Aboriginal Entrepreneurship In Canada: A Comprehensive Analysis.pdf

Prepared for the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), it is part of a three-part research series.

## Key Findings

1. Aboriginal Entrepreneurship: There is a growing presence of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, with self-employment among Aboriginal individuals increasing over the years. The 2011 National Household Survey estimated 37,685 Aboriginal self-employed individuals across Canada.

2. Economic Impact: Despite limited longitudinal data, recent studies suggest that Aboriginal SMEs contribute significantly to the Canadian economy. Estimates indicate a minimum annual revenue of $927 million and a broader economic impact of over $13 billion on Canadian GDP, including contributions from community governments and land claims.

3. Definition of Aboriginal Business: The report highlights the complexity in defining an Aboriginal business, as it encompasses not only individual self-employment but also community-owned ventures, Economic Development Corporations, funds, joint ventures, and government initiatives.

4. Data Quality and Availability: The absence of reliable longitudinal data hinders a comprehensive understanding of Aboriginal business trends. Various sources, including Statistics Canada surveys, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and other reports, provide insights but face challenges in data quality and coverage.

## Data Sources and Analysis

- National Household Survey (NHS): Provides estimates on Aboriginal self-employment but has limitations in data quality and coverage.
- Canada Business Patterns Dataset: Offers territorial business data, but 2015 data quality issues require caution.
- Other Statistics Canada Surveys: Additional surveys provide insights into specific aspects of Aboriginal businesses.
- Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB): Offers valuable industry perspectives and estimates.
- Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP) and BDC: Provide financial services data and insights.
- Regional Studies: Regional reports, like the Atlantic Policy Congress study, offer localized impacts and trends.

## Financial Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs

- Community-Owned SMEs: Leverage various financial institutions, including Capital Corporations, Community Futures Development Corporations, and BDC.
- Key Financial Services: Include access to credit, investment capital, business consulting, and specialized insurance.
- Perspectives from NACCA, CCAB, BDC, and Others: Emphasize the importance of tailored financial services, challenges in accessing traditional financing, and the role of government programs and community initiatives.

## Conclusion

The report underscores the significance of Aboriginal entrepreneurship in Canada's economy and highlights the need for comprehensive data and tailored financial services to support this growing sector. It serves as a foundation for further analysis in the subsequent modules focusing on policy recommendations and regional insights.