The Mooka’am Kwe: She Rises project is Indigenous-led and provides a flexible learning environment where you can learn alongside a cohort of Indigenous women entrepreneurs. You will be encouraged to set goals throughout the program and to work at your own pace. You will participate in online learning modules, group lab sessions, individual support from two female Elders and will also receive one-o
n-one business support. PARO, along with our partners (Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO), Blue Sky Healing Centre, and the Go Forth Institute). Mooka’am Kwe: She Rises supports established business owners who identify as Indigenous and seek new opportunities in non-traditional sectors and to grow their business to the next level. We will begin by looking through the lens of the medicine wheel and introduce tools and the structure required to approach business growth in male dominated businesses such as mining, forestry and construction, as a supplier. Knowledge is fuel for any business, and PARO will encourage that learning in this BIZCamp. You will discover a wide network of women to collaborate with and to inspire you to go where you want to grow! Elders Cindy Crowe and Melissa Roberts of Blue Sky Community Healing Centre will be available at each session and on an as needed basis for individual sessions throughout the pilot project as you integrate your business with your life. In this program, you will receive a one-year passcode providing access to Go Forth Institute, an online learning opportunity to learn essential small business skills. There will be presentations about marketing, social media management, finances and you will set your own goals and be supported by mentors as you build your business plan. You will work with a Business Growth Advisor throughout this BIZCamp and beyond to get the backing you need. Financial supports will be identified to support your plans for growth. By the end of Mooka’am Kwe: She Rises, you will have opportunities for funding up to $7500 from PARO, and a list of other potential financial supports that vary in range. Due to COVID-19, the format of the Mooka’am Kwe presentations, labs and other supports will be delivered 100% online through the Zoom platform. You are eligible for this program if:
• Your business is female owned i.e., at least 51% ownership;
• You self-identify as an Indigenous woman (First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• You reside in Northern Ontario;
• Your business has been in operation since March 2020;
• Your business is registered (sole proprietor, partnership or incorporation) or you are willing to get registered before the project begins;
• Willing to have liability insurance and WSIB in place before the project begins;
• You are interested in growing your business and hire more staff if needed;
• You are willing to put health and safety policies in place;
• You are willing to put basic business requirements in place, for example, WSIB, business liability insurance, health and safety policies, if needed
• You want to learn about exporting or accessing male-dominated business sectors i.e., mining, forestry and construction, etc.;
• You want to improve your business plan to access more funding or other purposes;
• Your finances must be up to date by the end of BIZCamp (2019 taxes submitted);
• You will commit to 4 hours per week from January 28 – May 6, 2021; and,
• You are open to learn from our presenters and mentors and take actionable steps in building your business. Note: Due to the constraints of this program, we are only accepting applications from Indigenous women currently. If you are interested in entrepreneurship training and/or mentorship but you do not fulfill the eligibility criteria for the Mooka’am Kwe program, please contact us at [email protected] and we will contact you to let you know about other great opportunities for your business.
