Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) announces recipients for the Young Indigenous Business Grant
Toronto, ON, September 17, 2024 – Mya Beaudry is honouring matriarchs and her Indigenous culture one “scrunchie” at a time.
She founded Kokum Scrunchies as an industrious and determined pre-teen, and Mya, along with 25 other recipients, recently received a Young Indigenous Business Grant (YIBG) from Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB).
The design for each scrunchie comes from Indigenous women in Mya’s life who have inspired her, and she now sells the hair accessories across the country online, in retail outlets and through vending machines in shopping centres.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for youth businesses,” she says. “I will be using this grant towards opening up another vending machine, which will allow me to continue to expand my business.”
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business recently announced the 25 recipients of a grant during a live online event. This new initiative, funded by Loblaw Companies Limited through community investment grants, is also supported by contributions from Apex Distribution, CIBC, and EY. The program aims to empower young Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada.
The YIBG, which provides $2,500 to each selected entrepreneur, along with a one-year CCIB membership, supports and fosters the growth of Indigenous-owned businesses led by individuals under the age of 35.
“Recognizing, celebrating and supporting the innovative spirit of young Indigenous entrepreneurs is instrumental to the future of the Indigenous economy, as well as for the Canadian economy in general. The Indigenous population is both the fastest growing and youngest population in Canada,” says Tabatha Bull, CCIB president and CEO. “We offer our sincere thanks to Loblaw Companies Limited, Apex Distribution, CIBC, and EY for their role in making this grant possible and fostering the growth of Indigenous youth in business.”
The recipients of the YIBG come from across Canada and own a variety of businesses. A few examples include a home inspection business, energy company, pizza place, auto repair shop, paralegal services and financial consulting.
The recipients were selected through a lottery system during a live draw.
“We’re proud to support CCIB’s inaugural Young Indigenous Business Grant to help young, ambitious Indigenous business owners get the opportunities they deserve to grow their businesses and realize their dreams. This initiative plays a vital role in strengthening the Indigenous economy and advancing social equity in Canada, which is what our multi-year community investment grants were designed to support,” says Alain Brandon, VP of Sustainability, Social Impact and Government Relations.
The grant is administered through CCIB’s Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) program to enhance Indigenous entrepreneurship by providing access to development and networks.
View the full list of recipients here.
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About Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
CCIB is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. As a national, non-partisan association, its mission is to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness. CCIB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to its members to cultivate economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information, visit www.ccib.ca
For more information, contact:
Alannah Jabokwoam
Senior Associate, Communications & Public Relations
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
ajabokwoam@ccib.ca
T: 416.961.8663 ext. 227
