• Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program

    Empowering Indigenous communities through entrepreneurship, knowledge, and capacity building.

  • What is the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program?

    The Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program (EEP) is a national certification initiative that strengthens Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystems across Canada.

    The program equips Indigenous business advisors, practitioners, and organizations with culturally grounded tools and knowledge to guide entrepreneurs from idea to operation.

    Instead of focusing only on individual success, the program emphasizes:

    • Community prosperity: Building enterprises that reinvest in local economies.
    • Cultural relevance: Rooting entrepreneurship education in Indigenous stories, languages, and teachings.
    • Practical skills: Guiding entrepreneurs through planning, financing, marketing, operations, and leadership.
    • Systems change: Creating networks where advisors and entrepreneurs thrive together.

    Originally developed with Indigenous Services Canada and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) to serve Indigenous women entrepreneurs, this proven model has now been revitalized and expanded by the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to support all Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada.

  • Become a Certified EEP Facilitator or Partner

    Facilitators play a vital role in bringing the Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program to life within their communities. Acting as mentors, educators, and leaders, they help Indigenous entrepreneurs develop strong, sustainable, and values-aligned businesses.

    Who Can Be a Facilitator or Partner

    • Indigenous business advisors, practitioners, and mentors supporting entrepreneurs.
    • Indigenous Financial Institutions, economic development agencies, and entrepreneurship organizations.
    • Community leaders, educators, and others passionate about Indigenous prosperity.

    What Facilitators and Partners Do

    • Deliver Workshops: Facilitate sessions using the EEP curriculum and Indigenous case studies.
    • Provide Guidance: Support entrepreneurs in shaping ideas, strengthening operations, and growing sustainable ventures.
    • Participate in IPF Training: Attend certification sessions to deepen facilitation skills and share best practices.
    • Foster Community Prosperity: Encourage entrepreneurship grounded in reciprocity, innovation, and collective wealth.

    Submit an Expression of Interest to Become Certified

    Join a national network of facilitators helping Indigenous entrepreneurs build thriving, values-aligned businesses.

    As a certified facilitator or partner, you will receive:

    • A comprehensive toolkit, including curriculum, Indigenous case studies, and facilitation resources.
    • Access to virtual and in-person training sessions led by IPF.
    • Ongoing support and connection to a national facilitator network.

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