Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is extending funding for the Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN) program, which provides Saskatchewan’s First Nation and Métis business community with business information, planning and market research.

WD is providing more than $168,000 so that Visions North Community Futures Development Corporation can continue to coordinate the ABSN throughout Saskatchewan.

“Canada’s New Government is investing in the Aboriginal Business Service Network because we want entrepreneurs to excel,” said Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Western Economic Diversification. “This network provides the online resources and practical skills training that will help Saskatchewan First Nation and Métis businesses to prosper.”

The ABSN is designed to make business information more accessible to the First Nation and Métis business community and to help Aboriginal entrepreneurs find the information they need to help set up or grow a business. It provides free-of-charge access to government information on business programs, services and regulations. These resources are tailored to meet unique requirements of Aboriginal clients.

“We are pleased that ABSN will continue to provide information and services to aboriginal entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan,” says Bill Hogan, Manager of Visions North Community Futures. “Working with the Canada/Saskatchewan Business Service Centre, we have been successful in developing strong partnerships across the province and are beginning to realize the benefits of ABSN in our Aboriginal communities.”

Over the next year, the ABSN in Saskatchewan will deliver training and orientation sessions on business planning and online ABSN resources such as the Interactive Business Planner.

Saskatchewan’s ABSN also recognizes the importance of providing access to technology and is collaborating with the Community Access Program (CAP) to ensure that Aboriginal entrepreneurs have a gateway to this technology. Through the CAP program, several student interns are placed in ABSN partner locations to teach and champion the use of technology as a means to bridge the information and training gap. A number of these interns have obtained full-time employment as a result of this initiative. This unique partnership is producing tangible results that support education, entrepreneurship and economic development in Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal communities.

For more information on Aboriginal Business Service Network services in your area, visit www.cbsc.org/absn .

For additional information, contact:

Mike Winterburn
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 995-2960

Cameron Zimmer
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-6125

Bill Hogan
Manager
Vision North Community Futures Development Corporation
LaRonge, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 425-2612
Toll-Free No.: 1-877-549-4333

John Macintosh
Manager
Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-956-2312
Toll-Free No.: 1-800-667-4374