Two Indigenous-led businesses receive Government of Canada investment of more than $1.6 million to create new jobs and grow
Indigenous businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs are an important part of growing the economy and creating good jobs in southern Ontario and across Canada. That is why the Government of Canada is working with these Indigenous communities and their members to strengthen relationships so that people can reach their potential and create new possibilities across Ontario.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of over $1.6 million for two Indigenous-led businesses, eSupply Canada and Biskane Inc., to grow and diversify, leading to new jobs and supporting inclusive economic prosperity.
As part of this investment, eSupply Canada, an Indigenous-owned online distributor of office, janitorial, and small-scale industrial supplies, received more than $1.1 million to improve its online e-commerce platform so it can better support Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada. With the Government of Canada's support, eSupply Canada is also implementing new digital services to improve the customer experience, including package tracking. As a result of this investment, the company will create eight new jobs and increase e-commerce revenue. This will help the company grow and create more opportunities for the Indigenous community.
Biskane Inc., an Indigenous-led company that provides e-commerce support for Indigenous artists, business owners, suppliers, and vendors to market their arts, crafts, and products, received an investment from the federal government of up to $500,000. With this investment, Biskane will develop an online platform for supply chain management and mobile authentication to help onboard Indigenous businesses. The company will also collaborate with Indigenous social media influencers to increase the visibility of its Indigenous marketplace, products, and supply chain. As a result of this investment, the company will create seven new positions to support its digital storefront and enhance the online marketplace for Indigenous businesses, allowing them to expand their market reach.
These investments are working to provide good jobs and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. In partnership with Indigenous businesses and organizations, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in realizing their goals and helping build a strong, diverse future economy.
