Theother twofundsaretargetedtospecificneeds.thesefundsaretheforestryfundandthe Challengedfund.TheForestryfundprovidesfinancialassistancetobusinessesengaged intheforestryindustryandthechallengedfundprovidesfinancialassistanceto entrepreneurswithdisabilities. ABERTA Métis^specificSupports Apeetogosan(MétisDevelopmentInc.(AMDI Apeetogosan (Métis Development Inc. is committed to providing profitable and sustainable financial services and support to clients who seek the means to attain economicselfsufficiency.servicesprovidedinclude: SmallBusinessoans SupportServicePrograms BusinessAdvisoryServices(Through'Pinnacle'Business'Services'td. AboriginalBusinessCanadaProgramDelivery MétisEntrepreneurshipFund(MEF TheFederalgovernmenthasinvested$3.1millionintheMétisEntrepreneurshipFund, whichwasestablishedtorespondtoademandformidmarketloanfinancingformétis entrepreneurs and will serve as a financial tool to generate opportunities for Métis businesses in the Prairies. This contribution will support opportunities for Métis businesses to access financing between $250,000 and $1 million. With this funding, Métisentrepreneurswillbeabletoexpandtheirbusinessesandcreateadditionaljobs. TheMEFisownedbythethreeprairieMétiscapitalcorporationsandisadministered on their behalf by Apeetogosan Métis Development. Alberta Métis entrepreneurs can StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship76

77 contactapeetogosanformoreinformation. SettlementInvestmentCorporation TheSettlementInvestmentCorporationencouragesandassistsMétisentrepreneursto start businesses or expand their existing business by providing loans, and business consulting.applicantsmustbearesidentofanalbertamétissettlement. oans may be used for business expansion, purchase of fixed assets, equipment or workingcapital.businessloansareavailableupto$150,000andagricultureloansupto $75,000.Youth(1836loansarealsoavailable. SICwillassistinthepreparationofbusinessplans,assistintheidentificationofrelevant business material and provide workshops directed at increasing awareness about businessmanagement. Women^specificSupports AlbertaWomenEntrepreneurs(AWE AWE offers innovative services and support for women entrepreneurs across the province.awecanhelpyoustart,manage,orgrowyourbusinessesthrough: repayableloansofupto$150,000 trainingandworkshops accesstonetworksandmarkets NextSteptoSuccess NextStep is AWE s program for Aboriginal women entrepreneurs. Women with AWE to build, update or improve, and implement their business plan through programservicestailoredtomeeteachclient sneeds.servicesinclude: Sharingexperienceandknowledgethroughmentoringandcoaching. o creatingastrongbusinessplan o buildinganetworkofresources Providing access to learning opportunities related to owning and managingone sownbusiness. o businessskillstraining o workshops o tradeshows o conferences Offeringnontraditionalfinancingforbusinessventures. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 77

78 o loansupto$10,000thatcanbesupplementedbyothersourcesof financing o Ifqualified,loansupto$150,000 GeneralSupportServices FirstNationsBankMicrooanProgram The First Nations Bank Micro oan Program from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD and the First Nations Bank of Canada offer micro loans to help start or expandabusiness.itenhancesselfemploymentopportunitiesforaboriginalpeoplesby supportingtheideasandskillsofaboriginalandnonaboriginalentrepreneurswholack theassetsandcapitalrequiredbytraditionallenders. CommunityFuturesNetworkofAlberta CommunityFuturesNetworkofAlbertaisanetworkofcommunitybased,volunteerled communityeconomicdevelopmentorganizationsdesignedtoassistcommunitygrowth and diversification through a variety of services, including loans (up to $150,000 for qualified businesses seeking to start or expand in rural Alberta (communities outside CalgaryandEdmonton.The27AlbertaCommunityFuturesorganizationsalsoprovide supporttobusinessesincludingbusinesscounselling,assistancewithbusinessplanning, small business training and information services. Many Alberta Community Futures organizations also deliver the Self Employment Benefits Program. ocations of Communityfuturesofficescanbefoundathttp:// TheRuralAlbertaDevelopmentFund(RDF RADF is a notforprofit organization that works with Alberta's change agents to help the province flourish. The organization was created as a key outcome in the GovernmentofAlberta'sruraldevelopmentstrategytohelpruralcommunities,regional alliances,andorganizationskickstartprojectsthatwouldcontributetothebetterment of rural Alberta. In 2007, the organization was capitalized with $100 million from the GovernmentofAlbertatofundinnovativeruraldevelopmentprojects.RADFhasfunded morethan$90millionworthofchangeandinnovation.ithasacontractualagreement with the provincial government to commit the remainder of the funds by March 31, 2012andtodisburseallofthemoneybyMarch31,2014. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship78

79 BRITISHCOUMBIA Women^specificSupports Women'sEnterpriseCentre Providesbusinessinformationandservicestowomenentrepreneurs. AboriginalSupportServices AllNationsTrustCompany(ANTCO ABTCOprovidesanumberofbusinessdevelopmentandsupportservices,including: AllNationsDevelopmentCorporation(ANDEVCO ANDEVCOprovidesadvisoryservicesforAboriginalentrepreneurs.ANDEVCO providesbusinesscounselingandfinancialadviceinbcbetweenhopeandfort Nelson,westtoBurnsakeandeasttotheAlbertaborder.ANDEVCOalso providesaccesstoequitycontributionsfromtheaboriginalbusiness DevelopmentProgram(ABDPasanexternaldeliveryorganization. FirstCitizen sfundoanprogram Availabletobusinessenterprisesthatare51%Aboriginalowned; oansareeligiblefor40%deferredcontributiongrant; ifetimeloanmaximumon$76,125.00foreachborrower;and Minimumequityrequirementis10%ofprojectcosts(cashand/or equipment;and Noteligibleforrefinancingofexistingdebt. TrusteeoanProgram Businessoansare100%repayablewithfinancingupto$100,000.00forfirst timeborrowersandupto$200,000.00forrepeatborrowers; Collateralsecurityrequirementsassessedaccordingtoeachbusinessproject. CommercialMortgages Availablefortheconstruction,purchaseorrefinancingofbusiness developmentslocatedbothonoroffreserve;and Securedbyeitheramortgageormortgageoflease. FirstCitizens'FundProgramBusinessoanProgram TheFirstCitizens Fund(FCFisaperpetualfundthatwasestablishedbythe GovernmentofBritishColumbiain1969,withaninitialallocationof$25 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 79

80 million.in2001,thegovernmentofbritishcolumbiadoubledtheexisting valueofthefund,andthefirstcitizens Fundisnowapproximately$72 million. Theinterestearnedbythefundeachyearprovidesmoneytoenhance economicdevelopment,cultural,socialandeducationalopportunitiesfor NorthAmericanAboriginalpeople(status,nonstatus,MétisandInuitliving inbritishcolumbia. BusinessAdvisoryCentres BusinessadvisorycentresinCranbrook,FortSt.JohnandPrinceGeorge assistaboriginalentrepreneurswithbusinessstartuporexpansion, partnershipsandplanning. BusinessoanProgram BusinessloansareavailabletoAboriginalresidentsofB.C.formosttypesof operationsandawiderangeofsectorsincludingretail,services,fishing, forestry,agriculture,tourismandhospitality,manufacturing,new technologiesandexport. Nuu^chah^nulthEconomicDevelopmentCorporation(NEDC NEDCisaregionalorganizationoperatingavarietyofprogramstoencouragerural economicdevelopmentandentrepreneurshipforaboriginalpeople.typesofloans available: Commercialloansforbusinessstartup,expansionand/oracquisition Forgivable(nonrepayableloanslimitedeligibility Contributionsforfeasibilitystudiesandbusinessplans Tale awtxwaboriginalcapitalcorporation(tacc TACCisanAboriginalFinancialInstitutionprovidingaboriginalentrepreneurswiththe toolsandresourcesthatarenecessaryinstartingtheirownbusiness.taccdistributes thefirstcitizenfund,youthstartupoans,andconventionalloans.taccalsoprovide professionalaftercareservices,workshopsandnetworkingopportunities. GeneralSupportServices CommunityFuturesBritishColumbia Therangeandmagnitudeofprogramspreviouslyandcurrentlymanagedbythe StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship80

81 CommunityFuturesNetworkvarywidely,frombusinessdevelopmentloansto entrepreneurialtrainingtosupportsandservicesdesignedtoaddressissuesimpacting ruralcommunitiesatalocallevel. NATIONAPROGRAMS AANDCWomen smicrofinancepilot Thefederalgovernmentannouncedanewwomen smicrofinancepilotinitiativein 2010,whichhasyettoberolledout.ContactsforthisprogramareClaireDimond Gibson( andAlisonVandelite( AboriginalBusinessCanada AboriginalBusinessCanadaworkswiththeAboriginalbusinesscommunitytoaddress theshortageofavailablecredittofinanceaboriginalsmallbusinessdevelopment. AboriginalCapitalCorporations(ACCscapitalizedbyIndustryCanadaandownedand controlledbyaboriginalpeopleconcentrateonprovidingdevelopmentalloansto enterprisesnotyetreadytosuccessfullysecurebusinessloansfrombanks.someaccs alsoprovidebusinessservices,andhavediversifiedtheiroperationstobeabletohouse ExternalDeliveryServicesforAboriginalBusinessCanada. GovernmentofCanada:ProcurementStrategyforAboriginalBusiness(PSAB ThePSABworkstohelpAboriginalfirmsdomorecontractingwithallfederal governmentdepartmentsandagenciesandassistsaboriginalbusinessesgainaccessto theoverallprocurementprocess.thepsab,whileledbyaboriginalaffairsandnorthern DevelopmentCanada(AANDC,isaGovernmentofCanadainitiative.Allfederal governmentdepartmentsandagenciesareencouragedtoparticipateinthisinitiative. PublicWorksandGovernmentServicesCanada:Set^AsideProgramfor AboriginalBusiness(SPAB InaccordancewiththeProcurementStrategyforAboriginalBusiness(PSABand thesetasideprogramforaboriginalbusiness(spab,contractrequirements ($5000andoverdesignatedbyclientdepartmentsassetasidewillberestricted toqualifiedaboriginalbusinesses.aboriginalpersonsmusthaveatleast51% ownershipandcontrolinthebusiness.alsoeligibleisajointventureconsisting oftwoormoreaboriginalbusinessesoranaboriginalbusinessandanon Aboriginalbusiness(es,providedthattheAboriginalbusiness(eshasatleast 51%ownershipandcontrolofthejointventure.WhenanAboriginalbusiness StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 81

82 hassixormorefulltimeemployeesatthedateofsubmittingthebid,atleast 33%ofthemmustbeAboriginalpersons,andthisratiomustbemaintained throughoutthedurationofthecontract.thebiddermustcertifyinitssubmitted bidthatitisanaboriginalbusinessorajointventureconstitutedasdescribed below. TheNationalAboriginalCapitalCorporationAssociation(NACCA NACCAhasbeenestablishedtoprovideproductsandservicessuchastraining,accessto capitalinitiatives,advocacyandotherinstitutionalcapacitybuildingtothe45aboriginal FinancialInstitutions(AFIs,whichconstituteitsmembership.AFIhasbecomethe umbrellatermfortheaccsandaboriginalcommunityfuturesdevelopment Corporations. CanadianExecutiveServiceOrganization^CESOAboriginalServices CESOAboriginalServicesisanotforprofitagencydedicatedtoworkingwithAboriginal businesses,organizationsandcommunitiesacrosscanada.ithasatalentbankofmore than3,600volunteerswithexpertiseinover150professionalandmanagementareas. Services are available to any Canadian status or Non Status Indian, Métis and Inuit individualorgroup. CESO s mission is to assist Aboriginal communities and business of Canada to achieve greaterselfsufficiencyandgrowth.itsobjectiveistotransferskillsandknowledge,to bestutilizetheexperienceandexpertiseofcesovolunteeradvisers,todevelopneeded productsandservices,toaccumulateanddisseminateknowledgeofbestpracticesand toprovideaccessibleandcosteffectiveservices. BusinessDevelopmentBankofCanada(BDCAboriginalBanking BDCoffersavarietyofconsultingandfinancialservicesforAboriginalbusinesses.In additiontoconventionallendingandadvice,bdc'saboriginalbankingalsooffersa numberofspecialactivitiesandinitiatives. AboriginalBusinessDevelopmentFund(ABDF:Aprogramthatprovidestoolsfor Aboriginalentrepreneurswhochoosetostarttheirownbusinesses.Thefunds, whichareavailablethroughacommunitybasedorganization,increaseaccessto capitalforaboriginalentrepreneurswhowouldnormallynotqualifyforaloan. oanscombinefinancingwithmanagementtrainingandongoingmentorship. Fundsaredeliveredatthegrassrootslevelandinvolveamountsvaryingfrom $5,000to$20,000.Theloansarefullyrepayablewithtermsvaryingfrom2to3 yearsdependingontheproject'scashflowexpectations. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship82

83 GrowthCapitalforAboriginalBusiness(GCAB:BDC'sspecializedfinancing increasesaccesstocapitalforaboriginalentrepreneurswantingtoexpandan existingbusinessorstartanewone,onoroffareserveincanada.underthe GCABprogram,youcanobtainfinancingtoamaximumamountof$25,000for startupsandupto$100,000forexistingbusinesses.ifbusinessesrequire additionalfunds,bdcoffersotherfinancingoptions. Peerlending:Microlendinginitiativestohelpgroupsobtainmoneyforsmall businessstartups. Businessmanagementcoaching:Supportisavailablethroughaspecialalliance withcesoaboriginalservices.includesongoingmentoringandbusiness managementadviceforthefirst2yearsfollowingloanapproval.costsfor businesscoachingcanbeincorporatedintothefinancingpackage CanadianCouncilforAboriginalBusiness^WesternRegion CanadianCouncilforAboriginalBusiness(CCABwasfoundedin1984asanationalnon profitorganization.morethan200aboriginalandnonaboriginalbusinessesare membersandsupportersofccabacrosscanada.ccabiscanada'sleadingorganization dedicatedtopromotingthefullparticipationofaboriginalpeopleinthecanadian economy.itsmissionistoconnectaboriginalandnonaboriginalpeopleandcompanies withtheopportunitiestheyrequiretoachievepersonalandbusinesssuccess.ccabisa brokerofrelationships.ithelpsbuildsuccessfulpartnershipsinemployment,business creation,youthdevelopmentandcommunityrelations. TheCAPEFund TheCAPEFundisa$50millionprivatesectorinvestmentfundinitiatedby21of Canada sleadingcompanies,individualsandu.s.basedfoundations.capefundis focusedonmidmarketopportunitieswithastrongdegreeofaboriginalinvolvement andconnectiontoaboriginalcommunitiesthroughoutcanada. Fundinvestmentswillgenerallybebetween$1millionand$7.5millioninthe aggregate,perinvestee.thesemayoccurinoneormoreroundsof investment.aboriginalbusinessesanywhereincanadaareeligible. TheFundwillinvestinvirtuallyallbusinesssegmentsalbeitwithsomesector restrictions.thefundwillproactivelyseekoutbothfinancialandindustrypartners tofacilitateandacceleratethegrowthofitsinvesteecompanies. TheFundfocusesonprojectsthatarelinked,eitherthroughownership, employmentorgeographicproximity,toanaboriginalgrouporcommunity. AboriginalBankingServices ThefollowingcharteredbanksprovidespecializedAboriginalservices: RBCRoyalBank: CIBC: StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 83

84 BMOBankofMontreal: ScotiaBank: FirstNationsBankofCanada: StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship84

85 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship MétisWomenEntrepreneurSurveyResults Anindepth,personalsurveywasconductedwithasampleofMWEs.Participantswere sourcesfromeachofthefivewesternmostprovincesandwererecommendedforthe surveybythewomenofthemétisnation,mfisandfromotherreferralsobtainedby theconsultant.thesurveyquestionnaireisprovidedinanappendixtothedocument; verbatimresponsesarealsoavailableseparately.manyoftheinterviewslastedforover onehour,providingopportunitiestoobtainathoroughunderstandingofthe experiencesoftheparticipants.verbatimresponseswerenotrecordedinfullgiventhe durationoftheseinterviews.followingisasummaryoftheresponses. MétisWomenEntrepreneurQuestionnaire:SummaryofResponses 1b.Ageofrespondents:Theaverageageoftherespondentsis46;theyoungestis31 andtheoldest64. Educationandtraining:Therespondentsaremainlywelleducated.Although12% hadnotcompletedhighschool,53%hadpost^secondary/collegetrainingandfive 29%haduniversitydegrees.Educationallevelsincluded: Grade8 Grade10 Somepostsecondary Collegebusinesstraining Collegediploma College/Cosmetology CollegeforBusinessAdministrationandHotelandRestaurantAdministration CertifiedJourneymaninEsthetics CertificateinBusinessAdmin./CMA PN Nursing/MedicalEsthetician UniversitydiplomainNewMedia;certificateinAdultEducation;B.Ed.inAdult Education BA/B.ED BSWandMAcandidate BAandCertificateinHumanResources BusinessMajor,B.A.A.,B.Ed.inOfficeAdmin./DataProcessing,M.Ed.,in curriculum 1c.Sectorandmainactivity:18%ofrespondentsworkedintheartsandgraphic design;12%inaboriginalculturalfacilitationandconsulting;24%inproject

86 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship86 management,consultingandbusinessdevelopment;18%inretailfoodservice;6%in tourism,and18%inthebeauty/salon/spa/exercisefield.activitiesincluded: Artisan Eventplanningandmusic Arts illustration/graphicdesign Graphicdesign,printbrokering Aboriginalconsulting/planning CulturalFacilitation Retail Catering^CakesandBaking Retail^Cakes Tourism MedicalEsthetics Salon/gym Salon/spa Projectmanagementandfacilitation Professionalservices/consulting Businessdevelopment Businessandeducation:conferenceplanning,marketing,videoproduction, andcurriculumdevelopment 1d.Typeofbusiness:71%weresoleproprietor;24%wereIncorporated;andwhile only18%identifiedashome^basedmostdidoperatefromhomes. 1e.ocation:Thebusinesseswerefairlyevenlysplitbetweencities(41%andtowns (47%,withtwo(12%classedasrural. 1f.Sizeofannualsales:53%hadsalesunder$100,000and41%over$100,000but under$500,000. 1g.Numberofemployees:Ninehadnoemployees;18%hadone(1employee;2%had two(2employees;6%hadfour(4and6%hadeight(8employees.inaddition6% hadtwo(2subcontractorsand6%hadthree(3associates.onebusinesswasafamily operation. 1h.Yearsofoperation:41%ofbusinesseshadbeenoperatinglessthan5years;18% for5^8years;24%for10^17years,and12%for20years. 1j.Usualhoursofwork:53%operatedregularbusinesshours(approximately40hours aweek;12%operated15^20perweek;24%werevariable;and6%werejust establishingaroutine.

87 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 87 1k.Whydidyoustartthisbusiness:Themostcommonreasonsweretobearound familywhileearninganincome(29%;tobeone sownboosandincontrolofone s life(24%;todowhatienjoy(24%;andacommunityneedforservices(18%.12% saiditwasaresponsetobeinglaidoffajob.only6%citedincomeasthemainreason forstartingthebusiness. 1l.Hasthebusinessbeenasuccess:88%saidyesand12%werenotsure. Reasonswhyincluded: Notmeasuredindollars;mostwomenmeasuresuccessalittledifferently. Notmakingenoughmoneybutasuccessduetoachievements/recognition Ihavebeenverydedicatedtoit.InsteadofmegainingfinanciallybyitIgive backtothebusiness. Becausewearealwayseducatingourselves. IlovewhatIdoandI mpassionateaboutit. Itissomethingneeded. Professionalismisthekey.Goodbusinesspractices. Clientslikemywork. SharingMétisculturewithothers. Ikeepintouchwithpeoplethroughmywebsite,blog,Facebook. Iofferacompleteservice. Istaycompetitive Hardworkandcollaborationwithmyhusband. 1m.Futureplans,suchasexpansion?53%areplanningtoexpand;18%wanttoremain asis;6%wantstoimprovethequalityofthebusiness;12%wanttoreducetheir business. Additionalcomments: OncemychildrengrowupthenIcanexpandmybusiness.Itischallenging workingfromhomeandhavingchildrenathomethatareundertheageoffive. Idoenjoyowningmyownstore,especiallysinceIcanbringmy6^month^old alongwithme. IneedworkspacesinceIamworkingfrommyhome. Iwantmoreconsistentincome. Iwanttofindprojectfunding. 2a.Workedwithorganizations,governmentagenciesorcompaniesthatprovide businesssupportserviceswhenstartingorrunningyourbusiness:53%havenotand 47%haveusedtheseservices. Additionalcomments: Ihavefoundfundingagenciesincrediblyoverwhelming Ididn tknowofany. Never,becauseIknewwhatIwanted.Ialreadyhadbusinesssense.Iuseda businessconsultant.

88 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship88 owstartupcostssononeed. Organizationsused: CommunityFuturesCorporation Selfemploymentprogramfromaprovincialgovernment Ioriginallystartedwith4differentagencies/companies.Thetwothatassisted meintheendwasouisrielcapitalcorp.andaboriginalbusinesscanada. Canada^ManitobaBusinessCentre SecondCareerStrategy(Ontario ClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund(CCDF,HongKongBank,FSIN CCDFandSageHills SaskMetisEconomicDevelopmentCorporation(SMEDCO/CCDF/Aboriginal BusinessCanada ouisrielcapitalcorporation(rcc,abc,women sentrepreneurialcentre 2b.Servicesused: None47% Traininginbusinessplanning18% Funding/financing24% Otherskillstraining12% Note:Thereappearstobearelationshipbetweentheyearabusinessstartedand whethertheentrepreneurusedtheservicesofabusinesssupportserviceprovider,such asamétiscapitalcorporation.ofthebusinessesthatdidnotuseaserviceprovider, mostbeganoperationsin2000orearlier.ofthebusinessesthatusedserviceproviders, onlytwostartedpriorto2000.furthermore,theresponsessuggestthatentrepreneurs whostartedabusinessinthelast10years,inprovinceswithprogramsformétis entrepreneurs,usedtheservices,ifneeded.thissuggeststhatserviceprovidersmay havebecomebetterknownandmoreaccessibletométiswomenentrepreneursin recentyears.

89 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 89 2c.Descriptionoftheexperiencewiththeseorganizations: Great. Positive Onthepositiveside:ColumbiaBasinTrust(EastandWestKootenayhadgood resourcepeople.therewasalearningcurve,butthetrainingrelatedtowhati wanttodo,i.e.socialenterpriseandcommunitydevelopment.all interconnected.earnedalot.itmadetheinformationmoreaccessible.onthe negativeside:prejudicefromconsultantthatwaspartofclass.theyhavenot acceptedmyapplicationforextendedtraining.iwouldliketoknowwhy?i don tknowwhatitisstemmingfrom?also,2½^hourdrivetocommunity Futurestraining,distance^onlyreimbursedfortravel$0.20/kmand$60hotel (low.budgetwastight. Positive.However,outsideoftheaboriginalcommunity,thereisachallenge. Theydon tknowabouttheaboriginalcultureanditmakesithardertoget informationacross. ThemostpositiveexperiencewasthecontinuoussupportIreceivedand continuetoreceivefromrcc.ialwaysreceivedgreatcommunication.evenif itwasaquick statingwhentheycouldgetbacktome.mostpositive experiencewastobeabletogettheassistanceneededtogetmybusinessup andrunning.themostnegativeexperiencewasthewaycanadianyouth BusinessFoundation(CYBFhandledmyapplication,themixedsignals,the timegaps,lackofcommunication.thetimeittooktoapplyforfundingtothe timeitwasfinallyapprovedandavailablewaswaytoolong.includingthelong timegapsbetweenphasesoftheapplicationprocesswithabcandcybf.from thetimeistartedmyapplicationprocesstotimeoffundingapprovalwasover ayear. ABCdidassistbuttheystillhadlesscommunicationwithmyselfandtheother lendingagenciesandtimegaps,ineverdidgettomeetarepresentativein person.alsoiwasgivenfundingapprovaldatesseveraltimeswhichtheyhad changedseveraltimes. AnotherthingIfounddifficultwastheshorttimeframeIhadfromsigningthe approvedfundingtohavingthestartupcostsspentandsubmitted,itwasonly afewweeks.beingididnotgivemynoticeatmypreviousjobuntilall paperworkwassigned,itwasashortanddifficulttimeframetoget coordinatedwithalltherequiredcompanies. IhadappliedbutIwasnotacceptedbecausetheythoughtImybusinesscould notsucceedbutiwonthewomenbusinessownersofmanitobaaward (2001. Positive,butIdidnotneedfundingmoney.Ijustdiditmyself. Ithasbeenfrustratingbecausetheytellmetodomybusinessplaninacertain waythenaskmetoreviseitmanytimes,tonoavail.yetaspectswerepositive. Theyaskmeforaplan,andwhenIdoittheykeeptellingmetoreviseit.I

90 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship90 don thavetheeducationtodoafinancialplan.theonlypartsicannotdoare thefinancials. ReOntarioSecondCareers:Theexperiencewasbrutal.Ijumpedthrough hoopstogettheapplicationsdoneproperly,gatheringallthevarious informationtheywantedfromvariousschools,wenttoseveralmeetings,only tobetoldthatididn tqualifyforsomereallyridiculousreasons.i mstillangry aboutittheworstpartisthat,althoughipaidintoeiforyears,ican treceive anyofthebenefitsfromitandi msimplytold:ohwell,you reoneofthe peoplewhosimplyfallthroughthecracks.that sit,that sall.andthenthey turntheirbacksonyou. Ontario:WhatIdidwant/needwasasmallloanjusttogetahomeofficeset upandfundstogetawebsitedoneandbusinesscards.oddlybankswantedto givememorethanwhatiwantedandididn twanttheextraburdensoturned themdownandfinancedthingsonmyown.asiamnon^statusididnot qualifyforanumberoffirstnationsprograms,plusatthattimeididn thave mymetiscardsodidn tqualifyformetissupporteither.ididn tqualifyfor servicesreservedforimmigrantseither,soiwasonmyown.ididmostofmy researchonlineincludingbdbc,charteredbanks,thelocalfriendshipcentre, andthemunicipalsmallbusinesscentresandgovernmentrunpermitsand licensesbureau. Itwentprettygood,buttherewasalotofredtapethatmadeitdifficult. Notapplicable(8 2d.Hadaccesstomentoring?35%didfindmentorsand24%didnot;6%saidthere wasnoneed;and35%didnotanswer. Ofthosewhosaidyes,themostcommonsourcesofmentorshipwere:The Métiscommunity(24%andMetiselders(12%,mothersandfamily(18%, anotherbusinessperson(12%;ccdfandwomenentrepreneursof Saskatchewan(6% Receivingongoingsupport:24%saidyes,includingMétiselders(12%,Métis association(6%,husbandabusinessconsultant(6%;35%saidno;6%said therewasnoneed;and29%didnotanswer. 2.eHowwouldimprovetheservicestheyprovide?59%didnotanswerthisquestionor couldthinkofnothing.ofthosewhodidrespond,commentsincluded: Keepcommunicationopen;moredirectcommunicationbetweentheagencies, andmorereasonabletimeframes. Ineededhelptolearnhowtodofinancials. Whenpeopleapplyfortheseservices,thewholepersonneedstobetakeninto considerationandyoucan tplaceverystrict,narrowlimitsonwhattypeof helpyou regoingtoprovide.

91 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 91 Iwouldsuggesttheyhirepeoplewhoaremoreencouragingandmore interestedinaboriginalaffairsandotherswhoofferuniqueandspecialized servicesforaparticularcommunity,ratherthanjustofferingadvicethatdoes notapplytomeormybusiness. Thereisnoneedforimprovement. 3a.SpecialneedsofMétiswomenentrepreneurs:47%thoughtthatMétiswomenhave specialneedsasentrepreneurs;41%thoughtnot;and12%didnotanswer. Commentsincluded: BeingMétisisabenefitduetocommunitysupport. AsmuchasIdonotliketoseparatemyselffromthemeninbusinessIhave foundthatwomendohavedifferentpriorities,businesshabitsandideaswhen runningabusiness. IfeelatriskwhenIgetinvolvedwithotherartistgroups,Idon tfeelsafe. Privacylawsandregulationsneedtoensuresafety. Fundingandeducation. Networking. Fundingshouldbegivendirectlytoculturalfacilitators. Havingaclearerpathastowherethehelpwas.Organizationsaremore sophisticatednow,notlikebefore. Yes,IneedtoberecognizedasanindividualwithmyowncreditratingsoIcan havemyownlineofcreditformybusiness. Moremoney. SpecialtrainingneedsofMétiswomenentrepreneurs:65%mentionedthatthey didhavetrainingneeds;35%didnotanswer;and12%saidtherewereno specialneedsasmétiswomen. Commentsincluded: Thereareapprenticeprogram,buttheyaremostlytradesandnotinmy area. Trainingtoencourageculturalpracticesisneeded. Ifeelconferencesareawasteoftimebecauseyounevergetfollow^upon data.bettertohavespecifictrainingeveryyeare.g.websitedesign, marketing,sales,deliveringculture,asopposedtoaconference.that wouldbehelpful.wouldbeawesometohavethemsubsidized. Havingaclearerpathastowherethehelpis.Organizationsaremore sophisticatednow,notlikebefore[sothereismoreassistanceavailable.] Ineedmoretraininginmath/financialliteracy.Iamcompletelyliteratebut whenitcomestomathidonothaveliteracy. Icouldusemorebusinesstraining. Iwouldhavelikedtoreceivesupportforadvancededucationbutwhenyou ownabusinessitseemsthatyourapplicationgoestothebottomofthe pile.

92 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship92 3b.Themostsignificantchallenges,barriersorobstaclesthatMétiswomenfacewhen startinguporrunningabusiness:mostoftherespondentsagreedtherewerebarriers. Responsesincluded: StereotypesofbeingMétisandaboriginalgetsinthewayatsomepoint. Womentendtogetmoreguiltywhentheyleavetheirchildrenathome.Thisis howwomengetintoentrepreneurship,becausetheyhavehadtostayathome andmakemoney. Metiswomenhavenothadgoodreasontofeelsafe.Wearemarginalizedasit is,thenwearemarginalizedfromwithinourcommunitythroughjealousyand lateralviolence.gettingmybusinessstartedwithinmycommunitywasrisky, thenwentoutintotheworldfeelingatriskforbeinganaboriginalwoman.it reekssomuchofabusivebehavior.therunningofthebusinessisnothingby comparison.it sallofthepersonalstruggleandthosedynamics. Ifeelthatsomethingneedstochangeifmorewomenaregoingtobe successful.wehavesomuchdonetousandwecontinuetodotoeachother whathasbeendonetous,that slateralviolence. Itcomesdowntoalackofknowledgeofstandardbusiness.Thereisalotof lateralviolencethathappenswhenpeoplefeelliketheyarebeingtalkedabout byotherartists,bynotbeingsupportiveofoneanotherintheindustry.ihave gottentoworkwithsomepeoplewhoknewhowtobehavethemselvesina business^likemanner. Fear; Iamnotenough; needmoresupportfromwomen;isolation. Withinourowncommunitythereisalackofsupport,withinourown governmentstructures. Politicscanbeahugechallenge.Igotthenoticeforthissurveyfromanother elder,forexample,notdirectlyfromthemetiswomen sorganization. Childcare.IfIdidnothavemyfamilytohelpmewithmychildren,Icouldnot dothisbusiness. Usingourownmoney.Moneyiskeptontopanddoesnotcomedowntothe peoplewho,likemyself,havetomakeitonourown.governmenthastogive moneydirectlytopeople. ShortlyafterreceivingfundingIfoundoutIwaspregnant;itmadestartupa littlemorechallenging,butimadeitwork.iwasappreciativeoftheworkshops andeventsthatallowedmetobringmydaughteralong. IpersonallyfeelthatbeingaMetiswomandidnotaffectofanyofthe challengesifaced. Idoknowotherwomanfacingchallengesduetobeingasingleparentand unabletostartuporexpandfromahome^basedbusinessduetothesingle incomeandfamilyobligations. Inthebeginning,IamnotsureifthechallengeswerebecauseIwasaMetis womanorawoman.iwasnotabletotakealoanbecauseofmyhusband s credit.ididnotfeelsupportfromthebank,soiendedgoingtoafriend.i alwaystriedtorespecteveryoneasthesame.iwouldhopeotherpeoplein otherbusinesseswoulddothesame,fromadeliverypersontoajanitorto

93 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 93 businessclients.itisthechristianworld^view. Therecouldbe,butIdidnotexperienceany.Aboriginalcompanieswerehappy toknowthattheycouldhireanaboriginalconsultant.ithasworkedtomy advantagemorethanbeingaliability.butidon tknowaboutothersectors. Thefundingagencieshavebeenverydifficulttoworkwithbecausetheykeep changingtheirrequirements.also,inheritingmyhusband spoorcreditrating hasaffectedmegreatly.ineededacreditlinebecauseiwasastay^at^home mother.icannotgetalineofcreditandineedtoexpandbuticannotget moneytopayrentonaplace.ialsohadtotakecareofmymotherwith Alzheimer s.istillneedfinancialtraining.iamsupposedtoknowhowtobuild mybusiness,withoutaneducation.imakecakesforpeopleallovermanitoba buticannotgetmybusinessexpanded.igotacallbackfromrccandthey toldmeineedtorevisetheplanandidon tknowhowtodoit.whydoihave togothroughthiswhenihaveagoodbusiness?ihavegoodcreditpersonally butmyhusbandbutdoesnot.ionlyhavemyvisa,withgoodcredit.ijust wenttothebanktogetasmalllineofcreditbuttheysaybecauseofyour husband screditratingyoucannotgetcredit.soicanonlyaccept3wedding cakesaweekbecausewedon thavespacetowork. Knowinghowtorunabusiness,andwheretheresourcesare. Formyself,itwouldbegreatifIcouldhavebetteraccesstofundsfor education.i dreallyliketotakeanentrepreneurialcourseorsomemore specificcoursesincreativearts.i dalsolikeapropermentorwhowouldadvise measigoalong.ididn tcomefromawealthyfamilyandiworkedandpaidfor everythingi vedoneformyself.i mnotlookingforhandoutsbutitwouldhave beennicetogetthehelpthegovernmentwasadvertising,andthatiwas payingintowheniworkedafull^timejob MostIknowlackpropereducationandproperworkexperiencetostartand operateabusinessplusmostthinktheydon tneedtodoabusinessplanbut justneedmoney.theyfailtoseetheimportanceofdoingabusinessplan. Bankerswouldnotacknowledgeanyvaluetoanything.Itwasn teasy. Gettingtheinitialdownpayment. StartingupwasdifficultasIwasnotbeingrecognizedatfirstduetolackof educationinmedicalesthetics. Theavailabilityofsupportservicesiscenteredinthelargercenters,notrural areas.weneedsupportwithina25^50mileradius.becauseotherwisewehave totravel.weneedtheknowledgeastowhatisoutthere.withoutthe consultantsitisdifficult.womentendtobealittlemorevulnerable,thenthey endupdoingsomethingtheydon twanttobedoing. Froma20yearperspective,equityisalwaysanissue thatandfamilysupport. Womenhavesomanyrolesthatitissometimesdifficulttojugglethemall. 3c.ThechallengesfacingMétiswomenaredifferentthanthosefacingmen/non Aboriginals:Amajority(53%agreedwiththispoint,29%didnot,6%saidshedidn t knowand12%didnotanswer.

94 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship94 Thecommentsincludedthefollowing: Thereisstillastereotypeinourowncultureaboutwomenstayinghome; historicallyourwomenstayedhomewhilemenhunted.sothesestereotypes stillremain;itisaconundrumbetweenbeingbothawomanandmetisinour currentworld. Mentendtohavetoleavethehomebecausetheyareoutmakingmoney,but don tfeelguiltylikewomen. Mendon talwayshavethesameconnectionswithchildren.butalltheother challengesarethesame.ingeneral,wefacesimilarchallenges. Fornursingmotherstherearesomeissues. Yes,alittlebecausethereareinitialprejudiceswhenthereisalittleaccent. Theyhavetoprovethemselvesmore.Non^aboriginalsdonothaveasmany obstacles. Thereisnoquestionthatit seasiertogetaheadifyouareawhiteman.and it seasiertobeamaleaboriginalartistthanafemaleaboriginalartisteven thoughwomenmakeupto80%ofworkingartists,mostifnotall successful/famousartistsaremenmen spaintingswillalsosellforhigher pricesthanwomen spaintingseveniftheyareofcomparablequality.thearts industryisjustaspaternalistic(ifnotworsethaneveryotherindustryinthat thementriumphoverwomentimeandagain. Itcanbeharderiftheyaresinglemoms,whichmanyare.Non^Aboriginals?It canbeharderastheygenerallydon tqualifyforhighpayingjobssodon thave thesavingstoputtowardsabusiness.alsoone sdedicationtobusiness increaseswhenitsone sownhardearnedmoneysothatisdifferentasnon^ Aboriginalsgenerallyusetheirownsavingsorsavingsfromfamily,not governmentfunding. ItwasdifferentbecauseIamafemale,thelandwasnotundermyname.My husbandownedtheland[wherethebusinesstookplace[,thatwasafactor. Anon^aboriginalpersonmayhavesupportfinanciallyfromfamilythatmost Metisdonot. 4a.ThingsthatcanbedonetosupportthesuccessofMétiswomenentrepreneurs include: It saboutfamily.wemusthavethesupportofourfamily,husband,children. Entrepreneursdonotwork9^5,it sallhours,soit simportanttohavefamily understanding. Marketingskillsareaneed;agenciescanhelpusbuildskills,notjustraise money;weneedempowermentcoursesandsupportnetworksinthemanner ofaaorweightwatchers.ineedsomesupportsuchasawomen scircle.if youhaveasupportgroupinthebeginningitwillhelpgrowwithyourbusiness. Wordofmouthisthebestadvertising;ifyouhaveaplacewhereyoucanhave a mixer toattractnewpeopleitwouldhelp. TheMétisarestillanewnation.Thissurveyistryingtohelpfurtherourculture asfarasmetiswomengo.weneedtostartwithsupportandmeetings,like

95 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 95 conferenceswherewecanfacilitatetheempowermentofwomen. Businessethics,self^respect,respectforothersareimportant. BeingconnectedtootherMetiswomen.Specifically,Metiswomen entrepreneurialnetworkingascritical.weneedthosesupports.otherslack historicalknowledgeanditmightbegenetic.thereisadifferencebetween aboriginalandnon^aboriginalwaysofthinking.welovetolaughbypointing outthosedifferences.culturaldifferenceinhowwedealwiththeworld. Familysupport,networking,andprovincialsupportareimportant. Politicsandmoneyaretricky.Avoidpoliticalpolarization.Everyoneshould haveanequalopportunitytopromoteherorhisbusiness. Moreadvertisingofself^employmentprograms.Havinginformationavailable onmetiswebsitesandsomebodytocontact.needtoknowapersonto contact. Strongnetworking,furthertraining Moresupport,fundingandrespectforculturalfacilitators.Fundingshouldgo directlytothem.governmentistopheavy,powerandgreedgetstoobigand peoplebelowsuffer.changethestructureofgovernment. ManywomenIrunintodonotconsideropeningabusinessbecauseoffamily obligations.womenneedtoknowthattherearewaystomakefamilyand businessworktogether;itcanbedone.itjustneedssupportandpatience,asit doestakealittlelongertogetthingsaccomplished.iamamotherofa6^ monthold,4^yearoldand17^yearold.duetothenewbusinessididnottake maternityleave.idobringmy6^montholdtoworkwithmeeachday.ihave receivedmuchsupportfromfamily,aswellascustomersandbusinesscontacts inmydecision. AsanursingmomIhavebeenwelcomedtobringmylittleonealongonmany businesstradeshows,forums,andluncheons.iappreciatethesupport.(i alwaysmakesurethatwearenotadistractiontoanyoneelse. Continuingtopresentopportunitiesforgrowthandadvancementinrespectto suchthingsastradeshows,forums,andtrainingopportunists,etc. IfaMetiswomancangosomewheretolearnhowtostartabusiness,likehow toregisteranameandfindalawyer,findresources,basicbookkeepingthatis easytounderstand,advertising,networking,howtogetabusinesscard. Sometimesorganizationsmakethingssohardtounderstand.Thegovernment isnowtryingtogetridofjargontohelppeoplewithlesseducation.ifthings areclearandpeopleknowaboutthesethingsitcanhelp. Idon tknowwhattheyarecurrentlydoing,soidon tknowwhattheywould need. Makingsuretheeducationandsupportisavailable. FindthemtiesormentorswhoaresuccessfulregardlessiftheyareMetisor not.metiswomenaretough,smartandcapable.solidmentorstohelpget throughtheperiodsofdoubtorprovidedirectionwouldbeamazing.idon t wantsomeonetodothingsformebutiwouldlikesomeonetoshowmehow tohelpmyself.also,gobeyondtheonlinebusinessdirectoryanddoreal

96 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship96 promotions.mostpeopledon tknowwhatametispersonissopromoting beyondthatwouldalsobeessential. Rolemodelingisgoodbuttheserolemodelsdon thavetobejustothermetis women.iwouldreallyliketoseemoreaboriginalwomenencouragedtowork withwhattheyhaveasopposedtothinkingtheycan tdoanythinguntilthey getfunding.iwouldlikethemtolearnfromimmigrantswhohavebecome successfulwithoutrelyingonthegovernment.iwouldlikethemtoseewhat successesareoccurringinthepoorestcornersoftheworldbyfemale entrepreneurswhohadtosupporttheirfamiliesontheirownwithouthelp fromanyone. Opennesstonewideas. Start^upprograms.Weneedtoknowallaboutourpayroll,GSTand remittance,ratherthanfindingoutalongtheway. Makingsurebusinesssupporteducationisavailable. Possiblymoresupportthroughbusinessnetworking;reasonably^priced trainingthatisongoing;itwouldbeniceifourpeoplewouldsupportour businesses. 5.Othercommentsincluded: TherearemanyagenciesbutIdidnotknowwhattheydo.Ihadtoresearch thembecauseofmybusiness. MyMomalwayssaid, doforyourself. Itendtodoeverythingonmyown.It hasmademeastrongwoman.iamokaywiththat. Iwouldliketofindwaysofworkingthroughthepoliticalpolarizationsthat existsinourcommunity.iwouldliketoreceiveacopyofthissurveyandfind outwhatthefollowupis.wehavegivenourtimetodothissurvey,which meanswehaveaninterestinthisarea. IpersonallydonotfeelthatIwastreatedanydifferentasaMetiswoman duringthestartupofmybusiness.iappreciatetherespectireceivedfrom RCC. Istartedouthavingtolearnallonmyown;itisgoodtoknowthatthereare resourcesforothersrightnow. IknowAboriginalpeoplearecapableofbecomingverysuccessful entrepreneurs;ijustthinktheapproachescurrentlyinusearenotworking. There sjustnotenoughridingonmakingitwork.it stooeasytogetmoney andwasteitandnotbeheldaccountable.mymotivationtoworkcomesfrom knowingthere snosafetynetbelowme. Saskatchewanneedstobeopentonewbusinessideas.Beingthatweareself^ owned,thegovernmentisourcompetition.wehavebuiltournameandwe catertomanygroups.costsareabigissue,butwewereabletoacceptthat ourlivingstandardswerelowerthanothers,maybe;butwehavebeenableto feedourselves. HavingGrade11orGrade12studentsknowthatthereareopportunitiesfor themtoknowtheycanbeentrepreneurs.whatopportunitiesarethereout

97 thereforpeoplewhowanttogointobusiness?thereisashortfallbringing thatintoschools.therewillneedtobesupporttohelpthemstartthe business.mentoringisreallyimportant;amentoringprogramisneeded.that wouldhavehelpedmealongthewaywhenistartedout. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 97

98 5.0 MétisEconomicDevelopmentandCapitalCorporation SurveyResults AsurveywasincludedwithMFIpersonnel,includingonemanagementlevelperson operatinginapolicyandprogramdecisionmakingcapacityandtwofrontlineloanor programofficersateachofthethreeprairiemétiscapitalcorporations,i.e.theouis RielCapitalCorporation(RCCinManitoba,theSaskMetisEconomicDevelopment Corporation(SMEDCOinSaskatchewan,andApeetogosan(MétisDevelopmentINC.in Alberta;theClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund(CCDFinSaskatchewan;andthe newontariométisvoyageurdevelopmentfund(mvdf.themfisurveywas conductedateachofthemfiofficesbytheconsultant,exceptthemvdfinterview, whichwasconductedbyphone.(mvdfwasnotyetfullyoperationalatthetimeofthe interviewandonlytheincomingceowasinterviewed. DetailedCumulativeResultsofSurvey Surveyparticipantsareidentifiedinthetablebuttheirparticularcommentsarenot attributedtoprovideadegreeofanonymity. MétisFinancialInstitutionSurveyParticipants Participant Position Reasonselectedfor Served participation femaleclients ouisrielcapitalcorporation PaulParadis GeneralManager SeniorManagement Yes HughO Hare SmallBusinessAdvisor FrontlineStaff Yes GilbertDion Manager,BusinessDevelopmentand Management/Frontine Yes SupportServices SaskMetisEconomicDevelopmentCorporation GregFofonoff ChiefExecutiveOfficer SeniorManagement Yes TristanZachow oanofficer FrontlineStaff Yes ClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund Georgette DirectorBusinessDevelopment Management Yes Nicolas RebeccaKrahn BusinessDevelopmentSpecialist FrontlineStaff Yes Maxine BusinessDevelopmentSpecialist FrontlineStaff Yes Reddekopp SteveDanners Director,MétisEnergyandResource Management Yes Program MonicaBrunet SeniorAdvisor,MétisEconomic Worksdirectlywith Yes DevelopmentSector entrepreneurs Apeetogosan(MétisDevelopmentInc. MikeIvy GeneralManager SeniorManager Yes KenBalcom SeniorBusinessConsultant,Pinnacle Frontline Yes BusinessService MétisVoyageurDevelopmentFund StevenMorse ChiefExecutiveOfficer SeniorManagement N/A StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship98

99 1a.Doesyourinstitutionofferbusinessplanningandsupportservices? EachofthefiveMétisFinancialInstitutions(MFIsparticipatinginthesurvey providesafullrangeofbusinessstartupservicesforwomenandmen.althoughthese servicesvarysomewhat,allaredesignedtoassistclientstomovefromconceptto formalbusinessplantofinancingandbusinessstartup,withaftercareservices available. ServicesareprovidedinavarietyofwaysbydifferentMFIs.Some,forexample, actasexternalserviceprovidersforaboriginalbusinesscanada(abc,whichprovides supportsandloansforbusinessdevelopment.othersmayuseexternalconsultants, whichofferregionalservicesorexpertiseinacertainbusinesssector.businessservices areaffordableandtypicallysupportedbya75%grant.severalrespondentscitedthe importanceofinvolvementoftheentrepreneurindevelopingthebusinessplan,rather thanhavingitdoneforthem. We'offer'business'planning'and'support'working'through'the'start'up'process.' We'have'an'officer'subsidized'by'AANDC'to'work'with'client'to'get'adjudicated.' We'provide'support'from'the'early'stages'of'application'and'go'through'the' whole'process;'we'help'clients'set'up'books'and'accounts,'or'make'referral'to'a' bookkeeper'and'accountant.'if'this'is'not'set'up'well'it'inevitably'becomes'an' issue'down'the'road.'we'offer'aftercare;'after'3y6'months'we'visit'them'and'see' what'they'need'and'how'things'are'going;'we'check'their'bookkeeping'and' provide'whatever'help'is'needed. ' Ontario smétisvoyageurdevelopmentfundisnotoperationalyet.itsservices willbesimilartothoseprovidedbytheclarencecampeaudevelopmentfund(ccdfin Saskatchewan,exceptrestrictedtotheresourcesector.Thiscouldaffectthenumberof womenwhoreceivesupportduetothepreponderanceofmeninthisfield.itwill, however,supportsecondaryandtertiaryservicesintheresourcesector,sothismay improvetheoddsforwomenentrepreneurs.theywillnotprovideanyservicesspecific towomenbutwillbetrackinggenderintheirreporting. 1b.Doyouofferloanstoorotherinvestmentsinneworexistingbusinesses? AlltheMFIsprovideloansandotherformsofinvestment.(TheVoyageurFund willbeupandrunninginlatespring2012.theyalsopartnerwithotheragenciesto assistentrepreneurstoobtainneededgrantsandloans. Someorganizationsprovidemicroloansofaslittleas$500tobuyequipment, suchasanindustrialsewingmachine;largerloansaremorecommon,however,andcan rangeupto$250,000. Syndicatedloansandpartnershipsmakeitpossibletoobtainupto$1millionor moreinstartuporexpansionfunds.themfisoperateorhaveaccesstoanumberof additionalmétisspecificinvestmentfundsthatareaccessedtoprovidelargerloans. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 99

100 1c.Doyouoffermentoringprograms? MostMFIsoffereitherinhousementoring,oftenthroughanaftercareprogram, orprovidereferralstopotentialmentors.insomecasespartnerorganizations,suchas themanitobaaboriginalchamberofcommerce(of130businesses,toarrange mentors.therewassomeskepticismaboutthevalueofmentoringinpractice;itishard tofindeffectivementors: We re'not'big'fans'of'mentoring,'for'us,'it'does'not'work.'there'is'a'disconnect' between'the'client'and'mentor'and'no'incentive'to'follow'through.'abc'tried'a' major'focus'on'this'but'it'didn t'work. ' 1d.Arethereotherservicesyouprovide? AlloftheMFIsprovidesomeformofaftercare.Someprovideproductssuchas specializedyouthloans;bridgefunding;actasexternalserviceprovidesforabc;operate largefundsandarrangesyndicatedlending;providelettersofguaranteetofinancial institutions;andloanguaranteesorbondsfortheconstructionindustry. PinnacleBusinessServices,whichisownedbyApeetogosan,operatesasits businessadvisoryarm.itprovidesbusinessplanning,accounting,andfinancialplanning services,notonlyforloanclients;80%ofitsclientsaremétis. We'work'at'the'preYapplication'stage,'to'do'business'planning;'when'approved' for'funding,'we'work'on'implementation,'accounting,'registration,'accounting' training.'we'file'tax'returns'for'clients;'provide'yearend'financial'statements. ' InSaskatchewan,theMétisEconomicDevelopmentSector,aprogramhousedat theclarencecampeaudevelopmentfund,helpsbuildcapacityinthemétiscommunity forfuturebusinessdevelopment. It'involves'marketing'and'promotion'programs'available'to'the'Métis.'It'is'not' gender'specific.'we'have'225'businesses'in'our'métis'business'directory.'we'help' people'get'proposals'together'and'meet'with'industry'to'get'them'in'touch'with' Métis'businesses,'advocating'on'their'behalf'and'connecting'people'around' procurement. ' CCDFalsooperatesaManagementandMarketingSkillsProgramtotrain entrepreneursinthisarea. TheMétisEnergyandResourceProgramisanexampleofthevariousspecial fundsoperatedbythemfis.theaandcfundedinitiativemanagedbyclarence CampeauDevelopmentFundhasbeingrecharacterizedasa majorprojectsand investmentfund becauseitisnolongerrestrictedtotheresourcesector.ithasbeen operating2yearswithafederalcontributionof$5millionand$1millionfromccdf. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship100

101 Twoprojectshavebeenapprovedforatotalof$1.5millionandsome10dealsthat representanother$2million rangingfrom$200,000to$1.5million areintheworks. Openinguptomajorprojectsoutsidetheresourcesectorisexpectedtoresultinmore involvementofwomenentrepreneurs. TheMétisEntrepreneurshipFundisanothernewprogram,operatedbythe threemétiscapitalcorporationsontheprairies,tosupportprojectsfrom$250,000to $1millioninsize. We'are'just'looking'at'deals'now;'we'have'a'husband'and'wife'coming'to'us' with'a'business'now'and'she'is'integral'to'business;'but'not'many'have'come'in' yet. ' 2a.Doyoukeeptrackofclientstatisticsbasedongender? ExceptforoneMFI(ClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund,noneoftheMFIs trackedstatisticsbasedongender.however,thisisinformationthatcouldberetrieved oreasilytracked.themétisvoyageurfundisplanningtodothis. 2b.Doyoutrackthepercentageofyourclientsthatarewomen? OnlytheCCDFdoesthisformallyandreportsit.Othersareconsideringit: ' We'are'looking'at'separating'our'statistics'and'reporting'by'gender. ' 2c.Ifyes,whatisthatpercentage? CCDFreportsthat,onaverageover13years,36%ofitsclientswerewomen,with arangeof22%to55%womeninagivenyear.atotalof188womenhavereceived fundsover13years.thefollowingtablewasprovidedbyccdf. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 101

102 2d.Ifnot,canyouestimateit? EstimatesfromtheMFIsthatdonotkeepgenderspecificstatisticsareallvery closetothoseatccdf,ataround3540%.however,itwaspointedoutthatmany clientsofeachofthemfisarefamilyownedbusinesseswherethefemalepartnersare keyplayersinthebusiness.ifthesewomenwereincludedtheshareoffemaleclients wouldbehigher,insomecases. ' We'deal'with'husbands'in'some'a'cases'but'their'wife'may'play'a'key'support' role'behind'the'scenes,'including'business'organization,'ordering,'preparing'bids' and'invoices,'and'bookkeeping,'as'well'as'maintaining'family'unity.'they'couldn t' operate'without'the'wife'and'mother;'this'is'really'key. ' ' Out'of'our'40'current'clients,'9'are'women'and'7'are'joint'ownerships'by'a' couple,'so'16'of'40'are'women,'including'joint'ownership.'none'of'our'women' are'currently'in'arrears;'they'range'from'partytime'businesses'to'a'million'dollar' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship102

103 company.'this'is'current'picture,'but'it'would'be'similar'if'we'went'back'through' the'years. ' ' Thepercentageoffemaleclientsalsovariestosomeextentbyregionand industry,sothatsomeofthoseinterviewedsaidthatthepercentageoftheirfemale clientelewasconsiderablylowerthantheaverage. 2e.HasyourorganizationconductedresearchonMétiswomenentrepreneurs? Nonehavedonethis. 3a.Couldyoubrieflydescribetheservicesthatyourfemaleclientstendtousemost often? 3b.Aretheredifferencesintheuseofyourservicesbyfemaleclientsasopposedto males? Ingeneral,alltheclientsusedalltheservicesprovided.However,womenmaybe morereceptivetoutilizingalltheservicesprovided. Women'are'more'proactive'regarding'professional'help'and'advice'and'better' organized'in'that'department;'they'seek'professional'help.'when'the'client'is'a' couple,'the'man'may'be'the'workhorse'for'the'business'and'the'female'will'pull' together'all'the'details,'like'paperwork;'she'is'the'organizer'and'multiytasker. ' Women'take'advantage'of'our'Management'and'Marketing'program'more'than' men,'as'they'tend'to'do'books'themselves'while'men'hire'someone'to'do'it.'they' are'more'receptive,'so'use'services'more;'females'spend'more'time'using'our' services'than'men.' ' Women'are'more'conscious'of'paying'bills'on'time;'(men'figure'it'out'later;' women'respect'loan'responsibilities.'they'are'typically'more'receptive'to'advice.' The'clients'we'have'most'impact'on'through'advice'are'women. ' Womentendtoaskforsmallerloansthanmen. Women'are'not'involved'in'bigger'deals,'not'one'over'$100,000;'it'has'to'do'with' the'nature'of'the'businesses'they'are'going'into.'one'of'our'biggest'women s' companies'now'as'initially'a'$30,000'loan,'now'a'million'dollar'business.' ' ' 4a.Wouldyousayyourprogramsandservicesmeettheneedsoffemaleclients? Allrespondentssaidthattheirservicesforwomenandmenarethesame,sothe needsoffemaleclientsaremettotheextentthatthoseofallclientsaremet.in StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 103

104 ManitobaandSaskatchewan,theNFIsfrequentlypartnerwithorganizationsoragencies thatprovidebusinessservicesspecificallyforwomen. Severalrespondentscommentedthattheresourcefocusednatureofthe westerncanadianeconomymighttendtofavourmaleclients. ' The'business'is'very'industryYdriven,'and'in'this'area'it'is'resource'industries'and' trades'jobs.'we'don t'see'women'in'them;'there'is'not'enough'female'interest'in' those'sectors,'although'there'are'some'that'want'to'be'involved;'one'took'trades' courses'to'be'a'truck'driver;'lots'of'training'is'available'and'it'is'open'to'all.' However,'some'work'is'very'physical'and'women'may'not'have'the'needed' physical'strength. ' 4b.Canyouidentifyanygapsinservicesforwomen? Acommoncommentwasthatwomentendtobemorecautiousaboutbusiness andlesslikelytotakerisks,thuswomenarelesslikelytoborrowlargeramountsof money,stickinginsteadtosmallerventures.mostrespondents thoughnotall felt thatagenciestheypartnerwith,suchasabcandthebanks,tendtoavoidthemicro lendingthatappealstomostwomenclients.severalpointedtooutmodedattitudes aboutwomeninbusinessasaproblem. The'agencies'and'lenders'that'we'refer'women'to'have'unofficial'minimum' lending'levels'that'limit'access'to'women.'other'lenders'tend'to'have'outmoded' views'about'what'businesses'women'should'be'involved'in'(e.g.'hairdressing'rather' than'construction. ' ' Onerespondentnotedthatmorewomenclientsareemployedfulltimewhen theyapplyforbusinessstartups,and/orhavemorefamilyresponsibilitiesthanmen. Standardbusinesshoursmayamounttoaservicegap: ' We'get'more'women'wanting'to'start'business'but'they'are'employed'full'time,'so' we'need'to'adjust'times'of'meetings. ' ' Mostthoughtthatany servicegaps thatmayexistaffectmenasmuchas women. ' If'there'is'a'gap,'it'is'not'gender'based. ' ArespondentinManitoba,forexample,notedthat, Distance'is'an'issue'for'us.'We'do'travel'to'accommodate'all'clients'in'their' communities,'but'those'who'live'in'winnipeg'might'have'better'access'to'services. ' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship104

105 5a.Doyouhaveanyprogramstargetedspecificallytowomen? NoneoftheMFIshavegenderspecificprograms. ManitobaandSaskatchewanMFIsdoconnecttheirwomenclientstowomen entrepreneur'snetworksandsupportagencies,however,andoftenpartnerwiththem onlending.incontrast,apeetogosaninalbertasays, ' We'don t'work'with'the'alberta'women'entrepreneurs'that'much.'we'used'to'talk' to'them'all'the'time'but'not'recently;'they'are'really'low'profile.'we'did'workshop' for'the'aboriginal'professional'women s'association'five'years'ago'and'that'is'it. ' SeveraloftheMFIshaveanequalnumberormajorityofwomenstaff,which severalrespondentsthoughtmightbeanadvantageinattractingfemaleclients. Our'services'are'delivered'regionally'and'3'of'4'areas'have'female'business' development'specialists.'this'is'not'intentional. ' 5b.Ifso,whichprograms?N/A 5c.Ifnot,whynot? Noneoftherespondentsfeltthiswasneededasallclientsaretreatedequally.At thesametime,programmingisdeterminedinlargemeasurebygovernmentfunders andnoneprovidefundstargetedtofemaleentrepreneurs. It'is'felt'that'it'is'not'needed'as'all'entrepreneurs'require'the'same'services'and' gender'has'nothing'to'do'with'it.'proposals'are'judged'on'merit.'also,' programming'is'established'by'government'funders'who'essentially'dictate' programs;'if'there'was'specialized'funding'or'setyasides'for'women'they'would'be' happy'to'comply.'if'that'were'the'case,'it'would'make'sense'to'do'so'through'their' existing'mfis.' Whyaretheremorementhanwomenclients?Therearemoremeninbusinessthan womenandmoremencometous;sometimestheclientwedealwithisamanbuthis wifemaybeinvolvedtoo;ourstatisticsmaynotbeaccurateinthatsense. 6.Whatstepscouldbetakentomakeyourprogramsandservicesmoreresponsiveto theneedsandgoalsofmetiswomen? Severalrespondentsmentionedthatlackofconfidencecanbeanissueforaspiring womenentrepreneurs,resultingeitherfromalackofbusinessexperienceor personality.dedicatedfemalestaffandprogramsforwomenmightbehelpfulinthis case. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 105

106 Perhaps'some'women'are'not'as'confident'as'men'going'into'business,'in'which' case'specialized'programs'would'be'helpful. ' OnerespondentfeltthattheMFIsheworkedfor,whichhadamajorityoffemale frontlinestaff,wasparticularlyeffectiveworkingwithwomen,whobenefitfroma somewhatdifferentstyleofservicethanmen: Women'like'personal'attention,'such'as'faceYtoYface'meetings'with'whom'they' are'dealing;'males'are'okay'if'they'never'meet'and'only'talk'on'the'phone.' Expressing'emotions,'passion,'and'shedding'tears'are'common'for'women. ' ' Giventhispreferenceformorepersonalrelationships,increasedaccessibilityof serviceswasmentionbyseveralrespondents: More'accessibility'and'personal'professional'service'helps.'We'make'clients'feel' good,'we'are'very'approachable'and'personal,'some'clients'call'every'day'for' guidance,'support'and'a'second'opinion. ' We'would'like'to'reach'a'critical'mass'where'we'have'satellite'offices'in'Grande' Prairie'and'Calgary,'but'not'for'just'for'women;'would'be'nice'if'we'had' connection'where'we'didn t'have'to'travel,'although'distance'isn t'as'big'now' with'the'internet. ' Ingeneral,thesurveyfoundthatmostMFIshaveagoodbalanceofmaleand femalestaff,andinthecasetheclarencecampeaudevelopmentfund,12of15 employeesarefemale. Forwomen,morechildcareoptionswouldbehelpful,suchaschildcareattraining seminars. Consideration'for'the'needs'of'women'who'have'childcare'responsibilities,'such'as' childcare'supports'during'training'events. ' AlthoughsomerespondentsmentionedthattheirMFIprovidesmicrofinancing, severalstatedthatatargetedmicrofinancingapproachwouldbeeffective: ' If'we'had'access'to'microYfinancing'it'could'be'beneficial'to'women. ' Acoupleofrespondentsfeltthatmorepromotionalactivitiesandseminars targeteddirectlytowomenmighthelpincreasethepercentageofwomenusingmfi services,howevermostfeltthatallprogrammingwasopentowomenandisbeingused byallthoseinterested. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship106

107 TheouisRielCapitalCorporationisworkingonsomeinnovationsthat,although nottargetedtowomen,maybequitehelpfultothem: We'are'working'with'MEDO'to'set'up'financial'services'division'that'might'fill' gaps.'with'the'mmf'we'are'looking'at'a'close'relationship'with'a'mainstream' bank,'with'accounts'and'service'plans'for'metis'people,'but'not'just'women.'we' are'looking'at'a'variable'rate'business'loan;'a'more'formalized'bonding'program;' and'small'ticket'leasing'for'capital'items'like'computers'and'office'equipment. ' 6a.Métiswomenhavestatedthatcommonstereotypesaboutwomenhave hamperedthemfromreceivingequaltreatmenttomenatfinancialinstitutions.do youhaveanyproceduresinplacetoensureequaltreatmentforwomenclients? AllrespondentssaidtheirMFIdidnotholdtothosestereotypes,butseveralfelt thatstereotypingofwomenmaybeaproblemwithbanksandabc.onementionedthat somelenderswantthewomen shusbandstocosignloans,forexample.butmost respondentsfeltthatthisattitudewasmoreathingofthepast. I'have'never'heard'a'discriminatory'comment'regarding'women'entrepreneurs;'10' years'ago'yes;'but'stereotypes'have'fallen;'in'fact,'banks'like'female'clients'as'they' are'more'responsible'regarding'credit. 'Racism'may'also'be'an'issue,'bit'in'last'5' years,'there'were'maybe'one'or'two'instances,'it'is'not'as'big'an'issue'as'it'was'20' years'ago.'for'banks:'business'is'business,'stereotyping'and'prejudice'is'not'as' prevalent. ' Ifanything,theMFIrespondentsseemedtoholdapositivestereotypeabout femaleclients: In'general,'we'find'women'are'very'successful'and'more'organized,'more' prepared'to'go'into'business,'very'easy'to'work'with.'women'on'a'percentage' basis'are'more'successful'than'men,'though'i m'not'sure'of'the'numbers'and'don t' know'why.'probably,'they'have'done'more'research'and'are'better'organized'and' prepared.'i'teach'a'sevenyweek'class'on'business'three'times'a'year'for'the'ouis' Riel'School'division;'there'are'always'40%'women'and'they'are'more'interactive,' ask'more'questions'and'are'more'engaged. ' Thefactremains,however,thatfewwomencometoMFIsforbusinessesinnon traditionalareas.typicalplansfromwomenareforissalons,spas,carehomes,food industry,retailandservices. OnefrequentlymentionedissueisthattheWesterneconomyisquiteresource oriented,whichtendstofavourmen.thiscouldbebecausethesearetraditionalmale areas,thebusinessesusuallyinvolveintensivelabour,orwomenarejustnotinterested inthoseareas.ontario snewmétisfundisrestrictedtoresourceindustries,whichis StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 107

108 likelytoinadvertentlyexcludewomen.thisrestrictionisagovernmentrequirement, however,notamétispolicy. 6b.Arethereanyqualificationsforloansorotherservices,suchasrequirementsto workfulltimeonthebusinessorrelinquishotheremployment,whichcould inadvertentlyimpairwomenfromobtainingloans/services? NoneoftheMFIsrequireclientstoabandonjobstostartbusinesses;allaccepta parttimeapproachtotheirbusiness,especiallyformicroenterprises.infact,some recommendmaintainingemploymenttokeepincomeflowingduringthebusinessstart up.thisisnotalwaysthecaseforpartners,suchasabc,whichrequiresentrepreneurs toworkfulltime.also,somesaidneitherabcnorbankssupportsmallerloans,which aremorecommonlyappliedforbywomenwhogenerallyprefertostartmicro enterprises. The'ABC'forgivable'loan'program'requires'engaging'fullYtime'in'business;'it'gives' them'about'a'third'of'what'is'necessary'for'startup. ' ' ABC'has'an'unofficial'lending'minimum'of'$50,000:'women'tend'to'want'smaller' loans'and'are'more'cautious,'if'they'have'to'borrow'more'than'they'think'they' should'they'my'not'proceed'with'the'business. ' ' For'ABC,'the'size'of'a'project'is'typically'$20,000'or'more;'so'the'woman'who' wants'an'industrial'sewing'machine'for'$5000'is'discouraged'by'abc;'banks'are' not'into'microloans'either,'there'is'no'money'in'small'loans.'they'say'get'a'visa' card'application'and'if'you'don t'qualify'you'are'out'of'luck.'never'the'less,'we'do' provide'small'loans. ' Credithistorytendstobeabiggerissueforwomenthanmen. After'divorce'or'separation,'for'Aboriginal'women'coming'from'dependent' relationships'where'the'male'was'making'all'the'money,'it'is'difficult'for'the' woman'to'establish'credit'and'get'established'in'the'economy;'that'can'be'a'real' issue.'if'you'don't'even'have'a'credit'card'you'may'have'no'credit'rating,'no' spousal'benefits,'etc.'so'it'is'very'tough'to'get'going. ' Oneotherpointmentionedbyoneoftherespondents: We'have'had'some'applicants'who'are'pregnant,'and'we'counsel'them'this'is'not' the'time'to'go'into'business. ' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship108

109 7.Whattypesoftraining/supportwouldyourecommendbedevelopedspecificallyfor women? Mostthoughtbothmenandwomenneedthesamebusinesstraining.Also,they notedthatmostwomenarealreadytrainedintheareaofexpertisetheirbusinesswill formaround(e.g.someonestartingasalonisacertifiedinthatfield. The'women'have'done'whatever'training'and'certification'they'need'to'start' their'business'and'have'some'background'in'it.'the'same'financial'courses'are' needed'for'women'as'for'men. ' ' Also, ately,'in'the'last'five'years,'our'female'group'is'far'more'educated'(compared' to'men;'the'typical'man'is'blue'collar. ' ' Ontheotherhand, Some'women'have'less'business'experience'than'the'men'so'may'not'know' what'they'don t'know,'so'could'use'more'business'training. ' InManitobaandSaskatchewan,femaleclientsaredirectedtowomen entrepreneurorganizationsoragencies,whichprovideeffectivebusinesstrainingata reasonablecost. They'can'attend'workshops'at'the'Women s'enterprise'centre.'they'have'offices' in'winnipeg'and'a'large'budget,'perhaps'10y12'staff.'they'do'the'same' programming'as'we'do'but'have'more'training'workshops.'perhaps'a'third'of'our' female'clients'use'their'services.'we'refer'women'to'the'women s'centre'and'the' Canada'Business'Service'Centre'(the'latter'is'free'and'the'women s'centre' charges'a'small'fee. ' ' Onerespondentfeltwork/lifebalancewasamajorissueforfemale entrepreneurs,sincemorewomenthanmenseemtohavemultiplerolestofulfill. Trainingisthereforeneededinthisarea.However,manywomenhavelesstimefor businesstrainingforexactlythisreason,soitisa Catch22situation. However, It'would'help'if'training'offers'childcare'so'women'with'kids'at'home'can'attend;' the'cost'could'also'be'a'barrier. ' Onerespondentsharedthefollowing: I'can'tell'you'what'doesn t'work,'which'is'something'government'does:'putting' on'a'workshop'to'bring'in'lots'of'people'to'train'to'be'entrepreneurs,'spending' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 109

110 tons'of'money'in'a'rural'location.'they'expect'40'people'for'two'days,'but'two' people'come'for'the'donuts.'you'can t'train'a'big'group'of'people'in'an'area'how' to'be'entrepreneurs;'the'best'thing'to'do'is'to'handle'enquiries'on'a'oneytoyone' basis;'its'is'way'more'cost'effective'than'a'big'workshop;'there'is'more' commitment'by'the'clients;'they'have'a'much'stronger'change'of'actually'stating' a'business. ' ' Finally,onerespondentmadethefollowingobservation: We'need'to'engage'the'organization'to'poll'members'to'explain'what'skill'sets' they'need'training'in.'they ll'have'to'tell'us'what'they'need. ' 8a.Howdoyoumakeprospectivefemaleclientsawareofyourprogramsand services? Generally,itisthesameapproachforbothwomenandmen. We'have'been'around'for'20Y30'years;'we ve'probably'touched'someone'in' everyone s'immediate'family'or'circle'of'friends;'most'clients'hear'about'us' through'family'or'friends. ' ' A'lot'of'word'of'mouth,'it s'the'moccasin'telegraph,'in'the'métis'world'its'one' degree'of'separation'from'everyone. ' ' MostattendregionalorlocalMétismeetingsandtradeshows.SomeMFIs attendwomen sconferencesorcollaboratewithwomen senterprisecentresor organizations.someadvertiseinthemedia,particularlyinthenorth,whereradioads seemtowork.ontheotherhand,morethanonerespondentsaidradioandnewspaper adsdon twork. We'put'on'annual'workshops'with'the'Women s'enterprise'centres'and'canada' Business'Centre'and'other'AFIs.'We'visit'one'community'centre'each'year'and' explain'how'to'start'a'business'through'a'mini'trade'show.'all'major'financial' institutions/banks'make'them'aware'of'our'programs.'we'offer'concurrent' workshops'on'doing'business'plans,'marketing,'research,'and'procurement'in'the' province;'if'we'get'100'people'we'are'happy.'we'go'afterhours'to'accommodate' people'who'are'working. ' ' 'We'also'use'the'Chambers'of'Commerce. ' 8b.Besidespromotionalactivities,whatadditionalmeasuresshouldbetakentohelp Metiswomentakeadvantageofexistingprogramsandservices? Onerespondentwasconcernedthatgenderspecificpromotioncouldleadto StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship110

111 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 111 differentexpectationsformenorwomen,whichmightsetfalseexpectationswhenthe samecriteriaapplytowomenandmenequally.otherrespondentssuggestedthe followingoptions: ' We'could'look'at'designing'products'differently'for'women,'and'ask'then'what' they'would'like'to'see'us'offer'that'would'be'different. ' ' CoYlocation'at'one'point'with'Women'Entrepreneurs'of'Saskatchewan'is'an' option. ' ' ' There'has'to'be'a'demand,'the'market'has'to'manifest'itself'and'then'we'can' respond.'that'would'be'an'outside'provider s'role,'such'as'alberta'women s' Enterprise'Institute.'We'can'present'there,'and'have'done'that.'I'asked'them'to'set' it'up'seminars'to'promote'our'services'and'they'didn t'do'it. ' ' ' We'have'an'800'number,' ,'Internet;'service'from'a'distance'is'easier'now,' but'could'be'an'issue'in'northern'and'rural'areas'that'lack'high'speed'service;'this' is'a'small'segment'though. ' ' We'refer'them'to'the'web'site,'but'most'people'outside'cities'and'major'towns' don t'have'high'speed'internet. ' 8c.Doyoufeelthatmoreshouldbedonetospecificallytargetwomenentrepreneurs? Mostansweredno. ' I'have'never'seen'a'demand'for'that'after'8'years'here. ' OnerespondentsaidthatthereisnoneedforthisfromtheMFIpointofview,but theremaybefromasocialpointofview.anothersuggestedthatbankscouldoffer programsspecifictowomen,makinglendingmoreflexibleandresponsivetotheir needs.anothersaidmfiscouldprovidemoretargetedliterature. 9a.WhatarethemajorbarriersfacingMetiswomenwhenitcomestoestablishing andexpandingbusinesses? Accesstocapitalwasfrequentlymentionedasabarrierforwomen,forvarious reasons.onerespondent,whohada33yearbankingcareer,hasfoundthatwomen,in general,havemoredifficultyacquiringcapitalthanmen. Women'earn'less'on'average'than'men,'so'don t'have'the'same'asset'base.'a'lot' of'successful'women'come'from'backgrounds'where'they'are'educated'and'have' access'to'capital'and'wealth;'in'other'cases,'they'have'no'asset'base'and'struggle' to'obtain'capital.'enders'want'to'see'worth,'so'women'have'that'extra'

112 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship112 challenge. ' Equity'can'be'one,'perhaps'more'for'women'than'men'due'to'traditional' inequalities'in'society;'also,'this'is'a'problem'of'inequality'related'to'race'as'much' as'gender. '' ' I'still'believe'the'mind'set'is'out'there'that'women'don t'make'good'entrepreneurs' and'this'still'holds'them'back'compared'to'males.'i'came'from'banking'and'the' conversation'in'these'institutions'is'still'gender'specific,'they'still'use' he 'and' his ' not' she 'and' hers ;'signage'shows'a'male'entrepreneur. ' ' ' Women'are'more'cautious'and'are'less'likely'to'borrow,'which'could'be'a'barrier ' ' OnerespondentthoughtthatbeingAboriginalwasamoresignificantbarrierto accessingcapital. ' ' I'wouldn t'pinpoint'lack'of'capital'as'a'women s'issue,'it'is'an'aboriginal'issue. ' ' Women sroleasprimaryhomemakerscantaketimeawayfrombusinesses. Stereotypingofwomenisanotherbarrier. There'is'stereotyping'at'the'banks,'especially'for'younger'women;'if'it's'a' women s'business 'such'as'hairdressing'it'is'okay,'but'if'she'wants'to'buy'a' backhoe,'they'are'dubious. ' ' When'it'comes'to'other'institutions,'there'is'the'old'school'of'thinking'that' women'can t'succeed'at'start'up;'it s'just'a'myth,'really'there'is'no'difference. ' ackofsupportformicrofinancingcancreateabarrierforwomen. For'outside'funders,'there'are'barriers.'Aboriginal'Business'Canada'leveraged' lending'pigeonholes'women,'and'for'women'starting'micro'businesses,'abc' doesn t'want'to'get'involved'in'small'amounts'because'it'is'too'much'effort'for' the'return. ' ' In'general,'women'start'more'smaller'businesses'than'men;'to'get'their'ABC' grants'we'are'forced'to'make'them'take'more'than'they'need,'then'they'incur' more'debt'than'they'want'to,'which'impacts'business'operations. ' If'clients'come'to'us'and'they'need'$10,000'we'have'no'source'for'it,'they' qualify'for'the'loan'but'they'don t'get'the'grant,'which'increases'costs'of' servicing'debt.'abc'discourages'small'loans;'it'is'not'a'stated'requirement,'but'a' $50,000'deal'is'the'unwritten'minimum.'ABC'turned'down'a'$31,000'proposal,' where'abc'would'give'$10,000,'rcc'$20,000;'abc'did'not'approve'so'we'gave' them'$30,000,'which'cost'the'client'more'[because'mfi'charges'higher'interest.] '

113 Ruralentrepreneursfaceparticularbarriers(thoughnotjustwomen.These includerecruitingandretainingemployeesandaccesstohighspeedinternet. There'are'less'opportunities'for'education'in'rural'area;'same'with'high'speed' internet rural'people'are'very'much'handicapped'by'that,'both'for'their'research' on'the'industry,'market'and'suppliers'and'also'for'their'own'web'sites. ' ' Human'resource'needs'is'an'issue'(though'this'is'not'specific'to'females:'helping' businesses'find'suitable'labour,'especially'rural'clients;'labour'in'the'specifics' business'location;'retention'is'a'big'issue;'competition'for'labour'is'high. ' ' A'couple'of'women'in'the'food'industry'closed'as'they'had'no'HR'support'and' couldn t'retain'employees.'this'is'a'big'problem. ' ' Theremayalsobeaparticularsetofproblemsassociatedwithattitudesinremote andnortherncommunities: ' For'older'Métis'clients,'who'are'more'traditional,'nonYurban,'there'are'specific' issues.'there'are'not'as'many'resources;'they'can'be'hesitant'to'talk'and'share' information,'they'think'their'own'ideas'are'stupid,'because'society'or'community' or'experience'make'them'feel'stupid.'they'think'they'are'not'good'enough'to'get' into'business.'they'may'know'what'to'do'but'have'no'drive'or'ability'to'express'it;' I ve'yet'to'see'an'application'from'them.'there'is'a'different'set'of'challenges'in' remote'area,'not'male/female'specific,'such'as'competition'in'community,'not' being'open'to'outsiders,'or'oneyupmanship.'for'example,'we'went'into'a'métis' community'and'placed'ads'for'a'month,'offering'free'refreshments'and'donuts,'we' were'promised'40'people'but'just'two'people'showed'up.'why'aren t'there'more' people?'they'feel'the'mfi'people'come'in'to'show'off.'we'wanted'to'help,'but' there'is'a'barrier.'there'is'a'need'for'a'community'champion'to'promote' enterprise. ' Currenttrends,likeInternetmarketingandsocialmedia,canalsocreatebarriers. ' Marketing'is'a'new'thing;'websites'and'online'shopping'involves'lots'of'expense.' Few'have'all'these'skills. ' 9b.Aretheydifferentthanthosefacedbymen? Women'have'the'same'problems'as'men,'but'perhaps'somewhat'less'equity,' especially'in'property,'buildings,'vehicles'and'so'on,'so'less'to'provide'as'security' against'their'loans. ' ' Giventheattitudesofsomebankers,onerespondentsaysthatshesuggeststo womenthat, StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 113

114 ' When'you'go'into'a'bank,'have'as'much'business'knowledge'as'you'can'so'you' appear'at'least'as'business'minded'as'a'male;'be'well'prepared. 'Women'have'to' appear'to'be'more'motivated.' ' Onerespondentfeltthat,asfarashewasconcerned,womenhadnolessaccess toequitycomparedtomen. ' 10a.Couldyouidentifysomeofthemaincharacteristicsofwomenseekingyour assistance,suchasage,educationalattainment,levelofbusinessexperience,ormix ofurban/ruralclients? Mostsaidwomenclientstendtobemainlyintheir30s,butthereareolderand youngerapplicants. ' ately'they'are'more'in'the'25y30'age'range,'basically'educated'youth. ' ' Educationlevelsaremixed,butwomen seducationlevelsareoftenhigherthanmen andwomentendtohavespecificeducationandcertificationintheareaoftheir business. ' Most'have'some'post'secondary'training'related'to'their'fields,'e.g.'hairdressers,' dental'hygienists,'and'massage'therapists. ' ' They'are'more'educated,'due'to'type'of'business,'which'involves'brains'not' brawn;'specific'skills'have'involved'specific'education'and'certification'and' training. ' ' Thereisafairmixregionally,thoughtheremaybesomeadvantagestourban clients,sincemostofficesandservicesarecitybased. ' Typically'slightly'more'urban,'e.g.'there'are'more'Metis'in'Edmonton'than'any' other'centre,'so'obviously'there'are'more'women'too. ' ' Womentendtohaveadistinctsetofbusinessideasfrommen: Women'clients'tend'to'have'ideas'they'want'to'improve'on,'a' better'way'of' making'a'widget ;'men'want'to'continue'doing'what'they'have'been'doing'but'be' their'own'boss. ' ' Spas'are'the'main'choice'of'younger'women,'care'homes'are'choice'of'older' women;'new'technologies'usually'involve'the'younger'women. ' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship114

115 10b.Whyarethemaincharacteristicsofwomenwhoareapprovedforloansand otherservices? Oftencitedcharacteristicsweredetermination,goodorganizationalskills,a viableplan,andagoodcreditrating. Those'who'are'approved'have'done'their'homework,'understand'the'challenges' and'are'more'prepared. ' ' They'tend'to'find'a'niche'more'than'the'men,'in'a'specialized'market'not'flooded' with'similar'business;'they'are'better'at'identifying'these'niches. ' ' Women s'projects'are'more'serviceyoriented'so'don t'need'as'much'capital.'for' men'it'is'often'the'oil'patch,'and'he'needs'costly'equipment.'this'year'i'have'had'a' female,'denturist;'chiropractor;'dental'hygienist;'womenyspecific'service'or' expertise'requires'service'or'training,'that'is'the'niche'females'fall'into. ' We'find'the'women'just'as'driven'as'the'men,'with'better'organizational'skills'and' multitasking'ability.'by'the'time'they'are'ready'they'have'done'the'research'and' understand'the'obstacles'they'will'face. ' We'approve'all'applicants'except'if'they'have'bad'credit,'which'means'they'can t' get'bank'financing'for'that'part'of'the'loans.'beyond'that'we'wouldn t'turn'anyone' down,'in'fact'only'one'applicant'hasn t'proceeded;'but'we'do'talk'to'people'before' they'get'started'to'narrow'down'clients'who'apply. ' All'of'our'women'clients'are'performing'well.'Some'are'partYtime'and'not'making' ton'of'money'but'they'are'getting'exposure,'subsidizing'their'income,'paying'their' loan'back,'and'getting'experience'in'self'employment.'the'level'of'commitment'is' pretty'apparent.'a'higher'percentage'of'women'than'men'who'apply'for'loans'are' successful'and'go'into'business,'and'the'success'rate'of'women s'businesses'is' higher. ' Regarding'a'poor'credit'rating:'We'can'overcome'that'if'there'is'a'guarantor s' support. ' 10c.Ofthosenotapproved? Weakideaandpoororganizationalskills,lackofdeterminationorequity,anda badcreditratingwerefactorswhenwomenareturnedown,whichwasnodifferent thanformen. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 115

116 They'are'dreamers;'their'idea'is'not'thought'out'properly.'They'are'not'ready,' but'they'may'come'back'a'year'or'two'later,'with'a'different'idea;'if'they'come' back'they'are'showing'determination'and'are'better'prepared. ' ' The'big'one'is'a'misunderstanding'of'market,'i.e.'thinking'it'is'bigger'than'it'is,' an'this'is'a'problem'mainly'in'rural'areas;'for'example,'there'is'a'lady'in'a'smaller' community'who'has'two'young'kids'and'was'looking'for'consignment'clothing'in' her'community;'she'thought' I'can t'find'any,'so'there'must'be'a'business'there. ' However,'there'are'not'enough'people'like'her;'they'may'see'a'need'and'think' there'is'a'business'there,'but'there'is'no'critical'mass'with'same'needs;'they'need' to'do'research'market. ' 10d.Whatarethemaincharacteristicsofwomenwhosucceedintheirbusinesses? Organizationalskills,focus,determination,anattainabledream,aclearplanandan abilitytoarticulateit.otherideasmentionedwere: Women'are'more'likely'to'listen'to'others'and'learn'from'their'experience. ' ' It'is'important'that'it'is'their'idea'rather'than'being'pushed'into'it.'Those'that' participate'in'business'planning'themselves'do'the'best. ' ' They'have'learned'work/life'balance. ' ' They'have'the'ability'to'reevaluate'their'market;'they'learn'about'their'market' and'the'need'to'change'their'strategy,'to'adapt'to'the'market'and'change'to' meet'its'needs;'they'are'better'at'that'than'the'guys. ' ' Women'are'more'determined'to'succeed'than'men'in'general,'they'are' more' serious'than'the'guys. 'This'is'their'opportunity'and'they'are'going'to'take' advantage'of'whatever'they'have'available.'men'might'say.' I'can'always'do' something'else,'i'am'a'welder'and'whatever. 'Women'see'further'down'the'road' and'are'more'focused'on'making'this'endeavour'succeed. ' ' There'personality'is'outgoing'and'energetic'and'they'have'longYterm'goals. ' ' An'understanding'that'they'need'to'work'long'hours,'and'do'so. ' ' ' We'have'a'very'high'success'rate.'Our'write'offs'are'very'low'for'unsecured' lenders.'over'all'the'years'writy'offs'are'only'about'5'deals'and'we'do'40y50'a' year;'1%'writeyoffs'is'awesome.'as'far'as'the'failures:'things'go'sideways,'bad' luck'or'illness'would'be'factors ' ' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship116

117 11a.Whatpercentageofwomenisturneddownwhentheyapplyforloansor services? Ingeneral,itseemsmostapplicantswhohasagoodplanandagoodcredit ratingareapproved,whethermenorwomen;however,preapplicationscreening reducesthenumberofenquiriesthatbecomeapplicants.takingthisintoconsideration, thenumberswhoareturneddownvaryconsiderablyfromorganizationtoorganization. We'don t'really'turn'people'down.'we'say'we'can t'help'you'now'but'here'is' what'you'need'to'do'to'overcome'shortfalls,'where'are'you'short,'what'you'need' to'do;'if'their'credit'history'is'bad'they'can'save'money'and'pay'off'bills,'then'we' will'look'at'it'again. ' ' Pretty'well'every'one'gets'support'unless'they'have'bad'credit'ratings. ' ' ' About'40%'of'enquiries'are'successful,'men'or'women,'but'no'one'is'outright' rejected;'they'may'drop'off,'their'opportunity'passes,'etc. ' ' Ten'enquires'yields'two'application'and'one'approval. ' Two'thirds,'no'different'than'men.' ' We'lend'to'about'half'of'those'that'apply,'but'many'enquiries'do'not'turn'into' applications'(the'rate'is'the'same'for'men'and'women. ' ' 11b.Isthisdifferentthanformaleapplicants? Allrespondentssaidno. 12.Whatarethemostcommonreasonsforturningdownloansorotherservicesto womenapplicants? Mostcitedaweakidea,poorbusinessplan,poororganizationalskills,lackof determination,lackofequity,and/orbadcreditrating. 13.Aretheirthingsthatcouldbedonetoenhanceoutcomesforwomen entrepreneursbyyourorotherorganization,includinggovernments? Whileonerespondentsaidthatthatfundingforloansissufficienttomeet demand,othersstatedthatspecifictargetedmoneyforwomenfromfunderswould likelyincreasethenumberoffemaleclients.inparticular,amicrolendingfundor mandatecouldbeusefulforwomen. ' StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 117

118 A'microloan'fund'tailored'for'women'could'fill'the'gap'for'those'with'no'credit' history'and'who'may'only'need'$5y10,000'to'get'going.'banks'don t'lend'this' amount'if'a'visa'card'is'turned'down;'apeetogosan'doesn t'do'that'many' microloans'either. ' ' Programsthathelpwomentotakeadvantageofaftercarewouldbebeneficial, sincemanydon tusetheseservicesduetopersonaltimeconstraints.someadditional fundsforspecializedserviceswouldalsobehelpful: Women'feel'they'have'to'do'everything'themselves:'be'a'homemaker,'CEO,' marketing,'etc.'we'need'programs'that'help'them'out'in'areas'they'are'not'good' at,'e.g.'accounting'services,'creative'services'or'promotion,'by'providing'support' to'pay'for'such'services.'due'to'the'small'size'of'businesses,'they'can't'afford'to' pay'for'services'that'would'allow'them'to'spend'time'in'the'areas'where'they' excel. ' Moretrainingcouldbehelpful,forexample,inbeingabletodoresearch whereand howtofindinformation andmarketingis huge. The'Women s'enterprise'centre'has'an'excellent'program;'we'need'to'use'them' more. ' ' Teaching'entrepreneurship'in'the'education'system,'and'teaching'it'better,' would'likely'enhance'outcomes'for'women'entrepreneurs.'it'should'be'presented' at'secondary'schools. ' Programsthathelpexistingbusinesseswithoperatingcostsandinventorywould alsohelp. Sometimes'clients'come'to'us'after'the'fact,'after'they'have'started,'but'we' can t'get'involved'with'operating'expenses'and'cost'overruns'not'anticipated'at' startup.'services'in'that'area'could'help;'if'government'changed'their'criteria' then'we'could'look'at'lending'for'inventory'or'operating'expenses. ' 14.Canyouidentifyany bestpractices thatareparticularlybeneficialtoyour womenclients? Respondentssuggestedanumberofbestpractices: EmployingfemaleBusinessServiceandExternalDeliveryOfficers. ouisrielcapitalcorporation sapplicationbookletandselfevaluationquiz. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship118

119 AManitobaCreditUnionhadaprogramcalledSEED,whichofferstraining, mentoring,andfinancingpartiallyfundedthoughthemanitobagovernment. WorkshopsattheManitobaWomen senterprisecentreofwomen EntrepreneurofSaskatchewan. We'encourage'them'to'become'involved'in'Women'Entrepreneurs'of' Saskatchewan;'their'training'is'inexpensive'and'condensed;'they'also'market' among'themselves.'it'is'just'$100'to'be'member'and'it'helps'women'stay'in'the' loop.'métis'women'have'said'they'are'happy'with'this'group;'wes'is'also'a' lender'and'we'often'partner'with'them. ' ' Makingmoreuseofthetrainingthatisavailable. Onceupandrunning,itishelpfultotakeadvantageofaftercareprograms. They'sit'with'our'consultant'after'two'years'to'identify'what'is'going'well'and' what'is'not;'to'take'time'to'do'it;'it'is'part'of'our'portfolio'and'mainly'free. ' ' Ensurethattheaccountingsystemandcontrolsaresetinplacefromthestart. I'can t'emphasize'enough'how'important'this'is.'some'just'put'the'bills'in'a' shoebox'and'send'the'shoebox'to'a'bookkeeper'at'the'end'of'year;'they'are'so' concentrated'on'other'parts'of'business'they'neglect'accounting'and' administration;'they'don t'identify'a'need'or'prepare'for'it.'people'need'access'to' services'in'this'area'to'keep'on'top'of'their'business'and'pinpoint'problems'before' they'get'out'of'control.'also,'tax'is'sloughed'off.'too'many'businesses'fail'for'this' reason. ' 15.Arethereanyothercommentsthatyouwouldliketoadd? Mostrespondentsmentionedtheywantedtoseethisreport.Severalsaidthey wouldliketoparticipateinamicrofinancepilotprojectbeingdiscussedbyabc,noting thatitwouldbebesttouseexistingserviceproviderstodelivertheprogramandcontrol itscost. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 119

120 6.0BESTPRACTICESTOSTRENGTHENMÉTISWOMEN S ENTREPRENEURSHIPS Theconsultantwasaskedtoidentify,basedontheresearch,anumberofbestpractices thathavebeenfoundtostrengthenwomen sentrepreneurship.severaloftheeleven bestpracticesincludedherewereidentifiedbypersonnelofthemétisfinancial institutionsinterviewedinthisstudy. SEEDWinnipegInc.(SupportingEmploymentandEconomicDevelopment SEED sbusinessmanagementtraininginvolvesa48moduletrainingprogramoveran8 weekperiod.eachmoduleteachestheparticipantacomponentofabusinessplan. Participantsusewhattheyhavelearnedandcompletethatcomponentusingtheirown businessidea.onceallassignmentshavebeencompletedtheyformadraftbusiness plan.seedalsoprovidesassetbuildingprograms,onetoonecounselling,andaftercare. Moreinformationisavailableatseedwinnipeg.ca. Setasidesforwomenownedsmallbusinesses Setasidesreserveaportionofgovernmentcontractsforwomenownedsmall businessesorensureequalaccesstoprocurementcontracts.anexampleisthewomen OwnedSmallBusinessFederalContractProgramoftheUSSmallBusiness Administration.Itprovidesequalaccesstofederalcontractingopportunitiesforwomen ownedsmallbusinesses(wosbandeconomicallydisadvantagedwomenownedsmall businesses(edwosbs.theprogramallowscontractingofficerstosetasidespecific federalcontractsforwosbsandedwosbs.formoreinformationvisit Socialnetworkingforwomenentrepreneurs Asocialnetworkingserviceisanonlineservice,platform,orsitethatfocusesonbuilding andreflectingofsocialnetworksorsocialrelationsamongpeople,suchasfemale entrepreneurs,whoshareaninterest.anexampleisthewomeninbusinessnetwork (WIBNconnectsandempowersentrepreneurialandprofessionalwomenthrough membership,mentorship,workshops,conferencesandonlinelearning.wibnisan onlineandinpersoncommunitythatsupportseachotherinthepursuitoffinding balancewhilegrowingwithintheirprofessionalbusinesslivesandventures.formore informationvisitwomeninbiznetwork.com. ouisrielcapitalcorporation sapplicationbookletandselfevaluationquiz RCCrespondentsmentionedthattheirbookletandselfevaluationquizisparticularly beneficialtoaspiringmwesasitassiststhemtoidentifywhichattributesandabilities arevitaltosuccessinbusiness.thebookletalsoprovidesaglossaryofbusinessterms andasimpleformatforcreatingabusinessplan.portionsofthebookletareavailable onlineatwww.lrcc.mb.ca/applicants.php. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship120

121 StartUptoSustainabilitySeminarsandWorkshopsattheWomen senterprisecentreof Manitoba Theseinteractive,handsonsessionsareofferedregularlythroughouttheyear.They havebeendevelopedtoguidewomenthroughthreedistinctstages:exploringthe conceptofentrepreneurship;planningyourbusiness;andgatheringtoolsand knowledgethatcanbeimmediatelyapplytotheoperationofabusiness.more informationatwww.wecm.ca/seminars.cfm. WomenEntrepreneursofSaskatchewan TheunchHourSeriesisdesignedtoprovidebusinesstrainingandeducation.These freehourlongsessionsintroducebothmembersandnonmemberstobusinessand professionalpeoplewhocanassistthemwithvariousaspectsoftheirbusinesssuchas research,marketing,finances,humanresourcemanagement,andinformation technology.thesessionsareinformalgatheringsscheduledoverthelunchhour.more informationatwww.womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca. ' EmployingfemaleBusinessServiceandExternalDeliveryOfficers Whilemalestaffcananddoprovideexcellentservicetowomenclients,femalestaffare oftenabletodevelopanextrameasureofrapportwithandempathyformwes. SupportforAftercareProgramatClarenceCampeauDevelopmentFund Thisprogramisintendedtoprovideprofessionalsupporttonewbusinessesinorder tohelpimprovetheopportunityforsuccess.fundingunderthisprogramisintended toallowthebusinesstoengagetheservicesofaprofessionalconsultanttoexamine theoperationsofthebusinessinordertoidentifyareasthatmayrequirespecial attention.ccdfwillconsiderfundingupto100%ofthecost,toamaximumof $10,000overthelifeofthecontributionandisnotrepayable.Moreinformationat Ensuringthatanaccountingsystemandfinancialcontrolsaresetinplacefromthestart AllMFIsofferprogramsinbusinessskillssuchasbookkeeping,butnotallMWEstake advantageoftheseprograms.keepingontopofbookkeepingandtaskssuchaspaying taxes fromthebeginningofoperations isessentialtobusinesssuccess. MicrolendingandPeerendingCircles Microlendinghasbeenshowntobeaneffectivewaytoassistwomentoincrease financialsecurityandcreatesmallbusinesses.oftenwomenworktogethertosupport eachotherinstartingandsustainmicrocompanies.acanadianexampleofistheparo CentreocatedinThunderBay,Ontario,whichoperatesover30peerlendingcirclesin thatregion.thesegroupsoffourtosevenwomenmeetmonthlyto"exchangeadvice, providesupport,approveandguaranteeeachother'sloansandmonitorpayments." PeerCirclemembersprovidelendingsupportbybeingcollectivelyaccountableand providingreferencesforeachother,allowingparotousedifferentlendingcriteriathan thoseoftraditionalbankinginstitutions.peerlendinghashelpedmanycirclemembers StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 121

122 togrowtheirbusinessesandsetnewgoalsforthefuture.paroalsooperatesthe Gateway:APathtoSelfEmploymentprogramwhichoffersbusinessdevelopment programmingtowomenwww.paro.ca. Teachingbusinessskillstoyouthinschool BothMFIandMWErespondentsrecommendedthatbusinessskillsbemadepartofthe curriculumformétisstudents.anexampleofayouthentrepreneurshipprogramis MakingCentsInternational,awomanownedsocialenterprisethatsupportseconomic development,includingbusinessdevelopment.inonecase,makingcentsprovided assistanceto22schooldistrictsinsouthwesternnewyorkstatetodesignatailored teachertrainingcourseoncurriculathatoffersbusinesstrainingtoyouth.formore informationvisitwww.makingcents.com. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship122

123 7.0 CONCUSIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONS Thisstudybringstogetherfourpiecesofresearchthattogetherofferthemostcomplete analysisavailableofmétiswomenentrepreneurs(mwes.basedonthisresearch,we nowdrawnineconclusionsandprovideeightrecommendationsforactivitiesthatwould strengthenmétiswomen sentrepreneurship. CONCUSIONS 1.ResolvingtheDisconnect Theresearchrevealedasignificant disconnect betweentheperceptionsofmwesand thoseofmfipersonnelwithregardtothedeliveryofbusinesssupportservices. MWEsarebynomeansauniformgroup.Giventhateachwomanhadauniquesetof experiences,thesurveyresponseswereverydiverse.themwesexpressedarangeof opinionsaboutthebarriersmwesface,forexample.somethoughtthemveryhigh, othersnonexistent.forsome,theirexperiencewithbusinessserviceproviderswas verypositive, othersfoundit brutal.incontract,responsestothemfisurveywere highlyconsistent.mostpersonnelsawthingssimilarlyacrossthefiveinstitutions:they wereofonemindthatmfisprovideafullrangeofaccessibleserviceswithoutregardto gender. Yetthefactis,mostMWEsdonotusetheservicesofMFIsorotherbusinessservice providers;manyarenotevenawarethattheyexistorfindthemintimidatingand difficulttoaccess;othersfindthattheservicesoffereddonotmeettheirneeds.thereis aclearlyadisconnectbetweentheexperiencesandperceptionsofmwesandmfis. Section3,Overview'of'the'Business'Support'Environment'for'Métis'Women,showsan impressiverangeanddepthofprogramsavailabletoassistmwes(andother entrepreneursinthefivewesternmostprovinces.oursurveywithmfipersonnel suggeststhatthemfisintheprairiesaredoingeverythingintheirpowertoprovidea fullrangeofservicestothemétiscommunity,withequalaccesstowomenandmen, andarepromotingthoseserviceswidely.ifanything,mfisactuallyfavourfemale clients,findingthemtobemoreopentolearningandmorediligentintheirbusinesses. Sowhyaren tmorewomenusingtheirservices?whyaren tasmanywomenasmen creatingbusinesses? Clearly,theproblemsfacedbyMWEsarenotunique.Itwouldbewrongtooverstate thecasethatmétiswomenareuniquelychallengedbythebarriersthatexistto establishingandgrowingsmallbusinesses.indeed,thebarriersfacingmwesarealso StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 123

124 experiencedbybusinesswomeningeneral,regardlessofraceorethnicity.theseare alsoproblemsthataffectmétismen,otherminoritiesandmanymeningeneral.yet, manyofthesebarriersaremorepronouncedamongmwes. Thefactsspeakforthemselves.Despitetheconsiderablesupportinfrastructurefor businessdevelopment: MorethanhalfofthewomeninoursurveydidnotusetheservicesofMFIsorother businessserviceproviders,andthosewhodidhadmixedreviewsofthoseservices Accordingtothe2011ABS,justonequarterofMWEsusedgovernmentprogramsor accessedaboriginalfinancialinstitutions(afistosupporttheirbusiness.afis (includingmfiswereamainsourceoffinancingforjust8%ofmwes(12%ofmétis men. MWEsinterviewedinthe2011ABSperceivemorebarrierstostartingorexpanding businessesthanmétismen. FeweroftheclientsofMFIsarewomen(<40%,eventhoughMWEstendtobe bettereducatedandmoreofthem(39%haveformalbusinesstrainingthanmétis men(20%. Accesstofinancingisconsideredanobstacletobusinessgrowthbymorewomen (61%thanmen(39%. ackofcollateralisamoreimportantbarriertoobtainingcapitalforwomen(10% thanmen(6%. Creditratingwasamajorbarrierfor10%ofwomencomparedto5%ofmen. Just8%ofwomenreceivedbusinessgrantsinthelastyearcomparedto18%of men. Morethanonewomanmentionedthatbusinessserviceprovidershadtoldthem theywouldnotsucceed,yettheywentontobesuccessfulandevenwinawards. Inthe2011ABSsurvey,MWEssaythemainreasonsbusinessserviceprogramswerenot usedwerelackofawareness(26%andpaperworkandredtape(19%.otherreasons included:donotneedthem;wanttobeindependent;noprogramordifficulttoaccess; andapplicationturneddown(7%ofwomenand2%ofmen.oursurveyofmwes recordedsimilarobservations,althoughitalsoshowsthatuseofbusinessserviceshas increasedovertime. Despitegoodintentionsandgoodprograms,MFIsandotherserviceprovidersarenot gettingthewordouttoenoughwomenanditappearsthat,inmanycases,theyarestill notmeetingtheneedsofasignificantpercentageofmwes.moreneedstobedone, thentoreachprospectiveclientsandtomeettheirneeds. OursurveyshowsthatnoneoftheMFIshaveconductedMétiswomenspecific research.ourfirstrecommendation,then,isthatjointresearchbeconductedbythe fivemétismfisto: StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship124

125 StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 125 Developaneffectivecommunicationsstrategytoreachmorepotentialfemale clientsandmakethemawareofthebusinesssupportsthatareavailablefrom MFIsandotherserviceproviders. IdentifythespecificneedsoffemaleclientsusingfocusgroupsofMWEs. 2.UnderstandingMWEs Motivation Inconductingtheresearchproposedintheaboverecommendation,itwillbeimportant tounderstandthemotivationofmwes.oneimportantfindingofthisstudyinvolves MWEs perceptionsaboutworkandfamilyinthecontextoftheirbusinesses.mostof theliteratureonmwes,aswellasthesurveyofmfis,identifiedwomen s responsibilitiesforchildrenandfamiliesasoneofthepossibleimpedimentsto developingtheirpotentialasentrepreneurs.fromourindepthandpersonalinterviews, however,itappearsthattheremaybeamoreconstructivewayoflookingatmwes familyresponsibilities,whichcouldhaveimportantimplicationsforserviceprovision. ManyMWEsgointobusinesspreciselybecauseselfemploymentwillallowthemto maintaintheirroleasprimarycaregiverstotheirchildrenwhileincreasingfamily income.thisisonereasonwhy69%ofmétiswomen sbusinessesoperatefromhome andalmostallmwesoperatemicrobusinesses.forthesewomen,startingabusinessis abettermatchwiththeirroleasamotherthanemploymentwouldbe.inthe2011abs, only5%ofmwesstatedthattheyhadstartedabusinessprimarilytomakemoney. Instead,morecontrolandbeingone sownbossisthepriority,oftenbecausethisallows themtopresentfortheirchildren. Obviously,thisisanimportantconsiderationformanywomen,regardlessofethnicity. YetforMétiswomenitcanbemoreimportant;theresearchshowsthatmoreMétis womenareloneparents,andmorehaveolderchildrenlivingwiththem,thanwomenin general. Itmaybehelpful,then,todesignprogramsforMWEswiththisfamilyoriented paradigminmind.areviewoftheresearchshowsthatthereareanumberofwaysthat programscaninadvertentlyundermineopportunitiesformweswithfamilies;these include: AnunofficialbiasagainstmicrolendingbyAboriginalBusinessCanada(ABC, banksandcreditunions. TherequirementABCputsonitsclientstoworkontheirbusinessfulltime. TheresourcefocusofsomeMétisandaboriginalbusinessdevelopmentfunds, whichinadvertentlyexcludewomensincewomenrarelyoperateintheresource sector. Thenewfocusonfundingforlargerprojects,giventhatalmostallMWEsoperate microbusinesses.

126 3.TailoringprogramstotheIndividual Whilethiscanbetrueofanyone,maleorfemale,Métisornot,itmaybeparticularly importantformwesthatbusinesssupportprogramsaretailoredtotheneedsofthe individualwoman.asonewomansoaptlyputit, Whenpeopleapplyfortheseservices, thewholepersonneedstobetakenintoconsiderationandyoucan tplaceverystrict, narrowlimitsonwhattypeofhelpyou regoingtoprovide. Métiswomenhavetoovercometwosignificantobstacles.Theyarepartofaminority groupthathasexperiencedoppressionanddiscrimination.theyalsoexperiencethe economicbarriersthathavetraditionallyfacedwomen.boththesefactorsmakeitmore likelythatmétiswomenarepoorerthantheaverageandthereforehavelessequityto startbusinesses.theymustalsoovercomesignificantpsychologicalbarrierstypically experiencedbyminorities,suchasalackofconfidence,tocompeteinthebusiness world. Whilewedonotseeaneed ordemand foraseparatewomen sbusinessservices stream,werecommendthatgovernmentfunderssupplyadditionalfundstomfisto ensurethathavesufficienthumanresourcestoprovidespecializedattentiontomwes. Thereareanumberofwaysthiscouldbehandled,however,oneapproachwe recommendistohireawomen sservicespecialistateachmfi.thepersonwouldhave severalroles,including:promotingservicesdirectlytoprospectivewomen entrepreneurs;actingasanadvocateforwomenentrepreneursandhelpingthemto removebarrierstofinancialsupports;supportingwomeninbusinessplanning;and providingaftercaresupport.thewomen sspecialistwouldprovideregular,short,on sitevisitstoprovidewomenwithanextrameasureofindividualizedsupport,including writingorupdatingannualbusinessplans. 4.EnhancingMentorshipandCommunity Onceagain,responsestoourMWEsurveyshowarangeofopinionsaboutmentorship andsupportfromwithinthemétiscommunity.manyofthewomenseemtolongfor mentorship,especiallyfromothermétiswomenandelders,yetjustasmanyhave problemswithnegativeattitudescomingfromwithintheirownmétiscommunity. Severalwomeninterviewedspokeofwhatoneofthemtermed lateralviolence inthe Métiscommunity.(ateralviolencehappenswhenthosewhoarevictimsofasituation ofdominanceturnoneachotherratherthanconfrontthesystemthatoppressesthem. ateralviolenceoccurswhenoppressedpeopleinternalizefeelingssuchasangerand rage,andmanifesttheirfeelingsthroughbehaviorssuchasgossip,jealousy,putdowns andblamingtowardtheirpeers. SomeMétiswomenseemtohaveakindoflove/haterelationshipwiththeir community.anumberofthewomenwecontactedpreferrednottoidentifyasmétis, forexample,anddidnotwanttobeinterviewed.ontheotherendofthescale,several StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship126

127 womenidentifiedtheirmétiscommunity,eldersandmothersasimportantmentors, andonewomanattributedhersuccessprimarilytothefactthatshewasmétisandhad receivedsomuchsupportfromhercommunity. The2011ABSsurveyindicatedthatmorethantwiceasmanyMWEs(23%wouldliketo haveaccesstomentoringthanmétismen(10%,butdonothaveit.onereasonwhy womenmaycravementoringmoresothanmenmaybethatfewerwomen(23%felt encouragedintheperformanceoftheirbusinessbybanksthanmen(33%orcredit unions(women12%andmen17%. Anotherissueis Métispolitics.SeveralofthewomenweinterviewedfeltthatMétis politicsandfavouritismhadanegativeinfluenceontheirbusinesses.whilethisviewis notuniversal inthe2011absmoremétiswomen(35%saidtheyfeltencouragedby AboriginalgovernmentsthanMétismen(26% itissometimesexpressedwith considerablevehemence. Mentorshipisnotasimplematter.Itishardtofindpeoplewhoaregoodatmentoring, andhavetimeforit.itisalsohardformwestofindthetimeintheirscheduletospend timewithmentors.oneceoofanmfisaidthatconsiderableexperienceshowsthat mentoringprograms justdon twork. FromtheMFIperspective,theirstaffworkshardtoprovideaformofmentoringintheir trainingandaftercareprograms.theyhavefoundthatmostmwesdonottake advantageofaftercarebecausetheysimplydon thavetimeforit.yetwhenaskedfor anexampleofabestpracticethatcouldmakeamajordifferenceformwes,aftercare wasoftenmentionedasacriticalneed.ironically,mostmwesdon thaveenoughtime totakeadvantageoftheprogramthatwouldhelpthemmost. Severalwomenmentionedtousthat healing isrequiredtoresolvethelateralviolence thatplaguesthemétiscommunity(andotherhistoricallyoppressedgroups.howthis canbeaccomplishedisbeyondthescopeofthisreport,butitwouldseemthatthe healingprocessshouldbeseenaspriorityfororganizationslikewomenofthemétis Nation. ThereisaroleforsocialmediatoprovidenetworkingforMWEs.Werecommendthata MWEgroupbeestablishedonFacebookorsimilarsocialmediatofosteraninclusive climateofencouragementthroughtheprocessofsharingwomen sstories.asthis virtualcommunitygrows,thisexperiencecanbereinforcedthroughmweseminarsand workshopsheldinconjunctionwithregionalandnationalmétisgatherings.thesocial networkcanalsobecomeasourceofinformationtomfisonhowbesttoreachwomen andtotailorprogramstotheirspecificneeds. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 127

128 5.CreatingWomen^SpecificPrograming RespondentstoourMFIsurveywerequiteclearthattheydidnotseeaneedfor programsspecificallytargetingwomen,sincewomenandmenaretreatedequallyby themfis.furthermore,theysaidthereisnodemandforsuchprograms.ontheother hand,mfisarewillingtoofferprograms,includingspecificfundsandsetasidesfor women,ifmandatedtodosobytheirgovernmentsponsors.ifgovernmentswereto establishafundforaboriginalwomenentrepreneurs suchasthemicrolendingpilot programbeingconsideredbyaandc itwouldmakesensethatitbemanagedbyafis ratherthancreatinganewinfrastructure. WhileitisunlikelyaseparateMWEprogramstreamisneeded,onethingthatshouldbe doneistobegintomeasuretheimpactsofmfiprogramsonwomen.whatismeasured ismanaged.currently,onlyonemfispecificallymeasuresandreportsonfemaleclients. WerecommendthatalltheMFIsadoptthispractice. OnealternativetoestablishingaMétiswomenspecificbusinessprogram andan approachthatseemstobeeffective,atleastinsaskatchewanandmanitoba isto collaboratewithwomen sentrepreneurialorganizationsandagencies.onemfi respondentsuggestedthatitmightbepossible,insomeinstances,tocollocatemfi officeswiththoseofwomen sentrepreneurialorganizations. Aspreviouslymentioned,thereisalsoaneedtodospecificmarketresearchonMWEs todeterminehowtoreachmoreprospectivefemaleclientsandtodevelopand implementaneffectivecommunicationsstrategy. Twootherthingsshouldbeconsidered.Thefirstisthatmucheconomicgrowthtodayis focusedontheresourcesector,especiallyinthewest.statisticsshowthatforvarious reasons,veryfewmwesoperateinthissector.yetseveralfundshavebeenestablished inrecentyearsthatexclusivelytargetenergyandresources.thenewmétisvoyageur DevelopmentFundinOntario whichistheonlymfiinthatprovince isanexample. Therealityisthattheseare,ineffect,fundsformaleentrepreneurs.Theother considerationisthatthenewmétisandaboriginalfundsthathavebeendevelopedin recentyearstargetinvolvementinlargerprojectsandthereforelargerloans.while thesefundsareneeded,theyarenotfundsthatarelikelytohelpwomen.genderequity suggeststhatanothercategoryoffundbeestablishedthat,ifnottargetedspecifically forwomen,wouldcatertothetypeofbusinessesthatwomentendtoestablish.(see followingrecommendation. 6.FacilitatingMicro^lending MostMWEsoperatemicrobusinesses.The2011ABSshows,forexample,thatnet profitsbeforetaxes(inthemostrecentfiscalyearwereunder$30,000for41%of MWEs(30%ofmenandover$50,000for28%ofwomen(41%formen.For20%of StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship128

129 MWEs,profitswereunder$10,000.Profitwas$90,000ormoreforjust18%ofwomen (25%formen. Mostwomenoperateintheservicessectoranddonotrequirealotofstartupcapital SeveralMFIsmentionedthattheyfoundMWEstobemorecautiousthanmenwith regardtotakingondebt.somewomenmentionedthattheyrefusedloansbecausethey werebeingpressuredtoborrowmorethantheyneeded,andtheydidn twanttobear thecostsofservicingsuchloans.mfisalsomentionedthattheyfeltthatabchas pressuredmicrobusinessestotakelargerloansthantheyneed.formanymwes,loans inthe$5000$20,000wouldmeettheirrequirements. WhilemostMFIssaidthattheydoprovidemicrolending,severalrespondentsindicated thatbothabcprogramsandbanksunofficiallyfrownonmicroloansbecausetheyare moreworkthantheyareworth. OneMFIsaidtheyrarelyprovidemicroloansforthis reason;itcanbejustasmuchworktoserviceamicroloanasalargeloan,sothereis less bangforthebuck. AANDCannouncedin2010thatitisplanningamicrolendingpilotprogrambutithas nottakenshapeasyet.amicroloanfundwouldbeofparticularbenefittomwesand wouldcounterbalancethetendencytowardlarger,resourcebasedlending.we recommend,then,thatamicrolendingpilotbeestablishedimmediately,administered formwesbythemfis.thelearningfromthepilotshouldthenbeusedtoshapean effective,permanentmicrolendingfundavailablethroughallmfis.whilethisfund wouldnotneedtotargetwomenspecifically,butinpracticeitwouldlikelybeof particularbenefittomwes. 7.OvercomingBarriers OneareawhereMWEsandMFIswereinagreementisthatwomenaremorelikelythan mentobeimpairedinformingtheirbusinessbyalackofequity.thereisanobvious reasonforthis:women(andmétiswomenspecificallyhavehistoricallyearnedless moneythanmenandthereforehavelessequity.onemfirespondentmentionedthat womenwhohaveseparatedordivorcedareoftenparticularlyhandicappedinthisarea, sincewhateverequitytheyhadisnowsplitbetweenthecouple,andalsobecausethe womenhaveoftenbeenfinanciallydependentontheirhusbandsandmaynothavea separatecredithistory. AbadcreditratingwasfrequentlycitedasabigproblemforMWEs.Somewomenmay haveabadcreditratingwhileothersmaysimplyhavenocredithistory,andsometimes awoman sgoodcreditratingcanbeeclipsedbyherhusbandsbadcredithistory.itis stillcommonforbankstorequirementocosignfortheirwife sloans.forthemicro lendingfavouredbymanymwes,banksarefrequentlynotinterestedandsimply suggestthatthewomanapplyforacreditcard.ifthatapplicationisnotapproveddue StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 129

130 tocredithistory,forexample,that stheendofthestory.iftheyareapproved,the creditcarrieshighinterestrates. FormostMFIs,abadcredithistoryistheendofthelineforprospectivebusinesses becausethebankstheycollaboratewithonlendingwithdraw.onemfimentionedthey couldsometimesworkwiththemwetorestorehercreditratingandthenreconsider theapplicationdowntheroad. Werecommendthat,inconjunctionwithamicrolendingprogram,thatastrategyis developedtoresolvesomeofthetypicalproblemsfacedbywomenstarting microbusinesses.alternativemeasures perhapsincludingpeerlendingcircles(see bestpractices areneededtoovercomebarrierssuchasthepoorcredithistoryofa spouseordifficultiesunderstandingstandardbusinesspractices.giventhesmallrisk involvedintheeventofdefaultwhenborrowingsmallsums,moreliberalaccessto financingisjustified.similarly,werecommendthatminimumequityrequirementsbe reducedformwes. Microbusinessesareunlikelytoprovidesufficientmoneytoliveonwhileservicing debtsinthefirstyearofoperation.thisisonereasonwhysomewomenneedto continuewithexistingemploymentwhiletheyaregettingtheirbusinessstarted.we recommendthataboriginalbusinesscanadaalteritsgrantandlendingprogramsto removetherequirementforclientsstartingsmallbusinessestoworkfulltime. 8.EstablishingMétis^specificProgramsforOntarioandBritishColumbia MFIsareprairiephenomena.StatisticskeptbytheClarenceCampeauDevelopment Fund(CCDF,forexample,showithassupported188MWEsovera13yearperiod. AssumingcomparableresultsfromtheotherMFIs,hundredsofwomenhavebeen assistedbytheseprograms.werecommendthatanmfibeestablishedinbritish Columbia,wherethereisnodedicatedMétisbusinesssupportprogram. InOntario,thenewMétisVoyageurDevelopmentFundhasbeenmodeledalongthe linesofccdf;however,thisfundisfocusedontheresourcesector.giventhatfew womenformbusinessesinthissector,werecommendthatthetermsofthisfundbe broadenedtoincludeothersectorsandtoincludeamicrolendingoption.thischange wasrecentlyappliedtoasimilarfundoperatinginsaskatchewan. 9.TakingTimeforTraining The2011ABSfoundthatthenumberonekeytosuccessforMWEsishavingabusiness plan,yetfewmweshaveone.asonemfirespondentsaid,thebestwaytoensurethat amwesucceedsistoensurethatsheestablishesabusinessplanandagoodsetof booksthatareinplacefromtheverybeginning.however,thewomenweinterviewed frequentlyidentifiedfinancialliteracyandbusinessplanningskillsassomethingthey StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship130

131 lacked.also,aftercaresupporthasbeenidentifiedasveryhelpfulinresolvingproblems, developingresilienceandensuringlongtermsuccess.yetitwasfrequentlystatedbythe womenweinterviewed andbymfisrespondents thatmwesdonothavetimefor theverythingsthatwouldmosthelpthemsucceedbecausetheyarebusyrunningtheir businessandlookingaftertheirfamily. Giventhatmostwomenoperatemicrobusinesses,itislikelythataverysimpleplanand bookkeepingsystemisneeded.werecommendthenthatresearchbeconductedonthe bestwaystosimplifybusinessplanningandbookkeepingformicrobusinesses,withthe goalofdevelopingauserfriendlyonlineapproachtoassistwomen.aspertheprevious recommendationtoincreasededicatedwomen sstaffatthemfis,regular,short,on sitevisitstoassistwomenwithaftercarearealsorecommended. RECOMMENDATIONS TheWomenoftheMétisNationWMNcanmakeuseofthereportandthefollowing recommendationswhenadvocatingforthestrengtheningofmétiswomen s entrepreneurshipprogramswithprovincialmétisorganizations,métisfinancial institutions,andrelevantprovincialgovernmentdepartments,aswellasaboriginal AffairsandNorthernDevelopmentCanadaandAboriginalBusinessCanada.The10 recommendationsareasfollows: Recommendation1: WerecommendthatWMNaskforjointresearchtobeconductedbythefiveMétisMFIs to: Developamoreeffectivecommunicationsstrategytoreachmorepotential femaleclientsandmakethemawareofthebusinesssupportsthatareavailable frommfisandotherserviceproviders. IdentifythespecificneedsoftheirfemaleclientsusingfocusgroupsofMWEs. Recommendation2: WerecommendthatAANDCandtherelevantprovincialfundersofMFIsbelobbiedby WMNtoprovidefundstohireawomen sservicespecialistateachmfi.theperson wouldhaveseveralroles,includingpromotingserviceopportunitiesdirectlytowomen; supportingwomenintheirbusinessplanning;actingasanadvocateforwomen;helping themtoresolveobstaclestosuccess,andprovidingaftercaresupport.thewomen s specialistwouldprovideregular,short,onsitevisitstoprovidewomenwithanextra measureofindividualizedsupport,includingwritingorupdatingannualbusinessplans. Recommendation3: WerecommendthataMWEs groupbeestablishedonfacebookorsimilarsocialmedia bythewmntofosteraninclusiveclimateofencouragementthroughthesharingof MWEs stories.asthevirtualsupportgroupgrows,thisexperiencecanbereinforced StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 131

132 throughmweseminarsandworkshopsheldinconjunctionwithregionalandnational Métisgatherings.ThisnetworkcanalsobecomeasourceofinformationtoMFIsonhow besttoreachwomenandtotailorprogramstotheirspecificneeds. Recommendation4: Whatismeasuredismanaged.Currently,onlyoneMFI(CCDFspecificallymeasuresand reportsonitsimpactonfemaleclients.werecommendthatwmnaskallthemfisto adoptthispracticeandalsobroadentheareasofimpactonmwescoveredinannual reports. Recommendation5: WerecommendthatWMNlobbyforamicrolendingpilotprogrambeestablished immediatelybyaandc,administeredformwesbythemfis.thelearningfromthepilot shouldthenbeusedtoshapeaneffective,permanentmicrolendingfundavailable throughallmfis.whilethisfundwouldnotneedtotargetwomenspecifically,in practiceitwouldlikelybeofparticularbenefittomwes. Recommendation6: Werecommendthat,inconjunctionwithamicrolendingprogram,thatWNNadvocate thatastrategybedevelopedbythefivemfistoresolvesomeofthetypicalproblems facedbywomenstartingmicrobusinesses.alternativemeasures perhapsincluding peerlendingcircles(seebestpractices areneededtoovercomebarriers,suchas insufficientequity,lackofcreditorthepoorcredithistoryofaspouse.giventhesmall riskinvolvedintheeventofdefaultwhenborrowingsmallsums,moreliberalaccessto financingisjustified.similarly,werecommendthatwmnasklenderstoreduced minimumequityrequirementsformwes. Recommendation7: WerecommendthatWMNlobbyAboriginalBusinessCanadatoalteritsgrantand lendingprogramsto: Removerequirementforclientsstartingsmallbusinessestoworkfulltime; Eliminatepoliciesthatunderminemicrolending,suchasunofficialminimum lendinglimits. Recommendation8: WerecommendthatWMNworkwiththeMétisNationalCouncilandMétis organizationsinb.c.tolobbyforanmfitobeestablishedinbritishcolumbia,where thereisnodedicatedmétisbusinesssupportprogram. Recommendation9: WerecommendthattheWMNaskthatthetermsoftheMétisVoyageurDevelopment Fundbebroadenedtoincludealleconomicsectors,aswellasamicrolendingoption. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship132

133 Recommendation10: WerecommendthatWMNlobbytheMFIstoconductjointresearchonthebestwaysto simplifybusinessplanningandbookkeepingformicrobusinesses,withthegoalof developingauserfriendlyonlineapproachtoassistmwes. StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 133

134 8.0APPENDICES APPENDIXA SURVEYINSTRUMENTS WMN MétisWomenEntrepreneurQuestionnaire InterviewerIntroduction Hello.Mynameis.IamconductingasurveyfortheorganizationWomenofthe MétisNation,whichisthevoiceofMétiswomeninCanada.Theirobjectiveincommissioning thissurveyistoobtainabetterunderstandingoftheservicesthatareavailabletoandusedby Metiswomenwhoarestartingoroperatingtheirownbusinesses. IwillbeaskingquestionsabouttheservicesavailabletoMetiswomenthatyouhaveused; aboutwhatisworkingforwomenstartingorexpandingbusinesses;andaboutbarriersand challengesyoufaceasawoman.iamalsointerestedinidentifyinganybestpracticesrelevantto Métiswomenentrepreneurs. Theinformationwecollectwillbeusedinadvocatingforimprovementstobusiness developmentandlendingprogramsforwomen.wewillrespectconfidentialityandyourname willnotbeidentifiedinreports,sopleasefeelfreetospeakfrankly. Theinterviewsshouldlastaround1520minutes. InterviewCodeNumber: Questions Personal/BusinessInformation 1a Tellmesomethingaboutyourselfandyourbusiness: 1b Age?Educationandtraining? 1c Sectorandmainactivity? 1d SoleProprietor Partnership Incorporated Homebased 1e ocation:city Town Rural 1f Sizeofannualsales?Under$100,000 Over$100,000 Over$500,000 1g Numberofemployees? 1h Whatare/wereyouryearsofoperation? 1j Whatareyourusualhoursofwork? 1k Whydidyoustartthisbusiness? 1l Wouldyousayyourbusinesshasbeenasuccessandwhy? 1m Anyotherfutureplans,suchasexpansion? 2a Didyoutakeadvantageoforganizations,governmentagenciesorcompaniesthatprovide businesssupportserviceswhenstartingorrunningyourbusiness?whichones? StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship134

135 2b Whatservicesdidyouuse? 2c Whatwastheexperiencelike? 2d Didyouhaveaccesstomentoring? Orongoingsupport? 2e Howwouldimprovetheservicestheyprovide? 3a ArethereanyspecialneedsyouhaveasaMétiswomanentrepreneur? Whatabouttraining? 3b Whatarethemostsignificantchallenges,barriersorobstaclesthatMétiswomenface whenstartinguporrunningabusiness? 3c Wouldyousaythesearedifferentfromthosefacingmen?NonAboriginals? 4a WhatelsecouldbedonetosupportthesuccessofMétiswomenentrepreneurs? 5 Anyothercomments? StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 135

136 WMN^MétisEconomicDevelopmentandCapitalCorporationQuestionnaire InterviewerIntroduction Hello.Mynameis.IamconductingasurveyfortheorganizationWomenoftheMétis Nation,whichisthevoiceofMétiswomeninCanada.Theirobjectiveincommissioningthissurvey istoobtainabetterunderstandingoftheservicesthatareavailabletoandusedbymetiswomen whoarestartingoroperatingtheirownbusinesses. IwillbeaskingquestionsabouttheservicesyourorganizationcurrentlymakesavailabletoMetis women,aboutwhatisworkingforwomenstartingorexpandingbusinesses,andaboutbarriers andchallengestheymayfaceaswomen.iamalsointerestedinidentifyinganybestpractices relevanttométiswomenentrepreneurs. Theinformationwecollectwillbeusedinadvocatingforimprovementstobusinessdevelopment andlendingprogramsforwomen.itmayalsobeusefultoyourorganizationasyouworkto improveservicesformétiswomenclients. Wewillrespectconfidentialityandtheintellectualpropertyofyourinstitution. Theinterviewsshouldlastaround30minutes. NameofInstitution NameofInterviewee Position Whywereyouselectedtoparticipateinthissurvey? Haveyouhadpersonalexperienceservingwomenclients? Questions 1a Doesyourinstitutionofferbusinessplanningandsupportservices? 1b Doyouofferloanstoorotherinvestmentsinneworexistingbusinesses? 1c Doyouoffermentoringprograms? 1d Arethereotherservicesyouprovide? 2a Doyoukeeptrackofclientstatisticsbasedongender? 2b Doyoutrackthepercentageofyourclientsthatarewomen? 2c Ifyes,whatisthatpercentage? 2d Ifnot,canyouestimateit? 2e HasyourorganizationconductedresearchonMétiswomenentrepreneurs? 3a Couldyoubrieflydescribetheservicesthatyourfemaleclientstendtousemostoften? StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship136

137 3b Aretheredifferencesintheuseofyourservicesbyfemaleclientsasopposedto males? 4a Wouldyousayyourprogramsandservicesmeettheneedsoffemaleclients? 4b Canyouidentifyanygapsinservicesforwomen? 5a Doyouhaveanyprogramstargetedspecificallytowomen? 5b Ifso,whichprograms? 5c Ifnot,whynot? 6 Whatstepscouldbetakentomakeyourprogramsandservicesmoreresponsivetothe needsandgoalsofmetiswomen? 6a Métiswomenhavestatedthatcommonstereotypesaboutwomenhavehampered themfromreceivingequaltreatmenttomenatfinancialinstitutions.doyouhaveany proceduresinplacetoensureequaltreatmentforwomenclients? 6b Arethereanyqualificationsforloansorotherservices,suchasrequirementstowork fulltimeonthebusinessorrelinquishotheremployment,thatcouldinadvertently impairwomenfromobtainingloans/services? 7 Whattypesoftraining/supportwouldyourecommendbedevelopedspecificallyfor women? 8a Howdoyoumakeprospectivefemaleclientsawareofyourprogramsandservices? 8b Besidespromotionalactivities,whatadditionalmeasuresshouldbetakentohelp Metiswomentakeadvantageofexistingprogramsandservices? 8c Doyoufeelthatmoreshouldbedonetospecificallytargetwomenentrepreneurs? 9a WhatarethemajorbarriersfacingMetiswomenwhenitcomestoestablishingand expandingbusinesses? 9b Aretheydifferentthanthosefacedbymen? 10a Couldyouidentifysomeofthemaincharacteristicsofwomenseekingyourassistance,such asage,educationalattainment,levelofbusinessexperience,ormixofurban/ruralclients? 10b Whyarethemaincharacteristicsofwomenwhoareapprovedforloansandother services? 10c Ofthosenotapproved? 10d Whatarethemaincharacteristicsofwomenwhosucceedintheirbusinesses? StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship 137

138 11a Whatpercentageofwomenisturneddownwhentheyapplyforloansorservices? 11b Isthisdifferentthanformaleapplicants? 12 Whatarethemostcommonreasonsforturningdownloansorotherservicestowomen applicants? 13 Aretheirthingsthatcouldbedonetoenhanceoutcomesforwomenentrepreneursbyyour orotherorganization,includinggovernments? 14 Canyouidentifyany bestpractices thatareparticularlybeneficialtoyourwomenclients? 15 Arethereanyothercommentsthatyouwouldliketoadd? StrengtheningMétisWomen sentrepreneurship138