Indigenous Business Defence Sector Accelerator Program

About the Program

Indigenous businesses will be paired with organizational sponsors through the program to learn about regulatory requirements, acquire knowledge and skills to work within the industry and leverage opportunities within their sponsors’ global supply chain. Read the press release.

Inaugural Program Sponsor

General Dynamics is a global defence and aerospace company with a worldwide reputation for excellence. In Canada, their operations focus on the production of combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions, and IT and C4ISR solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces and allied forces worldwide.

As the inaugural sponsors for the program, General Dynamics’ three business units in Canada Land Systems–Canada, Mission Systems–Canada, and Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada are proud to support Indigenous businesses across the country.

Who Should Apply?

This program is available to any Indigenous Business that:

Meets the criteria of being 51% Indigenous owned and controlled
Has established products and/or service relevant to the defence sector
Interest to mature and grow current business
Interest to pursue business as a start-up within the defence sector
Able to invest time into the program
- Could be hour long sessions held bi weekly or monthly from September to May (depending on your tailored plan with Sponsor)
- Some certification processes take up to 6 months to complete (controlled goods)

Program Expectations

Tailored information sessions and plans with Sponsor
Potential onboarding into procurement systems
Potential for contract awards
Access to Sponsor leadership
Development of connections within the defence industry
Enhanced knowledge to operate business within the defence sector

Application

Applications opened on June 14, 2024 and closed on July 12, 2024

(APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED)

Timeline

Application window open: June 14, 2024

Application window closes: July 12, 2024

CCIB application review: July 15 to 19, 2024

Sponsor review and decision making: July 22 to August 09, 2024

Sponsor and business interview phase August 12 to August 30, 2024

Candidate selection announcement: September 9 to 13 , 2024

Program kick-off: September 16, 2024

Program close: May 31, 2025