Entrepreneurship among First Nations Women

What is it about?

This paper focuses on the interest, prevalence and influences on entrepreneurship among First Nations women in Canada's Atlantic region. Using an online survey, responses from 231 Aboriginal women (both entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs) living on and off-reserve in the Atlantic region were analyzed. Among other things, the findings indicate that 33% of respondents currently own a business and collectively are responsible for over 150 jobs, of which 88% are held by Aboriginal employees. These results are quite remarkable considering the limited support the entrepreneurs received from the formal ‘support’ infrastructure.

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Why is it important?

In the absence of previous research, very little was known about entrepreneurship among Aboriginal women in Atlantic Canada. The results of this baseline study can play a key role in informing future policy and programs as it identifies the nature and scope of women's entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, it has the potential to ensure that the design of future programs aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship within the region will be responsive to the needs and opportunities that have been ascertained.