Matchstick Backgrounder
Timeline – Three-year Pilot (2017 to 2020)
Purpose:
- Created Matchstick to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skills in Indigenous women.
- Matchstick model moves the entrepreneurial process from the intention to start a business right up to owner-managers of more established ventures.
Matchstick Advisory Council
Creation of a Matchstick Advisory Council with representatives from Indigenous organizations to provide direction and oversight.
Partners included:
- Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations,
- FHQ Developments Ltd.,
- Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation,
- First Nations University of Canada,
- Onion Lake First Nation
Fueling Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs
Activities:
- Gathered valuable input from Indigenous women entrepreneurs during 4 roundtable discussions that shaped the development of Matchstick
- Delivered workshops for business planning and strategies for growth to Indigenous women entrepreneurs in 7 provincial locations (Regina, Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Onion Lake, and Yorkton; and one webinar)
- Over 300 Indigenous women participated in training, networking, and mentoring
- Four Indigenous women were trained to deliver business workshops, business advising and facilitating mentoring circles
- Four businesses were created and expanded through Matchstick’s business advising and lending services
Pilot of Matchstick Funded by:
Western Economic Diversification Canada
FSIN (in conjunction with INAC and ARO)
