For more details on topics covered in the Aboriginal Youth Info+Net, visit the City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre and talk with one of our Career Advisors.

Are you someone who enjoys a challenge? Do you like working on your own and being your own boss? If you are an Aboriginal youth in Calgary and have the determination to start your own business, you will need to know what steps are involved and what services are available to assist you. For frequently asked questions about starting your own business read below. Be sure to check out our useful links if you still have questions not answered in the FAQ's.

Frequently Asked Questions - click on the question to fast track to the answer:

1. How do I know if I am ready to be an entrepreneur?
2. I think I am cut out for self-employment, now what?
3. Who can help me get started?
4. Is a business plan really important?
5. Where can I receive funding for my business?
6. Are there any specific programs for entrepreneurial Aboriginal women?

• ARTICLES
• LINKS

Frequently Asked Questions about Self Employment (Q&A)

1) How do I know if I am ready to be an entrepreneur?
There are some basic qualities an entrepreneur must have. You must be self-determined, hard working, responsible and independent. To help determine if you may be right for self-employment, visit an Employment Counsellor at the Youth Employment Centre for help or go to nextSteps.org to take a quiz assessing your interests and abilities. Click on "self evaluation" and follow the steps. Ensure that you set aside enough time for each assesment tool because this is not something that you rush into. Take the time to find what is right for you.

2) I think I am cut out for self-employment, now what?
If you believe you have what it takes, find local companies (through the Aboriginal Business Map) to talk with and ask what drives them as entrepreneurs. Thoroughly go through our links below and research what is required for a business plan and feasibility of your business idea. The best insurance of success, is to embark on self employment training. Calgary has many programs available, click here to find out.

3) Who can help me get started?
Treaty Seven Economic Development Corporation (T7EDC) offers self employment training and workshops to young entrepreneurs. T7EDC provides information, such as how to prepare a business plan and how to apply for loans. T7EDC also offers a First Nations entrepreneur youth camp. It is held every year in August and addresses issues such as barriers, education and culture. The camp involves hands on experience from formulating a business plan to presenting the plan to a panel of experts. Some experts in the past have been Loans Officers from both Bank of Montreal and Peace Hills Trust. The week long camp offers workshops that touch on various aspects of the business plan process. For more information on this camp click here.

4) Is a business plan really important?
Yes, a business plan is crucial to the success of a business. A well detailed plan will help you understand your business risks and opportunities and will serve as a guide if you seek financing for your business. An organization will not give you start up costs without a good solid business plan. This plan will include information that answers questions such as: what products or services will I sell; what is the target audience; how do I reach the target audience; what equipment and supplies do I need; what will my monthly costs be; and how many employees will I need? The LINKS below will provide more detailed guidance on business plan writing.

5) Where can I receive funding for my business?
If you are a Status Indian, living in the Treaty Seven area, Treaty Seven Economic Development Corporation can help. If you are Metis, Metis Nation of Alberta Region III can help. Go to the Loans & Grants page and research our "LINKS" on funding options and start up costs for entrepreneurs.

6) Are there any specific programs for entrepreneurial Aboriginal woman?
There is an initiative through the Government of Canada that offers support and guidelines for woman interested in self-employment. It is called the "Journey to Success" Aboriginal Woman's Business Planning Guide and provides guidance on products, planning, financing and marketing. Check out their link below for more information.

ARTICLES

'Dynamic Approach' to Self-Employment

LINKS

Funding Links

Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC's Aboriginal Banking Unit consists of Aboriginal people well aware of the specific needs of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, and offers customized, long-term, and flexible solutions. As well, The Business Development Bank of Canada is sponsoring an Internet-based national Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition with online modules, mentoring and business plan template for Aboriginal youth in Grades 10-12.

Aboriginal Resource Guide
This site gives you information on any aspect of self employment. They have a resource guide and you just create your personal profile to the questions you want answered.

Apeetogosan Métis Development
They help Métis Entrepreneurs with funds for the start-up or expansion of their business. They guide entrepreneurs to various program funds and assist with business proposals for smaller projects. Be sure to click 'contact us' for local contact information and the location of the Calgary office.

Aboriginal Business Canada
Industry Canada has established this site to help Aboriginal business people. They have information on accessing financing and have knowledge to help get your business up and running.

Government of Canada Youth Site
This site is designed to help you start your own business and is a major resource guide. This site is designed as resource portal and links you to numerous websites on Self Employment.

Aboriginal Youth Business Council
This web site will help young Aboriginal entrepreneurs learn about business. The services offered vary from financial questions to proposal information.

Canadian Youth Business Foundation
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people achieve their business dreams. They offer start up cost loans for your business venture.

Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (A.I.I.C)
A.I.I.C actively supports and encourages the creation of viable First Nation businesses. This links gives you information on what financial and general assistance they give First Nations businesses.

Tool Kits and Informational Links

Journey to Success - Aboriginal Woman's Business Planning Guide
This online user guide is designed to offer information to Aboriginal Women interested in self-employment. The guide offers information on developing a business plan, product or idea, financing, marketing and balance between family and work.

Aboriginal Youth Network - Pathfinder Employment Centre
This site has an entrepreneurial toolkit to help you with your business venture. They also have numerous links to browse through, toolkits for employment issues, and youth profiles.

Success Stories
This federal government site offers success stories on economic growth for various First Nations individuals and organizations.

Aboriginal Business Map
This site, by Industry Canada, is a directory of various Aboriginal Businesses in Canada.

Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO)
This service has been in existence since 1967. CESO is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization that provides economic development expertise to Aboriginal entrepreneurial or organizations.

Alberta Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN) has created a tool that fills the ever-growing need to connect Aboriginal businesses to numerous Alberta companies, service providers and clients throughout Alberta. This business tool is called the ABSN Alberta Aboriginal Business Directory, and is located on their website.