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Business program helps women of aboriginal descent

The Wachiay Friendship Centre has a new program to help women of aboriginal descent create new small (micro) businesses.

The Wachiay Friendship Centre has a new program to help women of aboriginal descent create new small (micro) businesses. The initiative is federally funded.

Wachiay will design, create and run a Small Business Incubator Centre, offering office space, computer and internet access, and many resources, training, and personal mentoring intended to deliver all the skills needed for aboriginal women to start a business of any kind.

No idea is too small, or big to be considered.

Typically, a ‘business incubator centre’ is a nurturing entrepreneurial environment that caters to supporting, training and guiding qualified participants through the process of starting their own businesses. It represents a very personalized and user-friendly approach for would-be entrepreneurs.

Best of all, it’s all free.

The first intake is scheduled to begin shortly. Space is limited to four to six entrepreneurs at a time. Their office space at the centre will last several months, and include a special, hands–on small business creation program delivered by successful entrepreneurs.

Training and resource materials will also be provided free of charge. There are several intakes of would-be aboriginal women  entrepreneurs planned over a one-year period.

Wachiay will have information and signup kiosks during National Aboriginal Day events this Friday. Kiosks will be at Wachiay’s building at 1625B McPhee Ave. in Courtenay between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and at the K’ómoks Band Hall at 3320 Comox Rd. from 3 to 7 p.m.

Since space is limited at the Business Incubator Centre itself, all those who express an interest will be contacted afterwards to determine eligibility for the program.

Interested aboriginal women can also contact Lisa at Wachiay by phoning 250-338-7793, ext. 216 or e-mailing lisa@wachiay.com.

— Wachiay Friendship Centre