New business directory to feature businesses owned by First Nations

Officials launched a new business directory that aims to promote Indigenous businesses aimed at fostering economic development.

The Northeastern Ontario First Nations Economic Development Summit took place this week at Cedar Meadows Resort in Timmins.

The two-day gathering was an opportunity to strengthen First Nations economic development across A new business directory that will showcase only First Nations-owned businesses was introduced at the Northeastern Ontario First Nations Economic Development Summit in Timmins.

Thursday, a new initiative was shared with participants: a business directory that promotes First Nation businesses. It’s a partnership between the province and Chiefs of Ontario.

“The business directory is born out of discussions with the premier and myself, and Ontario regional chiefs, to establish a foundation for identifying where First Nations businesses were, who they were, where they were,” said Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation.

Businesses, big and small

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict said a range of businesses – big and small – can be found in the directory, from manufacturing and construction to accounting.

“There are a number of government contracts that require First Nations to be participating in that,” said Benedict.

“We know that there are a number of businesses that just want to be working with First Nations … whether it be government-led or industry-led …. and we know that … many project developments, if they don’t have First Nations involved, you know, it’s not a good thing to be doing.”

First Nation-owned businesses in Ontario are invited to register for the directory.

Officials said it will serve as a trusted tool for procurement, and it will go live at the end of 2025 or early 2026.