Indigenous entrepreneurship – building an ecosystem

MicroGrants with pawâcikêwikamik: the Innovation Collective

Initially written May 2023

“Getting off the ground” is a fitting analogy for a fledgling bird learning how to take flight. The phrase can also describe a new business that is striving to become established. One source defines ‘getting off the ground’ as: “To get underway; to get to a point of stable or self-sufficient progress or development.”

This is also the goal of the MicroGrants for Indigenous entrepreneurs at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). The MicroGrants are part of the pawâcikêwikamik: the Innovation Collective program — the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. Pawâcikêwikamik incorporates Indigenous worldviews in a unique offering of services, teachings, and support. Indigenous peoples have always embodied innovation and tradition. In today’s economy, Indigenous changemakers look for ways to combine traditional knowledge with new ideas to create opportunities for their peoples and communities. Pawâcikêwikamik: the Innovation Collective is an example of the new ways in action.

Now in its fourth year at the institute, the MicroGrants’ purpose is to provide seed-funding to Indigenous youth planning and starting businesses. Seed-funding is typically used by a startup to finance the initial stages of business development. One of the greatest barriers to starting or progressing a new business is access to funds. The MicroGrants fill this need and help Indigenous youths’ businesses get underway so that they can take flight.

“The microgrant is not just a handout”, former Program Coordinator on SIIT’s pawâcikêwikamik team Kaylee Macgregor explained. “The potential recipient must first fill out an application, including a comprehensive matrix with details of the plan, like describing the direct costs of the business. The application then goes to the MicroGrants panel to be reviewed and graded.”

One of the greatest barriers to starting or progressing a new business is access to funds.

The MicroGrants panel looks for certain attributes in the applicants. To first qualify, the applicant must be Indigenous and the business is a minimum of 50% Indigenous-owned and operated. In addition, applicants demonstrating that they have the mindset to develop business acumen is important. Kaylee says they look for dedication, commitment and drive.

”We see who has those qualities and who is passionate. That passion is what takes them to the next level.” Grants valued up to $5,000 are awarded to successful recipients.

Pawâcikêwikamik: the Innovation Collective at SIIT has many facets. Part of the drive is for entrepreneurial growth by Indigenous youth. MicroGrants assist the entrepreneur’s journey — the funds provide a quick pathway to getting the business started. The funds are suitable in the development of all kinds of businesses, including those that stem from courses taken at SIIT.

”We encourage all staff to tell students about it.” said Kaylee. “For example, a Carpentry 4th Level student who finishes their training may want to start their own business. They can obtain a grant following training that will help them to get started [right away].”

The program isn’t exclusive to just SIIT students, as non-students starting a business can apply as well. Some entrepreneurs who have already taken the first steps in starting a business choose to then enroll in the Miyoskamin: Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program. Miyoskamin helps in defining goals and demonstrates how new technologies and traditional practices can combine for a unique approach to business.

It’s this kind of program offering at SIIT that serves students in an all-encompassing way. In addition to business-related programs for entrepreneurs, support is also available. Students may experience challenges or obstacles in life during their education or entrepreneurial journeys that can affect their progress. Be it emergency financial situations or wellness needs (physical, spiritual, mental or emotional), the services can be accessed to help the student’s unique scenario. It helps to ensure they can focus on their businesses and reach their goals.

“The support we’re able to provide is so important to the success of the entrepreneurs.”

“Life happens,” Kaylee said, “and a student may find themselves in need, through no fault of their own. The support we’re able to provide is so important to the success of the entrepreneurs.”

With the variety of support for entrepreneurs, from microgrants for startups to Indigenous-based business essentials training to wraparound services, pawâcikêwikamik provides Indigenous youth with opportunities to reach success with their new businesses.

What is the vision on the road ahead for pawâcikêwikamik’s MicroGrants?

“We’re building an ecosystem and creating pathways. We’re at the forefront of Indigenous Innovation, and when looking 15 years into the future we believe programs like this will be a part of our economic reconciliation. We are making that happen, and we’re happy to support Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

Entrepreneur works on upcycled clothing for his business.

Top: Recipients are celebrated and acknowledged when they receive MicroGrants. Pictured here, a social media post shows Tyrone Bird receiving a MicroGrant for his business, Firebird Mobile Fire Caddies.

Middle: The first cohort of the SIIT entrepreneurial program.

Above: Wyatt Miller works on a piece up upcycled clothing at his business, Sparked Apparel. He was a recipient of a MicroGrant for his business.

Oẏateki is a Dakota concept meaning all people together and leaving no people behind

LEARN MORE