First Nations

THE FIRST NATIONS AND INUIT YOUTH BUSINESS PROGRAM is a brand new program designed by NACCA [National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (see sidebar)] with the assistance of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

The program is in FIVE PARTS corresponding to the various stages involved in launching an enterprise or starting a business. The STEPS 1 & 2 in the "SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE" will help you establish alternative methods of planning your project. It will also help maximize your entrepreneurial potential while offering assistance in identifying, creating and even operating a viable, profitable enterprise or help you in choosing your field of self-employment.

In order to focus your thoughts and actions during this program, you will learn, through the self-evaluation guide, the various aspects of entrepreneurship. You will also have to complete the ENTREPRENEURIAL PASSPORT in the guide, which is made up of pertinent questions to answer on each step of the program. Other essential documents will be added along the way, especially at the "Business Plan" stage.

For the first two steps you may personally count on help and support from the Aboriginal Finance Corporation. At STEP 3, you will be assigned a "MENTOR" to help prepare your business and financing plan (STEP 4) and to help you with follow-up (STEP 5) during your first two years of operation.

At the close of each step, you will be asked to evaluate the help and guidance you received. For their part, the administrators will evaluate, step by step, your entrepreneurship and learning, using the answers you provide in the "Entrepreneurial Passport", your business plan or any other document required by the Aboriginal Capital Corporation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Step 1
Part A - Assessment of Entrepreneurial Potential
Part B - Assessment of Business Idea/Project

Step 2
How to Start a Business

Step 3
My Business Plan

Step 4
Financing

Step 5
Start Your Business

NACCA
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The National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA) is an association grouping the majority of the 32 Aboriginal Capital Corporations set up across Canada since 1985 as part of Industry Canada's Aboriginal Capital Corporation Program. NACCA, in collaboration with the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, developed this new program.

First Nations and Inuit Youth Business Program is a natural extension of the objectives of the NACCA and its members. We are aware of the burden of responsibility that lies with youth and the efforts they will have to expend to meet the expectations of older generations.

We are therefore offering not only access to commercial financing, but also the opportunity to participate in a workshop in order to better understand what is involved in starting a business, as well as personalized support by a qualified resource person. Participants will also receive a self" assessment guide when they apply for the program.

We are confident that the young entrepreneurs who participate in this program will have every opportunity to achieve success and to carve out an enviable place within the First Nations and Inuit Community

- The Board of Directors