CanNor funding of $200,000 to dänä Näye Ventures creates additional financing opportunities for Indigenous women-owned businesses
Whitehorse – The Government of Canada is continuing to make important investments to ensure a strong economy in communities across the North. Traditionally underserved businesses, particularly those that are women-owned or Indigenous-owned, are an important pillar to regional economic growth, providing a wide spectrum of important goods and services to their communities.
Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, and Dr Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, announced that a contribution of $200,000 towards the Indigenous Women Entrepreneur (IWE) program, a micro-loan initiative operated by dänä Näye Ventures, has resulted in additional capital support for 12 Indigenous businesswomen to kick-start or grow their businesses across the Yukon.
This funding, delivered by CanNor, and part of the Government of Canada’s $6 billion Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), served as additional financing for dänä Näye Ventures to accommodate a growing subscription base to its Indigenous Women Entrepreneur program, allowing for more applicants to be accepted into the program.
dänä Näye Ventures is a Yukon-based, First Nation-led institution that provides business development and financial services for entrepreneurs and businesses across the territory. Through its IWE micro loan program, applicants can receive micro-loans up to $20,000 to expand or grow their business, and are provided access to dedicated business support officers, regular workshops and skills training.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting the diversified growth of northern economic sectors and enhancing the contributions of Indigenous women in the economy.
“The economy will realize its full potential and fire on all cylinders when people and businesses are not left behind. By investing in women-owned and Indigenous-owned small businesses, we can ensure everyone benefits from a strong economy in the Yukon and across Canada. Initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy recognize the value these businesses have to their respective communities, as well as the work by organizations like dänä Näye Ventures to support their growth. These businesses create good jobs, are a source for career development and skills training, and give new platforms for the kinds of innovation and creativity that keep our northern economies competitive.” – Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor