JEDI Launches Atlantic Canada’s First Aboriginal Business Accelerator
FREDERICTON–A new opportunity for aboriginal entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada launched this week in the form of the JEDI Aboriginal Business Accelerator Program.
The program is designed to help businesses take advantage of the opportunities in the multi-billion dollar National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, which is a venture operated by the Department of Public Works and Government Services in an effort to renew Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard fleets.
The JEDI Aboriginal Business Accelerator Program is part of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Engagement Strategy and will provide weekly training and mentorship to a cohort of five aboriginal entrepreneurs from across New Brunswick in key business areas.
“The JEDI Aboriginal Business Accelerator Program is very exciting,” said Alex Dedam, president of the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI). “This 10-week business skills development and mentorship program will help high potential entrepreneurs become better positioned to fully benefit from the federal shipbuilding program and related supply chain opportunities.”
Throughout the course of the ten week program, participants will be trained and mentored in areas such as business development and sales, negotiation, proposals, certification and regulatory requirements and financial, project and human resource management.
This mentorship and training will come from representatives of large defence firms, successful aboriginal entrepreneurs and members of the New Brunswick Aerospace and Defence Association.
“The New Brunswick Aerospace and Defence Association and its participating members are excited to assist with this important initiative and look forward to providing solid guidance and advice in the mentorship portion of this effort,” said Peter Hess, managing director of the New Brunswick Aerospace and Defence Association.
For the first cohort, the program will run from January 22 to March 25 and, upon completion, will provide participants with a personalized business support plan and financial support.