For Release
November 23, 2007
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan’s
First Nations and Métis business community will continue to have
access to business information, planning and market research through the
Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN) initiative, thanks to renewed
funding of $168,300 from Western Economic Diversification Canada that
was announced today by Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin.
The Canada Saskatchewan Business Service Centre (CSBSC) and Visions North
Community Futures Development Corporation will continue to coordinate
the ABSN throughout Saskatchewan until March 31, 2008. This unique partnership
is producing tangible results that support education, entrepreneurship
and economic development in Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal communities.
“This funding renewal demonstrates how our Government is working
in partnership with business and Aboriginal organizations to improve the
lives of First Nations and Métis people, especially those living
in rural and remote communities,” said MP Vellacott, on behalf of
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council
for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification. “This investment means more Aboriginal
people can access the tools and skills training they need to start a business
or grow their existing business.”
The ABSN is designed to help First Nations and Métis entrepreneurs
find the information they need, providing free-of-charge access to government
information on business programs, services and regulations. These resources
are tailored to meet unique requirements of Aboriginal clients.
"The Aboriginal Business Service Network connects directly with
dedicated and interested volunteers (champions) in First Nations communities
to create an awareness of economic development opportunities in rural
Saskatchewan,” said Emily Cherneski, ABSN coordinator. “One
of the tools utilized is the asset mapping process, which begins with
an assessment of strengths and weakness within a community, and leads
to designing community-based activities to reach goals and objectives
planned by the community, based on community need."
Over this next term, the ABSN in Saskatchewan will deliver training and
orientation sessions on business planning and online resources such as
the Interactive Business Planner.
Saskatchewan’s ABSN also recognizes the importance of providing
access to technology and is collaborating with the Community Access Program
(CAP) to ensure that Aboriginal entrepreneurs have a gateway to this technology.
Through the CAP program, several student interns are placed in ABSN partner
locations to teach and champion the use of technology as a means to bridge
the information and training gap. A number of these interns have obtained
full-time employment as a result of this initiative.
For more information on Aboriginal Business Service Network services
in your area, visit www.cbsc.org/absn.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager,
Consultation, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Bill Hogan
Manager
Vision North Community Futures Development Corporation
LaRonge, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 425-2612
Toll-Free No.: 1-877-549-4333
John MacIntosh
Manager
Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-956-2312
Toll-Free No.: 1-800-667-4374
