Waubetek Business Development Corp. will celebrate the best in Indigenous business during its biennial awards dinner and gala on Nov. 7.
Themed “Investing in the Aboriginal Spirit,” the gala will be held at the Casino Rama Resort and Conference Centre on the Rama First Nation.
The event “recognizes the achievements of Aboriginal businesses in northeast Ontario who create much needed jobs and services throughout the region and also serve as inspirational Aboriginal role models,” the organization said in a news release.
“In this age of reconciliation, it is important for everyone to see the significant contribution made by Indigenous businesses that benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.”
The awards to be handed out include:
- Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: presented to an entrepreneur who has established a successful business prior to reaching 36 years of age;
- New Entrepreneur of the Year: presented to a successful business less than three years old that exhibits substantial future potential;
- Business Merit Award: presented to business people regarded as significant contributors to their community; and
- Business Achievement Award: presented to a long-standing business that has provided a major impact in the community, including significant employment creation.
Tickets for the event are now available. Visit www.waubetek.com for more information.
Waubetek is a Community Futures Development Corp. based in Whitefish River First Nation. It provides business financing and economic development services to First Nations and Indigenous businesses across northeastern Ontario.
Since 1989, Waubetek – meaning “the future” in Ojibwe – has provided $80 million in investment financing to more than 3,000 Indigenous businesses.
