Becoming an
Indigenous Entrepreneur

“Social innovation” is a Western term for how Indigenous people have always built businesses. Start building a business based on your values and have a positive impact on your community. Indigenous ways of knowing will be your strengths and your advantage on this journey. We encourage you to lean into your values, identity, and knowledge.

“Social innovation”

Red quill pen with ink splash forming a stylized letter 'L' on a transparent background.
A man dressed in Native American-inspired costume with feathers, beads, and a feathered wing accessory on his back, wearing a black cowboy hat and sunglasses, inside a well-lit room with arched windows.

Find a business idea with Indigenous ways of knowing

On this journey, you will be invited to reflect deeply, to have a courageous heart, and a willingness to grow every day.

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Introduction to the modules

You have taken the first step on your journey toward building a business.

You have what it takes to build something that can make a difference to your community and mother earth.

We hope that you learn more about where you come from and where you are going.

Course: Becoming an Indigenous Entrepreneur 

This course can help you develop your own business idea. It begins with you - your identity, background, strengths, and passions are all integral to building your idea. As mentor and coach Jacqueline Jennings says,

“Everything you need is already inside of you.”

Explore the Modules
Abstract digital art with a flowing black line crossing beige, gold, gray, and red blocks.

Artist Tyler
Tabobondung Rushnell

Anishinaabe Artist and Painter

A digital illustration of a woman with long black hair in front of a blue abstract shape with blue, yellow, and red circles, strawberries, and black lines, set against a green background.

Aniin bozhoo, my name is Tyler Tabobondung Rushnell. I’m 21 years of age and of Anishinaabe descent. My clan is (Amik) beaver clan and I’m from Wasauksing First Nation in Parry Sound, Ontario.

A stylized, cartoon owl with glowing eyes, standing on branches against a purple background, with a round yellow and green object in the sky.
Colorful abstract drawing on yellow background featuring various flowers, leaves, and whimsical shapes with bold outlines.

My journey with art started in late 2018, when I was experimenting with Anishinaabe style artwork. I got a lot of my inspiration from Norval Morrisseau. Through my journey with art, I was able to donate a painting titled, “Natures Beauty” to the Children’s Foundation Charity. This was very special for me as an Indigenous person. I wanted to donate that painting because I felt if kids were to see what I did, it would spark their creative instincts and inspire them to partake in the arts. I’m motivated by other people’s reactions, and it is very humbling. My message is to be kind and inspire others, no matter what you are doing.

Instagram: @ty_rushnell
Abstract colorful painting of a fish against a blue background with a yellow sun in the top left corner. The fish is composed of various bright colors and shapes, with distinctive outlines and patterns. The artist's initials, T.T.R, are in the bottom right corner.

Artist Ryan Pooman

Ojibwe Painter and Tattoo Artist

A young man with tattoos, facial piercings, and gauged ears stands against a brick wall. He is wearing a black beanie, black hoodie with a graphic design, and has tattoos on his neck and face.

Ryan is an Ojibwe Painter and Tattoo Artist at Hightide Tattoo Parlour in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Ryan is Bear Clan and a member of Fort William First Nations. His art is inspired by traditional woodland paintings, stories, and his tattooing style. Ryan creates digital and painted pieces.

Instagram: @ryanpooman
Website: ryanpooman.com
A stylized tattoo-style illustration of a gecko with a mountain landscape background, trees, a purple flower, and a starry sky.
Stylized bird perched on a branch with leaves, against a circular background, with a small letter 'K' in the bottom right corner.
Digital artwork of a woman's profile with closed eyes, wearing an elaborate feathered headdress, large earring, and decorative face paint and jewelry, set against a brown background.
Illustration of various trees with different colors and sizes against a beige background.

Becoming an Indigenous Entrepreneur

Let these journeys provide valuable insights rooted in Indigenous knowledge, guiding the process of building a business with purpose and connection. This course offers a meaningful opportunity for personal and professional growth, bringing visions to life in ways that honor community and tradition.

The journey begins here.

Start your journey