Define success your own way

Define success your own way

For Persson, entrepreneurship is about creative freedom and carving her own path. “It’s okay to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and dare to do things differently,” she reflects. Her advice to budding Indigenous entrepreneurs is succinct: “Start today!” She emphasizes that every entrepreneurial journey is unique, and it’s essential to trust your instincts and redefine what success means for you.

Use a two-eyed approach to stay grounded

Use a two-eyed approach to stay grounded

Through her entrepreneurial journey, Rebecca’s most vital takeaway has been the essence of financial management and bookkeeping. For budding Indigenous entrepreneurs, her advice is crystal clear: “Start out with small goals to achieve your bigger goals, and making connections is the key to success.” She extends her gratitude to those who’ve aided her journey, saying, “Without a good network, a business cannot stand alone.”

Use your passion to push through

Use your passion to push through

Valleyside Art, as Rachel describes, offers a canvas of fine art paintings, both in their original and print forms. What sets her art apart is the vibrancy of its nature – “I have a unique style of painting colourful animals.” Beyond creating art, Rachel’s business ethos is to grow and give back. “I want to double my business quarterly until market saturation. This will provide more jobs in my community and be able to afford to give back through charitable donations,” she asserts.

Don’t let fear hold you back

Don’t let fear hold you back

Ricky’s vision for Blackstone Concrete transcends mere profit. His ambition is rooted in his desire to give back. “I am building my business with a vision of providing employment opportunities to our at-risk Indigenous youth,” he states.

Create a life you can’t wait to wake up to

Create a life you can’t wait to wake up to

Samantha remarks on the most profound lesson she’s gleaned from her entrepreneurial journey, “I am right where I am supposed to be.” And to those Indigenous individuals considering entrepreneurship, she has a straightforward message: “Just start.” She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to seize every available workshop opportunity, such as the JEDI entrepreneur programs.

Get up and do something

Get up and do something

John decided to participate in Pow Wow Pitch to gain awareness for his brand, join a community of like-minded Indigenous entrepreneurs, build trust in his brand, to learn and grow. “I’m building the brand with our people first, then I’ll go from there,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of community endorsement and trust in business. “That I made the news feels great as a Semi-Finalist means so much to me,” Halkett remarked, grateful for the acknowledgment of his hard work.