Indigenous-SME Business Magazine - February 2023

OurfourthIndigenousissueisfinallyhere,andwe,asawholeteam, areexcitedtosharewithyouallsomeofthemostamazingcontent onIndigenoussmallbusinessesandentrepreneursinCanadaand howtheentrepreneurshaveshownexceptionalzealtokeepupwith thechangesduringthepasttwoyears Wehavestrivedhardto becomethetopsmallbusinessmonthlymagazineinCanada And wewishtoofferallourreadersjusttherightstrategies,ideas,inputs, tips,andtricksfordoingbusinesstherightway

Indigenous-SME'smissionistoensurethateveryIndigenousperson hasaccesstoknowledgeandresourcesattheirfingertips Educating themabouthowtostartanykindofbusinessinCanada-whetherit's for-profitornot-isourgoal,andthebestwaytoachieveitisby providingaccesstoresourcesandtoolsthatcanhelpwiththeir success!

Thiseditionisfocusedonshowcasingthedeterminationandcourage ofalltheIndigenousentrepreneurswhohavefoughthardinrecent years Wewishtoinspireotherindigenousentrepreneursby highlightingthegoodworksdone,andwearejustheretohelpthem shine Gettoknow“MaryWildman,amotivationalspeakerand Indigenousinfluencer”;readthefamilymaplestory,GiizhigatMaple Products:SharingTheSweetnessofIndigenousand“MulberryDesign &Engravings” Checkoutfiveentrepreneurialtrendsbusinesses shouldadoptin2023,AboriginalMarketingServicesavailabletoyou and“Indigenous-OwnedBusinesses:WorkingToSupportTheirPeers”. Andlastly,checkoutourBusinesswomanoftheMonth,HeatherBlack, asuccessfulentrepreneurmanaginghertwobusinesses,Buffalo StoneWomanandCreativeSpiritSolution,withpassionand commitment

WeatIndigenous-SMEtrustinbringingforththeeffortsofallthe amazingIndigenousentrepreneursinCanada Theytakeeveryday asachallengeandtrytheirbesttoreachwheretheyactuallybelong thetop Especiallyinthepasttwoyears,whenthewholeworldwas atastandstillduetotheglobalpandemic,thesesmallbusiness ownersdidn’tlosehopeandstrivedhardtomarchaheadwithalotof enthusiasm,passion,andpositivity Weareheretoaddressthemin ourownwaythroughourbi-monthlymagazine.

CallingallIndigenousentrepreneurs!Takethisopportunitytobe recognizedforyourhardworkandsuccess–applynowforour prestigiousIndigenousEntrepreneuroftheYearawardbyvisiting smeawardscatoday Don'tmissoutonachancetoshowcase yourselfasaninspiringbusinessleaderinCanada!

Wehopethatthismonth’sissuewillprovideyouwiththeknowledge andinformationthatyouneedtostayaheadofthecurve Donotforgettosubscribetoourmagazinetogetthelatesttrends andtostayup-to-datewithallourevents

Untilthenextissue,happyreading!

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Mary Wildman: Motivating Indigenous Community

As a motivational speaker, she has spoken at various events, such as "Move the Dial," Indigenous People's Day, mental health awareness, and the child welfare system from an Indigenous lens.

She loves supporting the Indigenous Community and acts as an ally to other diverse ethnic groups within communities

Mary is passionate and hard-working, loves working with people and building lasting relationships, and strives to deliver excellent results She thrives at creating a supportive team setting, likes taking on leadership roles, and empowers her colleagues with the knowledge to take on their parts

Mary is also a part of the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau and hopes to gain new partnerships and help support more Indigenous individuals throughout the coming year.

Mary Wildman is a motivational speaker and Indigenous influencer She was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada She is an alumnus of George Brown College

Mary's spirit name is Red Turtle Woman, a First Nation Indigenous woman from Curve Lake First Nations She advocates for Indigenous people, and her mission is to support Indigenous people and help other diverse groups become great allies and truly impact the community.

She is a vibrant warrior who excels at forming and maintaining relationships with different companies, organizations, and brands In addition, she supports the Indigenous community and other diverse ethnic groups

Mary Wildman motivates through her keynote speeches and workshops To know more about her work, visit her website at https://iammarywildman.com/.

Indigenous communities empower each other in all their endeavors To read more about these inspiring stories, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine lnkd in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

Motivational Speaker/ Indigenous Influencer

Commissioned to Produce Excellence

Joseph moved to Toronto to pursue his dreams and attended the Ontario College of Arts He graduated in Fine Arts from the Ontario College of Art & Design in 1985 and has actively contributed to the industry for over 25 years He specializes in private and public commissions, logo designs, murals, acrylic painting projects, and illustrations for publications

Despite all struggles and challenges being an artist in the industry pose, Joseph followed his passion. In 1992, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) chose Joseph's logo as the winning design.

Since then, Joseph has worked on various private and public projects for which he created logos, mural paintings, book illustrations, and event and festival posters Including the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's (INAC) 2005/06 Time Planner on the "Thirteen Moons" calendar, which features tales, and legends and describes " a way of life" for the Aboriginal people both in the past and present

NATIVE CANADIAN ARTIST, TORONTO (CANADA)

In 2017, the Ministry of the Attorney General, Aboriginal Justice Division in Toronto, commissioned Joseph for a series of paintings, "Seven Teachings and Seven Stages of Life " These paintings are prominently displayed at their workplace and offer a glimpse of the culture and values of the Anishnaabe people

In 2018, Joseph completed a commissioned project for Seneca College in Toronto It was a 30-foot-diameter Terrazzo floor installation for the new Center for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship building at their Newnham Campus

By way of teachings, ceremonies, elders, and community resources, this design integrates culture, heritage, spirituality, and a system of governance that reflects and emphasizes Indigenous knowledge of the Inuit, Metis, and First Nations of the Great Lakes and Upper Regions. The design has won many recognitions in Canada and the United States for its beauty and complexity and has been featured in many publications.

In 2018, Joseph created a mural at the Matawa Educational Center in Thunder Bay, which was featured on the front page of the Thunder Bay Chronicle

To encourage children and youth participation in arts, Joseph has collaborated with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) to develop presentations in social media on the Early On Indigenous Language and Family Program In 2021, Joseph worked with the NCCT Youth and the ENAGB Youth Program in Toronto

Joseph Sagaj has a 30-year career where he has shared and emphasized his Anishnaabe ancestry and heritage and featured his Indigenous knowledge, culture, and teachings at the forefront of all works

The Toronto-based Indigenous Canadian artist, Joseph Sagaj, lives and works in Toronto To know more about his work, visit the website at https://joseph-sagaj-independent-canadianindigenous-artist business site/

In Neskantaga, Joseph did art with children in mask-making on the theme of Aboriginals that reflected the teachings, stories, and their way of life Joseph started "The Northern Lights Collective" five years ago with his friends They collect, pack, and ship art supplies, books, sporting goods, and camping gear to remote areas and young people in need Many donors, artists, friends, organizations, and corporations have contributed to this accomplishment

Joseph finds courage, a sense of success, and the chance to give back to his communities despite the constant struggles, dealing with global realities, and overcoming obstacles.

Technopreneur Of The Year 2022

Heather Black is a successful entrepreneur, managing her two businesses, Buffalo Stone Woman and Creative Spirit Solution, with passion and commitment.

Heather is from the Kainaiwa Nation, and her ancestral name, given to her by her grandparents, is O'takii Tsowakii Heather is an industry specialist with more than 15 years of expertise in the commercial and educational industries' whole life cycle.

She works passionately while holding traditional and modern principles, is always eager to share cross-cultural expertise, and provides a network of supportive professionals

Heather has a wide range of degrees and credentials She holds certifications as a Beyond the Hurt Facilitator with the Red Cross, an Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Coach from Community Futures Alberta, and an Aboriginal BEST Facilitator

She graduated from SAIT Polytechnic with degrees in business management and interior decorating and completed the Meyers Norris Penny Self-Employment Program

Heather collaborates closely with educational officials to create development programs for young people to strengthen their skills As a result, youth are engaged and inspired by this exclusive program to pursue their education, explore their career options, and gain confidence as they enter the world of careers

Heather is also extremely passionate about assisting new business owners and exploring opportunities for expansion for established company owners

In 2022, Heather started Creative Spirit Solution as an interior decorating and furniture broker business The company lasted five years, but Black could not make it financially stable

In 2015, she relaunched Creative Spirit Solution after deciding to take the company in a new direction, including boot camps and entrepreneurial skills development workshops.

Creative Spirit Solutions is an innovative business and consulting organization with charisma, passion, and strength. They combine experience and knowledge to assist your organization in achieving your community's strategic goals.

Strategic workshops are created together and sculpted to meet the needs of community members Members create their own milestone goals for education and careers and receive assistance in building their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Heather is a business leader equipped with passion who utilizes the SMART goal model:

Specific – Define your organization and community goals

Measurable – Sculpt programs with measurable outcomes for success

Achievable – Action-oriented participants are goal driven Results – Relevant and realistic goals are set, ensuring recording activities

Time Bound – Range from one-day workshops to longer-term programs

Black is also one of four Indigenous people to be named to the Women in Business panel for the 2022 Cando Conference.

Heather is a community engagement consultant, curriculum developer, business plan writer, and network and communications specialist To know more about her business and work, visit her website at https://creativespiritsolutions com/

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Heather opened her second business, Buffalo Stone Woman, in September 2020 Buffalo Stone Woman was created because Heather recognized the opportunity to share her Indigenous history and culture with people from around Canada and the world in one of the world's most beautiful places, the Rocky Mountains

She walks the same mountain paths her ancestors did and provides an exclusive Indigenous experience to those who join her by leading hiking tours in the Alberta district of Kananaskis

As a spirited entrepreneur, she is a workshop facilitator, strategist, and advisor, always supporting economic development in the business and education sectors Her Creative Spirit Solutions helps start-ups and long-term Indigenous businesses around the country find growth and success

In addition, Heather can adapt to the needs of entrepreneurs with Disabilities. She enjoys assisting others in their professional development Her vision and ability to nurture relationships lead to long-term solutions and success

Indigenous entrepreneurs always aim for the empowerment of the community To read more about these inspiring entrepreneurs, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine lnkd in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme.

Dear Advisor

A professional bookkeeper answers FAQs from Canadian Small Business Owners

Dear advisor, I have a shoebox full of business receipts and every tax season is hectic. Is there a better way for me to do this?

As a bookkeeper, I get to work with small businesses on a daily basis and in many different fields Over the years I have seen enough to write an epic novel (which I hope to do one day), however, for this question one story in particular came to mind

ByMelissaLenos,CPB,PCP,

Small business owners often have no idea what they are doing on the financial side of things because they are busy working in the business, instead of on the business So, it was not uncommon for them to come by my office with a grocery bag or shoe box full of receipts, hoping to exchange it for a nicely drawn up report for their accountant One day, a client of mine dropped a pizza box full of receipts off on my back step Mistaking the pizza box for garbage, I quickly threw it out and blamed my husband for being unable to walk two extra steps to the trash bin Needless to say, I soon found myself digging through said trash bin to recover those important documents so I could file everything accurately.

ProfessionalBookkeeperandownerof KingBusinessSolutions(KBS)

I knew there had to be a better way to help my small business clients manage their paper documents

This is when the accordion folder was introduced to my bookkeeping business back in 2009 Each client had their own accordion that was setup specifically for their business. The client would then drop off their full folder each month or quarter and we would give it back empty – no more receipts disguised as garbage in my house! Still, sorting through all that paper sounds like a lot of work, huh?

Fast forward a decade and I was introduced to “receipt capture” technology that would make mine and my clients' lives so much easier Tools like Hubdoc, a document collection and management software, allowed our clients to simply take photos of bills and receipts for record-keeping purposes

Conversations with our small business clients were filled with reasons why software such as Hubdoc was a necessary evolution to the small business landscape. At the time, some were ready to give it a go, and others not so much.

Then came 2020: the COVID-19 pandemic managed to do the convincing where I could not, and those clients who had been wary of Hubdoc were calling to get set up Gone were the days where an in person paper drop-off was the norm My clients were able to gain efficiency by taking photos of their receipts and forward emails and invoices in near real-time This not only made their bookkeeping so much less timeconsuming – it also meant they got to have a proactive (vs retroactive) look at their business, while in the comfort of their own home And, it helped make preparing for tax season a breeze for us and our clients – we had all the documentation we needed, easily accessible in one secure location.

Coming out of the pandemic, I’m finding that the landscape is changing yet again Small business owners are no longer always holding office space and are evolving into remote or hybrid environments; sometimes taking on jobs that are halfway across Canada

Software like Hubdoc is continuing to help us adapt, allowing us to work with clients that are five minutes away or on the other side of the country For those that are close by, they like the fact they can take a picture at the time of purchase, file it away, and never think about it again. Clients that are far away appreciate that we can take care of them without the expense of couriers or postage My client pool (and my employee pool) grew from those in and around my immediate physical location and expanded across all of Canada

What’s the best part of all of this? We get to let technology do the data entry at the click of a button We then manage and look at those numbers to provide timely information to help grow the small businesses our clients so lovingly tend What’s the use in having information that is months old, when accounting technology can let us know what is happening in a small business at any given moment?

If you’re looking for a better way to manage your business receipts and make tax season less hectic, and get better insights into your business –look to technology. Technology doesn’t have to be too complicated or feared – if you can take a photo on your phone, you can use tools like Hubdoc and reap all the benefits.

Giizhigat Maple Products: Sharing The Sweetness of Indigenous

Giizhigat Maple Products is a First Nation-owned and operated brand by the husband-and-wife team, Isaac Day and Deborah Aaron. Isaac is Anishinaabe (Ojibway) from Serpent River First Nation, and Deborah is Kanyen' keha:ka (Mohawk) from Six Nations of the Grand River

Giizhigat is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) word that means Day (gee-jaa-gut) It was Isaac's original family name before being translated into English years ago by government agents

When Isaac and Deborah bought a farm on St Joseph Island in the Great Lakes region of Ontario, they noticed the abundance of maple trees on the property, which could open new opportunities So they began researching maple syrup and learning to prepare it Their neighbor, who was in the maple syrup industry, also guided them about the maple preparation In 2015 they put all this studying into practice to start their business

Today, they have grown into a business with about 3000 taps on the property As a part of their growth, Isaac and Deborah intend to set aside roughly 50 trees for the traditional sap collection method.

As a First Nation family-owned and operated business situated on beautiful St Joseph Island, they craft the finest quality 100% pure maple syrup Their products include maple syrup, maple butter, maple candies, and maple sugar products

In addition, they also have an extensive line of products that consist of T-shirts and greeting cards, handcrafted Native American jewelry, gift baskets, dreamcatchers, wooden bowls, and paintings

Their long-term vision for the company is to reinvest profits to build a teaching lodge They already have a non-profit called “Rainbow Thunder Mountain Star,” which is a place where all are welcome to learn the Universal Star Lodge Teachings that Isaac has been gifted to carry

It is a place for all to learn how to reconnect with Mother Earth and how to live in harmony through traditional knowledge It is this vision that the founders have planned as the legacy and success story of Giizhigat Maple Products.

When Isaac and Deborah purchased the farm, they had no intention of beginning a venture in maple syrup But they couldn't stop seeing the potential the farm presented So today, they are enjoying their business operation of making maple syrup on their farm on St Joseph Island

Deborah and Isaac's families have been producing maple syrup products for generations When the duo began their business in their current home on the Six Nations side of the Grand River, they started with about 25 maple trees The family shares memories of collecting the sap and boiling it all day outside while sharing stories, laughter, and meals cooked over the fire Hence, Giizhigat Maple Products (GMP) is a brand grown out of family traditions

Deborah's mother recalled helping her uncle gather sap and transport the syrup from the bush on a sizable stone canoe drawn by a horse Deborah's father also has stories of his grandmother gathering and boiling maple sap in a huge cast iron kettle.

As a little child, Isaac remembers helping his grandfather make maple syrup First, each family would have their area to tap into Then, his grandfather would cut a gash in the tree with an axe The sap would trickle down a handcrafted wooden trough and into a basket made of birch bark Isaac recalled the Elders constructing a makeshift shelter from saplings and wrapping the sides and roof with balsam branches All through the night, the sap would boil inside a big cast iron kettle

Giizhigat Maple Products is 100% Indigenous, and they share a passion and love for producing and consuming maple syrup by bringing it to your tables. To know more about their products, visit their website at https://giizhigatmapleproducts.ca/.

Indigenous businesses derive from family and community traditions To read more about these inspiring businesses, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine lnkd in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

Anishwe: Upholding

The Indigenous Spirit

Anishwe was formed by Whitney Couchie and Anthony Beaucage out of a strong desire to give voice to the Anishinaabe community and their relationship with nature

The word "Anishwe," which means "Anishinaabe Way," is derived from the Nipissing language The name Anishwe, which is pronounced "A Nish Way," means "the spirits of the land people," but it also has the collective meaning " we all share the land." In addition, it means that the people live off the land and that the land and people are not separate

From the beginning, it was evident that the clothing brand took a hands-on approach They cherished the concept of assisting local and indigenous artists and small enterprises As Indigenous artisans, Anishwe is developing ways to support their families, kids, and communities by providing work and a sustainable income through an alternate form of commerce

Anishwe is about knowing it through experience It represents a feeling of being connected, to nature, to the land It is about being proud and connected to ancestral ways and the connection to nature

Owning up to their brand name means living a balanced life that is respectful to nature, the land, and the people, and Anishwe does their operations respectfully They respect their elders, the communities' elders, and the children as they look at them as the future

Anishwe is proud to uphold the spirit of Anishwe alive and well within their community as they embrace and promote the natural cycle of life, the equilibrium of the ecosystems, and the interconnectedness of people and the land

Growing up, Whitney, the originator and creator of Anishwe, was surrounded by tales of Anishinaabe heroes and legends Her favorite story is about Animikii Benesi, a young warrior

Born in the spiritual world, Animikii was a man who came to teach his people about reverence, respect, and harmony with the land. He was referred to as a "Thunder Bird" because of how the land carried him while he walked on it

"Anishwe" is about respecting the ancestors and remembering and honoring them. Whitney considers the brand name meaningful as it speaks to the land, because it's a big word, and it sounds like the name of a big thing.

The Anishwe brand offered Whitney Couchie and Anthony Beaucage a lot of new knowledge and excitement while developing it In addition, the great product was enhanced by the label's accompanying story, accompanying artwork, and its Anishinaabe communityspecific meaning

Anishwe promises to send only good things For more information, visit their website at https://anishwe.com/.

Indigenous businesses place their traditions and community at the center of their business operations. To read more on these articles, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine

lnkd.in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

A's Precision Machining was founded in 2002 with over 50 years of combined machining expertise within its senior management staff A's Precision Machining is a medium to high-volume manufacturer of CNC machined components that strives to provide precisely made components while utilizing innovative machining technology

Their facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, has state-of-the-art technology and the most qualified personnel to tackle projects of every shape and size They are an industry leader in milling, turning, boring, tapping, threading, grinding, broaching, spline-rolling, screw-machine work, and (brush type) automated deburring In addition, their store has a fully functional quality assurance lab to support customers' quality requirements

A's Precision Machining is a production machine shop working with over 20 multi-axis CNC machines, including lathes, milling machines, a CMM, and multiple screw machines. They are a medium to high volume CNC machined component manufacturer and machine all commercially available metals and exotic alloys for the military and aerospace industries

A's has consistently led the industry in technological innovation They spend as much money as necessary to acquire the most advanced machining tools and equipment, which results in an unbeatable reduction in production costs and machining time.

They have numerous CNC mills, lathes, and screw machines that immediately facilitate your products' production To cut production costs and turnaround times, A's Precision Machining also develops and produces automated machining centres for a range of items

The 5-axis machine can produce large, complex molds and dies and other large, complex multi-angle components because of its extensive travel range and excellent 5-axis capabilities. It is ideal for simultaneous 5-axis contouring and multi-angle machining tasks

The 4-Axis CNC machines are equipped with the best tools and cutting fluids In addition, their skilled programmers, machinists, and operators are equipped with the industry's leading software, tools and training Together, the 4-axis CNC machines provide remarkable performance, exceptional quality, and quick productivity to complete your products on time and to the highest standards

A's Precision knows that CNC turning is integral to any machine shop and does it with the greatest precision Their knowledgeable operators and specialists precisely produce your components quickly and consistently using five distinct lathes always in operation

Along with skilled programmers, machinists, and operators equipped with the industrys leading software, tools and training, A's Precision owns the 3-Axis CNC machines with the best tools and cutting fluids Together, the 3-axis CNC machines have excellent performance, outstanding quality, and rapid productivity that get your parts done right and on time

Round components can be produced quickly and accurately using screw machines, and their expert operators can make your parts quickly and precisely to match your needs

A's Precision has the in-house capabilities of a fully CNC Controlled CMM, accommodating parts that fall within the range of 46" x 24" x 20" In addition to the CMM, they utilize shadow graphs and optical comparators for precise measurements

A's Precision Machining is passionate about quality, as they soar to new heights and aim to increase their quality system. Their latest endeavors have allowed them to improve their ISO system to 9001:2015.

In addition, they have a fully stocked, state-ofthe-art quality lab to ensure all production parts meet and go beyond all of their quality requirements Their technology includes coordinate measuring machines, shadowgraphs, height gauges, and profilometers, to name a few

A's Precision Machining explores the depths of machining, engineering, and design. To learn more about their manufacturing and production, visit their website at https://www.asprecisionmachining.com/.

Indigenous businesses are exploring the innovations of today. To read more about these businesses, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine lnkd.in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSME.

As we enter 2023, many changes are happening in the market, customer behavior, and business operations These changes are directed towards easy and smooth business operations that effectively help take away the burden of the everyday tasks from the business owners shoulders and help them focus on what better calls for their attention

Incorporating digital and automated tools into your business operation has become an inevitable part of business operations in the present time Digital technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry by rendering traditional systems obsolete and establishing new norms and trends that facilitate routine business operations and make taxing tasks efficient and error-free

Indigenous businesses must learn about the digital tools and resources in their field of operations, keep themselves updated about the changing trends, and incorporate that which suits their business requirements the best From inventory management to marketing strategy and customer relations to accounting tasks, digital technology makes it smooth and efficient and provides data and insights for improvement.

opting for it Without compromising the quality of the work or outcome, a remote option allows business owners to coordinate their work costeffectively

Remote working is becoming an increasing trend in business operations Technology's possibilities to effectively streamline and coordinate work among employees separated by geographical distance are why more and more organizations and businesses are

Remote working has also allowed business owners to avoid employing and managing a large workforce and instead assign freelancers who are experts in their required fields to get the work done More than ever, employees are also looking for companies offering remote working options so they can handle their responsibilities without compromising their career development

Since the pandemic, there has been a steady rise in customers looking for brands on the internet, preferring to shop online, and expecting their brands to have an e-commerce platform Therefore, businesses are exploring the possibilities of ecommerce without limiting their opportunities to any one platform alone. For example, today, businesses invest in developing and maintaining an informative, attractive and curated website that is mobile and computer friendly In addition, the social media handle keeps the customers updated about the latest news and provides access to the customers at all times

Indigenous businesses must explore the possibilities of e-commerce and invest in developing a digital presence Besides business, e-commerce platforms also help increase customer reach and brand visibility In addition, they provide data analytics and insights about customer behavior and their stage in the customer journey, which helps businesses better strategize their marketing and customer service plans

Incorporating sustainable practices in all stages of business operation is valued in the current market Organizations that work to reduce their carbon footprint by using eco-friendly operations, such as moving to digital tools in their routine business to avoid using paper, ethically sourcing their products, and collaborating with companies that share their sustainability values, stand out from the crowd and help with branding

Customers are interested in buying from socially responsible businesses that donate part of their proceeds to a good cause. Therefore, a brand that thinks beyond profits and success and aims to be an organization that works for the development of the community will always be considered with respect and loyalty by its customers

Diversity in the workforce has become a part of business operations with the increased use of remote and digitally assisted work coordination, allowing business owners to employ talents from across the globe at an affordable salary A diverse workforce is always a great achievement for an organization, as people see it as a healthy, inclusive workspace that prioritizes people's potential over other external factors

These days, the workforce is diversified, not just by the employee's backgrounds but also by their work modes of choice For example, a company can have onsite employees, work-from-home employees, and staff who have opted for hybrid working These days, employees also choose freelancers and agencies to get their work done This removes the burden of managing a large workforce and helps focus on growth and expansion

With digital innovations and businesses breaking their known boundaries and exploring the immense possibilities that today's market offers, Indigenous businesses must be open to all sorts of changes Many options on tools, resources, and innovations are available in the current market, but not all need to suit your requirements They must keep themselves updated about the changes and study the trends well before incorporating them into their business operations Extensive research helps Indigenous businesses understand what suits them best costeffectively and efficiently.

Indigenous businesses must stay updated on the changing market and business trends To read more about these topics, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine lnkd.in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSME

5 Indigenous Entrepreneurs:

Inspiring By Setting An Example

Starting a business requires a lot of perseverance and commitment It requires consistent hardwork and motivation, and everglowing passion toward your dream Most entrepreneurs start their endeavors not as a means of making profits but as a manifestation of their dream and the thrill of running a business. Hence, their companies aim to emerge as socially responsible enterprises contributing to nation-building and community development Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs have always adhered to these characteristics Here are five among them who spread inspiration through their work and achievements

Jarret is also the co-founder of Akawe Technologies, a blockchain and software startup developing tailored technological solutions for Indigenous Peoples and other groups He won the Sovereign's Medal of Honour, was designated one of the Huffington Post's Top 3 Indigenous Millennials in Canada, and was chosen one of the Indigenoimic Institute's Ten to Watch in 2020 In addition, he has completed fellowships with CivicAction and Future Cities Canada and participated in the Governor General's Leadership Conference

Jarret Leaman Brian Ludwigsen

Jarret Leaman is a Magnetawan First Nation member and the co-founder of the Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology (CIIT), a non-profit dedicated to increasing Indigenous Peoples' participation in the technology sector and fostering innovation through an Indigenous lens In addition, he is a nationally recognized public speaker who works to address Indigenous economic development, technology, reconciliation, the 2SLGBTQIA community, and the development of Indigenous leadership capability

Brian Ludwigsen is a First Nations consultation, stakeholder engagement, socioeconomic evaluation, and community development expert He is an independent consultant with vast expertise in creating and strengthening longterm, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities, industry, and government agencies

Community consultations, corporate and First Nation management, job and trade training programs, economic and community sustainability planning, and the development and assistance of Indigenous entrepreneurs are among his previous experiences

Maamigin Environmental is Northwestern Ontario's first Native-owned and certified environmental services company They have collaborated with industry, government agencies, and Indigenous communities to build longlasting, mutually beneficial connections.

Maamigin has strategically teamed with local environmental and engineering firms in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and is on its way to becoming the region's top Indigenous Environmental Management firm

Tera Beaulieu

Tera Beaulieu is a psychotherapist and a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario with a clear vision for a therapeutic and consulting practice based on the principles of story, wholism, spirit, relationship, and justice She is the founder and Director of Weaving Wellness Centre, established in 2020 to support individuals journeying toward wellness and healing Tera is completing a Ph D in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto.

Tera primarily practices emotion-focused therapy and utilizes various trauma-based treatments, including EMDR She has worked clinically with a range of individuals and mental health issues

She has worked extensively with women, trauma survivors, 2SLGBTQ+ and racialized and Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit & Métis) peoples on their healing journeys She is an emerging leader in Métis mental health and has developed innovative and culturallyspecific clinical programming for several Indigenous communities and organizations

Tammy Maki is a proud Saulteaux Ojibwe kwe from White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan and a Certified Red Seal Journeyman Pastry Chef and Baker She was in the electrical trade, owning an electrical contracting company But her love for cooking and baking made her take a career change and enroll in college to study baking and pastry arts Within a week of finishing culinary school, she moved to Banff, Alberta, to work as a firstyear apprentice She gained experience working at Fairmont Springs, Rimrock, Wedgewood, and the Westin

Today, Chef Tammy Maki is the owner and CEO at Raven Rising Enterprises Ltd , an ecommerce chocolate shop that ships Canada-wide and is located in Sudbury, Ontario. Raven Rising was Tammy’s way of having complete creative control and exploring her Indigenous identity. She also wishes to learn and share knowledge and understanding of Indigenous ingredients and the First Peoples globally She also owns a storefront at 66 Cedar Street in the downtown core

Chef Tammy Maki

Elaine Alec

Elaine Alec is an author, political advisor, women ' s advocate, spiritual thought leader, and teacher. She is a founding partner of Alderhill Planning, a firm of diverse facilitators, planners, artists, and systems thinkers who utilize planning as a tool for self-determination Elaine offers online training workshops, seminars, and keynotes In addition, she practices and teaches decolonized practices for healing and decolonizing within the workplace and in life at large

Alderhill Planning Inc is an Indigenous-owned and operated planning company with leading experts in Indigenous community planning They believe their communities are unique and deserve respectful, effective, culturally-based planning processes grounded in experience and best practices With strong connections to communities and cultures, the planners at Alderhill are committed to genuine nation-building, reflecting each community's unique history and culture They have extensive experience designing inclusive processes that can mediate and bring together opposing perspectives and diverse backgrounds and work collaboratively to align government, community, and organizational objectives and mandates.

Indigenous entrepreneurs are a great part of the national building process Their skill in formulating business ideas that can uplift the community and their contribution to the economic reconciliation movement has had a significant impact They have always stood out as ethical practitioners, incorporating the best tools and resources into their operations and bringing holistic change to the community Indigenous entrepreneurs have always left a mark in the industry and have inspired others through their success stories to take the lead

Indigenous businesses strive to grow through innovative and creative methods To read more about these topics, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine at lnkd in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

Mulberry Design & Engravings:

Pandora Wilhelm grew up unaware of her Indigenous heritage None in her family talked about being Metis, not even her grandfather, who is believed to have been raised speaking Michif Today, the reserve feeling of being Indigenous is replaced with pride in one ’ s identity and motivation to reconnect the Indigenous of Turtle Island with their languages

The schools also led to forced integration that shattered connections to language, family and culture from about the 1870s to the 1990s The result of the commission’s work was the Indigenous Languages Act in 2019

During the conference, Pandora saw the devastating impact of the Residential School System on First Nations, Inuit and Metis Communities across Turtle Island and became passionate about Indigenous languages

In 2012 Pandora participated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Toronto during the Meeting Place Conference hosted by Council Fire As an Honorary Youth Witness, she attended the conference through the Canadian Roots Exchange’s Youth Conference portion

The commission was appointed as part of a negotiated settlement in a class-action lawsuit launched by survivors of residential schools overseen by Ottawa and run by Christian churches The residential schools enforced speaking in English or French on the Indigenous children, and they were punished for speaking their languages

Until then, she was not exposed to any genuine education on the history of her communities But the conference instigated her to educate herself further and begin her journey towards Reconciliation

Pandora grew up not speaking her Indigenous language and did not want her kids to follow in her example

In her journey of getting involved with her community to better know it and contribute to its growth, Pandora began extensively volunteering. She volunteered with the Working Center and Ray of Hope.

In 2016, the volunteering turned into a fulltime job as Working Centre hired Pandora in their Job Cafe Program In her role working with the Job Cafe Center, Pandora got the opportunity to connect with several First Nations participants

During this time, she also applied to the local Indigenous agency that provided support and wraparound services to those suffering from the residential school system’s intergenerational effects

In 2017, Pandora began working at The Healing of the Seven Generations in Kitchener, an Indigenous not-for-profit organization doing amazing work within the Region of Waterloo Healing of the Seven Generations works tirelessly to fill Indigenous community gaps in mainstream institutions Their services range from court support to cultural support, food security, and family programs

In 2019, Pandora was encouraged by her employer to return to her post-secondary studies at the First Nations Technical Institute for the Indigenous-Focused Early Childhood Education Program

During one of their classes, they were assigned to create an Early Learning Resource that reflected their unique cultures and languages Pandora created a puzzle out of paper as a matching game, which stood out as unique and effective

Pandora understood her tool’s effectiveness in making Indigenous language learning easier and decided to tap into its commercial feasibility Eventually leading to the birth of Mulberry Design & Engravings

Mulberry Design & Engravings focuses on language revitalization by specializing in early learning resources featuring the traditional dialects of First Nations, Inuit and Metis languages across Turtle Island

They use a CNC machine to engrave puzzle pieces with words from Indigenous languages, including Cree, Michif and Inuit. In addition to these language-learning tools, her business also caters to mainstream cutting and engraving for cutting boards and interior decorating

Although her puzzles are effective, Pandora realized that it is one thing to see a written word on a piece of wood and a different experience to hear the word spoken As a result, Pandora is developing an app that combines technology with recorded voices of Métis elders speaking the disappearing words as the next and novel step in language learning

To bring authenticity to the pronunciation, Pandora collaborates with Métis elders around Ontario who speak different dialects of Michif She then records them speaking the words for animals, plants, foods, and traditional knowledge, which will later be heard on her app

Pandora considers her initiative a way to assist families in reconnecting to their language and passing on the knowledge to the next generation.

Pandora Wilhelm lives on the unceded territory of the Mississauga of the Credit First Nation in Linwood, Ontario, along with her four children and husband Born and raised predominantly in the Georgian Bay area of Ontario, she is a proud Métis woman extensively involved in her Indigenous community

Pandora aspires to be a Métis educator and direct her passion toward reconnecting the children of her communities with their traditional languages through hands-on learning For more information, visit the website at https://www mulberrydesign ca/

Indigenous entrepreneurs are incorporating technological innovations to revitalize their culture, traditions, and language for the coming generations To read more about these initiatives, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

Aboriginal Marketing Services:

Aboriginal Marketing Services is a full-service advertising specialty, outsourced purchasing, and promotional marketing company offering a wide range of logo merchandise items and services designed for your organization that will expand your brand awareness

They help find a cost-effective way to promote your organization and build brand value with innovative and creative gifts or promotional items that speak to your clients, students, staff and others

Aboriginal Marketing Services collaborates with 400 global suppliers and 10,000 items to provide the best customer service to their customers They hold a strong record in corporate giving ad specialize in marketing promotional, promotional products, aboriginal, Indigenous, and promo items

Aboriginal Marketing Services offer a lifetime guarantee on all their products, free shipping and delivery and 24/7/365 customer service In addition, they do make no setup or rush charges nor design fees.

They guarantee the lowest prices in North America and offer a customer referral program, and monthly client appreciation draws

They are a Union and Aboriginal Company that provides full-service advertising specialties in a wide range of promotional items to promote your company

Aboriginal Marketing Services assists you with your marketing objectives with a range of quality programs Their programs include:

Corporate recognition programs

Premiums and Incentives Sales

Trade Show Programs

Safety Programs

Service Awards

Employee Recognition

Product Introductions

Business Gifts

Sport Tournaments

Company Outings

Thank you programs

E-Commerce Services: online stores and fulfillment services

With personalized promotional products that appeal to your consumers and clients, Aboriginal Marketing Services can assist you in finding a cost-effective strategy for marketing and promoting your company With the number of companies they collaborate with, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination

Indigenous businesses can opt for brand promotion at Aboriginal Marketing Services For more information, visit their website at https://www.aboriginalmarketingservices.ca/.

Indigenous businesses must tap into the possibilities of marketing services to enhance their business opportunities To read more about these topics, subscribe to IndigenousSME Business Magazine and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

Vikram Bhandari

Founder&CEO,Yantra

We had the pleasure of speaking with Yantra's founder and CEO, Vikram Bhandari, who discussed the wide range of services Yantra provides to businesses around the globe, effective strategies businesses can employ to stay resilient during times of recession, potential applications for digital transformation to improve business operations, and the role that digital transformation plays in helping CFOs and CIOs prepare for the company ' s future

With over 25 years of experience in professional consulting and entrepreneurship, Vikram leverages a diverse set of capabilities to lead the strategy and development of companies across Retail, Software, Hitech, and Manufacturing industries globally As an entrepreneur steeped in innovation and transformation, he combines his bold vision, operational rigor and innate market understanding to support high-growth businesses.

Vikram is a Board Member and Advisor to some of the most dynamic and admired companies across the globe. His ambitious goals and views are the key drivers to Yantra’s growth. His teams are responsible for creating, designing, and implementing meaningfully differentiated products that diverge in the way they’re conceived, built and implemented Yantra is the one of largest Oracle NetSuite and SFDC consulting firms globally

Vikram is married with children and resides in Silicon Valley, San Francisco

What are the numerous services offered by Yantra to businesses throughout the world as a management and technology consulting firm?

Yantra has been a trusted partner for our clients in different verticals, i e Technology, Finance, Retail, etc , since 2009 As a management and technology consulting firm, we offer a unique blend of industry experience and customized systems and technology

We are a leading provider in business consulting services We offer a range of services, including application management, product engineering, data analytics, managed services, machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML&AI), robotic process automation, data harmonization, and process orchestration

Additionally, we have expertise in enterprise and financial systems like NetSuite/Salesforce and other Oracle Fusion services Our clients come to us to deploy industry-standard business processes across their entire operations life cycle We help them streamline and manage their operations while having real-time visibility at various levels across functionalities This results in efficient and effective business operations

Our networking and partnerships with the decision-makers allow us to approach the company ’ s vision at both macro and micro levels It gives us an understanding of the overall perspective and leads us to execute a successful solution both judiciously and expeditiously By truly listening to our client’s concerns, we are able to brainstorm and brew a tailor-made solution that helps them realize their vision The collective goal is not just to automate but also to optimize processes to turn their goals into reality

What successful tactics and methods do you think companies should use to stay resilient when a recession approaches?

There are several strategies and methodologies that companies can implement before or during the onset of a recession that can help to increase their business operations and performance First and foremost, creating a roadmap is essential to progress while being financially continuous Then revenue and budget prioritizing is a critical challenge that enterprises, especially small and medium-sized ones look out for

On the other hand, they should plan to diversify their revenue stream to reduce their reliance on any particular stream, adapt to the evolving demands of the consumers, and increase their overall stability Adapt new technologies and processes to streamline their operations to sustain the competition and external challenges and maximize the return on investment

Besides, businesses should focus on more data visibility and integrate data from across the functions to gain a distinct edge in planning and forecasting as it is important to stay afloat Informed decisions provide a sense of security and stability

Last but not least, keep a close eye on market trends! The changes in the economy help businesses anticipate potential challenges and adjust their strategy accordingly

What are the ways through which digital transformation may be used to enhance business operations and performance both during and after the recession as it seems to continue to be one of the top priorities for expenditures that organizations pick to recession-proof their businesses?

Digital transformation brings more flexibility and adaptability by automating manual processes By using software and automation tools, businesses can reduce the need for manual labor and risks associated with the nature of work, hence, saving costs and increasing productivity

For example, NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW) is a tool to integrate and get the most simplified analytics and reports for every complex data available across platforms. It gives

access to over 30 pre-built dashboards covering the areas that matter most in your business such as Finance, Order Management, Inventory, Procurement, and Sales Such tools help the organization to come out of the operational roadblocks and focus their time and skills on more important aspects

During the recession, many businesses might struggle with maintaining traditional revenue streams By expanding and offering digital products or services, they can tap into a new market and generate income that may not have been possible before They are also able to provide efficient customer experience and enhance their competitive advantage by adopting new technologies and processes

Real-time data and insights generated from a digitalized and automated system allow CFOs to improve financial forecasting and better predict future outcomes

Furthermore, with an advanced process backed up by digital technologies, CIOs can help in organizational advancement, security and protection of processes

Beyond internal data, a digitized system is able to provide insights of the market’s needs and preferences to help enhance the experience, build loyalty and improve relationships with customers.

Digital transformation is a team effort that needs actions across departments It is an integral contributor to corporate decision-making and streamlining operations, reducing cost and increasing efficiency This is extremely helpful regarding future growth, cost and resources management

What specific advice would you provide businesses to help them get the most out of their investments in technology during the economic crisis?

Be ready with both a short-term and long-term plan to make sure that you have a strong foundation for consistent work in digital transformation, and for support, maintenance and security Digital transformation is not a one-off project; it’s a journey! Digital technology will help you streamline business processes to support the adaptation to any change Furthermore, stay up to date with trends and the competition, and make sure to choose the right customized strategy to address the unique challenges and opportunities for your business and industry

What role does digital transformation play in assisting CFOs and CIOs in getting prepared for the future of the business by utilizing data and producing insights to seek solutions to either internal issues or external challenges?

In the era of “Data is King”, digital tools enable CFOs and CIOs to gain a deeper understanding of the business with increased transparency and visibility to identify new opportunities, and even potential risks, to make more informed decisions for strategy adjustments and mitigate negative impacts if any

When working with my clients to find an answer on how to respond to economic downturns, especially when the worries of a recession hit the global economy, I always tell them, as business owners, they should keep a cool head to think of what is the most suitable approach instead of rushing to find a solution Be open to taking a few steps back and evaluating the progress to avoid investment in a dead upgrade or investing in an upgrade that is too far ahead of the times There is no single, definitive solution to any business problem, but rather a range of possible options The key is to find a strategy that is well-suited to your specific needs and to implement it with a consistent, sustained effort And not hesitate to consult with an expert to discuss scalability and the future needs of your business

PAC Supports

Did you know that Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) provides support to Indigenous businesses interested in participating in federal contracting opportunities? Helping Indigenous business sell to the Government of Canada is a key priority, and PAC assists and guides businesses through the federal procurement process We offer webinars, workshops, and personalized one-on-one consultations, as well as self-serve reference tools

For example, PAC Ontario Region was pleased to participate in the 11th Annual First Nations Economic Advancement Summit in Orillia hosted by the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association. It was a fantastic event that gave delegates, exhibitors and sponsors an opportunity to connect in person.

On January 18th, 2023, PAC Ontario Region held its first Indigenous Business Information Session The free online event was designed to support Indigenous businesses by providing information on doing business with the federal government and registering with the Indigenous Business Directory, while highlighting contracting opportunities in the region from Public Services and Procurement Canada, Canadian Coast Guard and Defence Construction Canada

PAC Ontario Region also looks forward to participating in the upcoming Prosperity Northwest Conference in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on February 15th, 2023

In partnership with the Whitefish River First Nation, the Anishinabek Nation, and other federal government partners, PAC Ontario Region also hosted a virtual Diversity Expo – Indigenous Edition in September The event was held to raise awareness about federal contracting opportunities, with the aim of increasing Indigenous participation The topics of discussion included doing business with the Government of Canada, the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB), as well as other small business support programs and services offered by the Government of Canada and Indigenous community organizations

If you would like support in pursuing federal contracting opportunities, or if your organization would be interested in partnering with us, Procurement Assistance Canada has offices across the country! Learn more at Canada.ca/PAC or feel free to email or call us (1-800-8111148) if you have any questions To reach the Ontario Region office, call 1-800-6685378

For a list of Procurement Assistance Canada events in all regions, see our national calendar

SAC–Régionde l’Ontariosoutientles entreprisesautochtones

Saviez-vous que Soutien en approvisionnement Canada (SAC) offre un soutien aux entreprises autochtones qui souhaitent participer aux possibilités de marchés fédéraux? Aider les entreprises autochtones à vendre au gouvernement du Canada est une priorité essentielle de SAC. L’équipe de SAC – Région de l’Ontario aide et guide les entreprises tout au long de leur parcours d’approvisionnement fédéral Nos services, webinaires, ateliers et consultations individuelles personnalisées, ainsi que des outils de référence en libre-service

Plus récemment, SAC – Région de l’Ontario a eu le plaisir de participer au 11e Sommet annuel sur l’avancement économique des Premières Nations organisé par l’Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association au Casino Rama à Orillia Cet événement fantastique a permis aux délégués, exposants et parrains de se rencontrer en personne

Le 18 janvier 2023, SAC – Région de l’Ontario a tenu sa toute première séance d’information pour les entreprises autochtones. Cet événement gratuit en ligne a été conçu pour soutenir les entreprises autochtones en leur fournissant des renseignements sur la façon de faire des affaires avec le gouvernement du Canada et de s’inscrire au Répertoire des entreprises autochtones Il mettait également en évidence les possibilités régionales de passation de marchés offertes par Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada, la Garde côtière canadienne et Construction de Défense Canada

SAC – Région de lOntario a également hâte de participer à la prochaine Prosperity Northwest Conference de Thunder Bay, le 15 février 2023!

En partenariat avec la Première Nation de Whitefish River, la Nation Anishinabek et d’autres partenaires du gouvernement fédéral, SAC – Région de l’Ontario a également organisé une exposition virtuelle sur la diversité – édition autochtone en septembre 2022. L’événement a été organisé pour sensibiliser aux possibilités de marchés fédéraux, dans le but d’accroître la participation des Autochtones. Les sujets de discussion ont porté sur la façon de faire des affaires avec le gouvernement du Canada, la Stratégie dapprovisionnement auprès des entreprises autochtones (SAEA), ainsi que d’autres programmes et services de soutien aux petites entreprises offerts par le gouvernement du Canada et les organisations communautaires autochtones

Si vous souhaitez obtenir de l’aide pour rechercher des possibilités de marchés fédéraux, ou si votre organisation est intéressée par un partenariat avec nous, Soutien en approvisionnement Canada a des bureaux dans tout le pays! Pour en savoir plus, consultez le site Canada ca/SAC ou n’hésitez pas à envoyer un courriel ou à nous appeler (1-800-811-1148) si vous avez des questions Pour communiquer avec le bureau régional de l’Ontario, composez le 1-800-668-5378

Pour une liste de nos futurs événements, consultez la page d’événements de SAC!

Indigenous-Owned Businesses: Working To Support Their Peers

Indigenous businesses are always concerned with community development Every business concept they develop, every operation they plan, and every incorporation they undertake eventually contributes to the advancement of the community and its members Each entrepreneur maintains their Indigenous identity at the heart of their business to help other Indigenous entrepreneurs and artists thrive in the industry

AS Williams Consulting

AS Williams Consulting is a proudly Indigenous-owned business that assists customers in developing meaningful partnerships that increase their dedication and determination toward community growth and selfdetermination They help provide the foundation for a unified framework and a better future through mutual respect, transparency, and constructive collaboration

AS Williams Consulting strives to incorporate culturally appropriate approaches and traditional knowledge and beliefs into their business They facilitate engagement with First Nations and Indigenous communities, organizations, and all levels of government, collaborating to help build successful partnerships in planning and strategic decision-making processes and delivering solutions that help you achieve your goals and desired outcomes

Shop Métis Inc

Shop Métis Inc aims to become Canada’s leading Métis business amplifier They help grow a strong and resilient Métis economy by enhancing the strength and resilience of Métis businesses of all shapes and sizes and incorporating innovative marketing and networking strategies

Benjamin Robitaille, the Founder and CEO, is a proud Métis Nation member who is a self-taught web designer, expanding and polishing his abilities by working with his small company partners to build an engaging online presence they can be proud of Shop Métis has developed a Métis Business Directory that allows consumers to Shop Métis for all their needs with just a few easy clicks In addition, they help connect with hundreds of Shop Métis Businesses that are at least 51% owned by a person of Métis heritage.

engagement, and inclusion Indigenous Works focuses on relationship development and responding to the growing demand for essential partnership development between Indigenous-owned businesses and corporate Canada They are nationally recognized for their workplace inclusion leadership and for promoting greater Indigenous inclusion initiatives in Canadian organizations

Firebird Business Consulting Ltd

Firebird Business Consulting Ltd is a 100% Metis-owned corporation with multiple locations in Canada, and the head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Their professional business consulting team gives clients over 100 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience Their expertise is optimizing your company ' s sales and marketing strategies

Firebird Business Consulting services cater to their clients' needs for business consulting, sustainability, sales, revenue, profits, growth, business and market assessment and planning, project management, business plans, and grant proposal writing services Their mission statement for business and management consultants is to "commit and provide business owners a strategy to dominate and lead their industry for profitable growth " Indigenous Works, originally the Aboriginal Human Resource Council, is an ISO 9001certified national social enterprise They were established in 1998 as a non-profit national organization in response to a proposal in the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to improve Indigenous peoples' involvement and engagement in the Canadian economy

Indigenous Works

They have worked with corporations and organizations for over 20 years to enhance their performance and results in Indigenous employment, workplace

Totem Design House

Totem Design House is an Indigenous shopping platform for everyone They are a culturally conscious brand that disseminates cultural knowledge through their products They create a local economy by producing most of their product line in-house They also source materials as close to home as possible and create products that hold their revered Northwest Coast art form in the highest esteem

Totem Design House assesses every part of the business to guarantee that the most environmentally friendly materials and procedures are used. They strive to be part of the solution rather than contribute to the apparel industry's problem. As a social enterprise, they contribute to the Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society, a nonprofit created to support several Indigenous programs and projects

Indigenous businesses have always prioritized values and ethics in their operations Indigenous entrepreneurs strive to build a business that will promote and empower community members to excel in their fields, leading to community growth and economic reconciliation Indigenous enterprises also make no compromises regarding their operations' environmental impact and adhere to a strong valuesbased and ethical business model

IndigenousSME introduced Indigenous businesses that make a difference in their community and stand out as unique in their operations To read more about these enterprises, subscribe to Indigenous SME Business Magazine at lnkd in/gBMWGCHX and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

Aubin Consulting:

Offering Broad Array Of Consulting Solutions

Aubin Consulting is a certified Aboriginal business registered with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Established in 2015, they leverage over 20 years of experience and in-depth knowledge in delivering a wide range of services in Indigenous engagement, comprehensive community planning and design, land use, capacity building, and governance solutions

Aubin Consulting is proud to be an Indigenous-owned consulting firm working across Canada to deliver tailored and innovative solutions to Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients They work closely with Indigenous communities and organizations, corporations, industry, and all levels of government to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects.

With an experienced team, they support clients across four core service areas

Indigenous and stakeholder communications and engagement

Community planning and development

Strategic planning

Capacity building

Customer Centered Approach

Aubin Consulting knows that engaging early and listening with patience and understanding is the key to having respectful and meaningful conversations So they take the time to understand their client’s needs and design innovative, timely, and effective solutions using specialized teams, processes, and tools to succeed in each project and opportunity

Their approach is based on following the four key stages:

Listen to learn about their clients’ aspirations, vision, and what they want for their future

Collaborate to leverage their clients’ knowledge and to identify the tools, processes, and expertise most valuable to generating innovative solutions

Design and develop strategies and thorough plans with milestones to help clients progress in achievable phases

Support by providing resources, building internal capacity, and helping clients measure their success and to keep them on track to meet their desired future.

Their core specializations are in the following areas They design, develop, and implement effective strategies tailored to provide early, respectful, and meaningful engagement

Indigenous & Stakeholder Engagement:

Facilitated Dialogues

Stakeholder Mapping

Socio-Economic Impact Studies

Situational Risk Assessments & Mitigation Strategies

Community Profiles

Public Engagement Plans and Strategies

Indigenous Engagement Plans and Strategies

Traditional Knowledge Studies

Protocol Agreements

Community Investment Strategies

Aubin Consulting strives to listen to their clients, design the right solutions, and implement successful outcomes In addition, they incorporate values into the relationships they foster and the services they provide.

Community Development & Planning:

They work with multidisciplinary teams to design environmentally sustainable, innovative, and healthy communities

Resort Master Plans

Conceptual Designs

Area Structure Plans (ASP)

Area Redevelopment Plans (ARP)

Regional Land Use Plans

Land Use Plans

Comprehensive Community Plans

Due Diligence

Growth Management Plans

They are passionate about the work they do and take pride in it They collaborate with an open mind and encourage straight talk to establish shared goals

They prioritize giving back to the community and sharing knowledge Integrity is at the core of their work, as they work to keep their promises and deliver on commitments. They respect each other, listen carefully, and act truthfully, safely, and responsibly.

Design Briefs

Campus Master Planning

Policy Review & Development

Values Based Enterprise

Strategic Planning:

They inspire clients to help achieve clarity on organizational goals, strategies, objectives, and measurable actions

Corporate Vision & Value Statements

Department Business Plans

Needs Assessments

Strategic Plans

Feasibility Studies

Stakeholder Interviews

Funding / Grant Applications

Governance

Project Management Strategies

Research & Gap Analysis

Performance Management

Capacity Building:

They customize training events to build local capacity and help clients meet their desired goals

Coaching & Mentorship

Curriculum Development

Training Modules

Indigenous Inclusion

Conference Workshop & Seminars

Team Building

Indigenous Awareness

Indigenous Rooted Entrepreneur

Aaron Aubin is the founder and principal of Aubin Consulting He is a member of the Da’naxda’xw / Awaetlala First Nations in British Columbia and is actively involved in the Aboriginal community

He has 20 years of industry experience in a broad array of disciplines, including architecture, community development, land use planning, environmental approvals, infrastructure, and Indigenous engagement

Indigenous

He is also a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a certified professional planner with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute Aaron works across various disciplines, leading large, complex, multidisciplinary projects with Indigenous communities, land developers, industry, and all levels of government.

He has spoken at conferences across Canada and abroad to advocate for Indigenous community-driven planning and engagement He has led and served on many committees and is extremely passionate about his work and the firm’s work His commitment is evident in the meaningful and fruitful career he and the firm pursue

Aubin Consulting provides diverse professional services to Indigenous, government, and industry clients and organizations across Canada to ensure Indigenous engagement and community development For more information, visit their website at https://www aubinconsulting com/

Indigenous businesses bring in innovative ways to turn their business into a success To read more about these entrepreneurial success stories, subscribe to IndigenousSME Business Magazine and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

First Nations Technology Council:

The Indigenous Hub For Technological Upskilling

First Nations Technology Council is an indigenously run non-profit organization that works to give Indigenous peoples the resources, training, and support they need to succeed in the digital era

Enhancing Through Innovation

The First Nations Leadership Council was founded in 2002 and comprised the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, providing foundational directives Their four mandates include:

Digital Skills Development Connectivity Information Management Technical Support and Services

To enhance Indigenous people’s technological and innovative professions, the FNTC offers financed and approved educational programs In addition, they take part in and oversee community research initiatives that benefit Indigenous peoples directly. In addition, they develop plans to promote Indigenous communities’ equitable, economical, and sustainable access to technology and improve policy options for ensuring the accessibility and dependability of the internet in Indigenous communities

They envision Indigenous communities leveraging technology to the fullest to realize their goals and Indigenous voices actively influencing the technology industry as it effectively responds to reconciliation

Technological Hub

The First Nations Technology Council works at the intersection of Indigenous sovereignty, technological development, and an economy of technology and innovation that is quickly growing

Their efforts are motivated by the conviction that innovation and reconciliation go hand in hand and that participation and leadership from people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and worldviews in the technology industry would lead to a better future for all Canadians.

They are Indigenous-led, with a board of directors representing Indigenous communities from all over British Columbia In addition, Indigenous women hold most of their senior leadership positions

With a dynamic and rapidly growing team, they work with Indigenous peoples, governments, academic institutions, technology futurists, and social changemakers to create an ecosystem that will lead to fair and equitable access to the tools, resources, and education required for success in the digital age

Since 2002, they have worked with over 150 Indigenous communities in the province to offer advice, insights, and training in the use of technology In 2013, they launched a strategy renewal that recast the Technology Council’s function in a fast-evolving digital landscape

Creating Innovative Ecosystem

The First Nations Technology Council recognized that these are the most exciting and crucial years for promoting technology and innovation in Indigenous communities as BC and Canada strive to become global leaders in the digital economy

Their vast teaching programs, new resources, and powerful network enabled the Technology Council to assist thousands of Indigenous peoples over the coming years

They work to build a thriving Indigenous Innovation Ecosystem where Indigenous communities can fully utilize technology to advance their visions, Indigenous peoples are empowered with the skills and certification needed to thrive in the digital age, and Indigenous voices and perspectives are actively influencing the technology sector as it meaningfully responds to reconciliation.

The First Nations Technology Council serves all 204 First Nations communities across British Columbia as they work to ensure that Indigenous peoples have full and equitable access to the tools, training, and support they need to maximize the opportunities presented by technology and innovation

They oversee the strengthening of local Indigenous economies and empower Indigenous innovators who contribute to Indigenous selfdetermination and nationhood These efforts are a tangible form of reconciliation as they work towards a shared and sustainable future in Canada

First Nations Technology Council equips Indigenous communities to meet future technological demands To know more about their work, visit their website at https://technologycouncil ca/

Indigenous businesses empower the community to be technologically strong through various programs and initiatives. To read more about these topics, subscribe to IndigenousSME Business Magazine and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary: For A Holistic

The 1950s witnessed a large number of Aboriginal people moving into larger urban areas. As a result, Friendship Centre emerged to aid Aboriginal newcomers to the city and provide specialized services

The purpose of these agencies was to provide referrals and offer counseling on employment, housing, education, health, and liaison with other community organizations

Soon, the number of Friendship Centres increased when the demand for services by urban migrating First Nations, Inuit and Métis people increased This called for rapid amplification of the nature of programming and services

By the 1960s, Friendship Centres began to organize into Provincial/Territorial Associations A steering committee of Friendship Centers was formed to investigate the viability of creating a national organization to represent the expanding number of Friendship Centers.

Friendship Centers relied heavily on individual volunteers and their capacity to raise operational finances through a variety of fundraising activities, which included receiving minor grants from foundations, federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as private donations

As the number and structure of Friendship Centres evolved, so did their nature They started changing from referral sources to “front-line” social service delivery systems

During the 1970s, the Government of Canada formally recognized the success of Friendship Centres and implemented the Migrating Native Peoples Program (MNPP)

ExpandingItsPossibilities

In 1976, a government evaluation of the MNPP revealed the crucial role that Friendship Centers played in the communities they served and the broad foundation of community support they had developed

They could also utilize limited resources creatively and flexibly while remaining accountable to their communities As a result, Friendship Centers have continued to grow despite many obstacles through the programs and services offered to urban Aboriginal people

In 1983, the National Association of Friendship Centres and the Department of the Secretary of State (DSOS) successfully negotiated the evolution of the MNPP to an enriched Native Friendship Centre Program (NFCP) The program was formulated with a five-year mandate and formally recognized “Friendship Centres” as legitimate urban Native institutions responding to the needs of Native people

In 1988, the NFCP renamed the Aboriginal Friendship Centre Program (AFCP) with permanent funding from DSOS.

In 1996, the administrative responsibility for the AFCP was transferred from the Department of Canadian Heritage to the NAFC, which fundamentally changed its funding relationship

According to the new agreement, the NAFC administers all operational funding for the AFCP to Friendship Centres and the PTA This transfer signified a new era in Aboriginal/Government relations and paved the way for a unique relationship with the Government of Canada

It demonstrated a commitment by the government to improve the capacity and sustainability of Aboriginal organizations.

AidingIndigenousDevelopment

The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary is a non-profit organization that aims to provide social, cultural, education and employment services to the Aboriginal peoples within the Calgary Metropolitan area It is a community leader promoting Aboriginal social and cultural services while supporting and acting as a local and regional resource for other Aboriginal Service Agencies

Their community partnerships with existing agencies enable them to provide culturally relevant services to the urban Aboriginal peoples of the Calgary Metropolitan Area

They strive to remove barriers and empower the urban Aboriginal community through cultural reconnection, programs, services, and access to resources that address people’s social and economic realities

They aim to provide an Indigenous cultural connection through programs and services for the urban population

They stress the values of inclusion, accountability, respect, innovation, support, collaboration, humility, and transparency in all the AFCC’s interactions with community members, partner agencies, donors, and government

Their services focus on providing care for children, the elderly, and the homeless In addition, they work to enable access to cultural and spiritual care, offer referrals for suitable housing, food, and clothing, and pursuit of education, skill development, and training that build a resourceful Indigenous community

Their programs are centered on and focus on Indigenous cultural reconnection, cultural education, and sharing with nonIndigenous participants

They stress the values of inclusion, accountability, respect, innovation, support, collaboration, humility, and transparency in all the AFCC’s interactions with community members, partner agencies, donors, and government

Their services focus on providing care for children, the elderly, and the homeless In addition, they work to enable access to cultural and spiritual care, offer referrals for suitable housing, food, and clothing, and pursuit of education, skill development, and training that build a resourceful Indigenous community

Their programs are centered on and focus on Indigenous cultural reconnection, cultural education, and sharing with non-Indigenous participants

GrowingStrong

More than 50 years after Friendship Centers were first established in Canada, the Friendship Center Movement has grown and continues to provide urban Aboriginal people across Canada with the same essential programs and services

The Friendship Center Movement is unique in its broad spectrum of specialized services for urban Aboriginal people across Canada

Friendship Centers provide a wide array of programs and services, including culture, family, youth, sports and recreation, language, justice, housing, health, education, employment, economic development, and various miscellaneous projects ranging from social activities to community building initiatives and special events

Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary provides numerous programs and services to support Calgary’s urban Indigenous community For more information, visit their website at https://www afccalgary org/

Indigenous people set an example to be followed in terms of their support networks and community assistance To read more about these initiatives, subscribe to IndigenousSME Business Magazine and for the latest updates, check our Twitter page @IndigenousSme

The value of asking the Right Questions

A lot of entrepreneurs see financial advisors as investment brokers But most don’t know that some advisors are highly qualified professionals that are a source of tremendous knowledge Here are 5 questions an advisor can answer that will have a profound impact on your business

KarlA Nour, SeniorWealth Advisor

ArandeepBiryah, AssociateAdvisor

Winston Churchill said: “He who fails to plan is planning to fail ”

With constant change, entrepreneurs must adapt to stay competitive Continuous improvement to financial strategies can help capitalize on business opportunities and allow entrepreneurs to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to market changes

While short-term strategies are important for business growth and raising capital, long-term considerations are crucial for risk mitigation and longevity For example, attention to cash flow management, tax efficiency and risk management can make the difference between a smooth execution and a turbulent ride

As the business evolves, its financial needs and goals also change For startups, business advice can focus on securing funding and managing cash flow As the business grows, the focus may shift to tax planning and investment strategies to support long-term growth Once the business has matured, risk management and insurance come to the forefront Finally, the focus may shift to succession planning, exit strategies and estate planning for the owners

Some examples of tax strategies that businesses may use include maximizing deductions and credits, establishing retirement plans, deferring income, and structuring the business in a way that creates the most tax-efficient form of organization

Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and it is always recommended to consult with a professional to ensure compliance with the current tax laws and regulations

One important, yet commonly neglected example of a long-term strategy is retirement planning Entrepreneurs often neglect to plan for their own retirement for several reasons One reason is the exceeding focus on short-term goals and growth at the expense of considering the longterm implications of their financial decisions Another reason is simply because it is complex and overwhelming

A recent study conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported that 76% of Canadian small and medium-sized business owners are looking to exit their business within the next 10 years However, only 9% of those have a succession plan in place

An important element of exit planning is assessing the tax impact on selling one ’ s business Often, the lifetime capital gain exemption is not sufficient to offset the tax liability In this case, an individual pension plan and a retirement compensation agreement can be employed to minimize the overall tax burden

This employee or partner may be someone who has unique skills, knowledge, or relationships that are critical to the business's success and difficult to replace A loss of a key person may heavily impact the company ’ s operations and potentially result in a decline in revenue

Key person insurance can help to mitigate the financial impact of the loss of such a person, allowing the business to continue operating and potentially recover from the loss

High quality financial advice involves not only investment advice, but also tax strategies, retirement planning, insurance solutions, and succession planning These questions are just a few examples of strategizing that can be implemented in collaboration with a professional advisor, but most people don’t know where to receive reliable and accurate help. That is why we built a comprehensive program that systematically approaches business challenges in a developmental fashion. To learn more about these powerful tools, reach out to our dedicated team today

Karl Nour is a Chartered Investment Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor at Nour Private Wealth Inc.

For over a decade, Karl has been providing imperative wealth management solutions to affluent business owners and high net–worth families

One example is a buy-sell agreement, which outlines the transition of the shares when a partner is unable to attend to the business needs due to disability or because of other unexpected life events This can be funded through an insurance vehicle that is structured in a manner to provide tax-free funds needed to cover the transaction

The goal is to achieve greater confidence in his client’s financial future and a longer-lasting legacy for their families Karl’s investment strategy is to follow a pensionstyle approach while diversifying portfolios with nontraditional asset classes This means he can explore the most innovative strategies without compromising his conservative and disciplined values

Over the years, Karl has been nominated for multiple awards Most recently, he was the recipient of the Top 50 Advisors and Young Gun of the Year awards by Wealth Professional Having over a decade of experience, Karl is actively looking for different opportunities to bring to his clientele. He is committed to furthering his knowledge through additional educational endeavours to provide the most cutting-edge advice

An Effective Growth Tool For Startups Is Branding: 5 Reasons 5 Reasons

By Daniel Martin

Starting a new business can pose a bit of a challenge If you are an entrepreneur wanting to share your ideas, you are also likely to be balancing a million ideas with the shortage of staff support and so on

With this much on your plate, it is quite understandable that you may have missed one of the most important parts of planning for your startup branding.

According to research, startups were responsible for almost 1 7 million employment opportunities in 2019 During this year alone, there were more than 420,000 startups

Everything we know about the products we use is because of effective branding. It is the link that connects the customer to the business. Branding for startups tells your customers why you exist, and it gives your audience a strong reason to buy from you.

This includes everything from business culture to logo and customer service operations The way you present your brand is the way it will be received by customers, so any startup that wants to succeed has to be planned when branding

Image Source: Pixabay

Reasons Why Branding for Reasons Why Branding for Startups Is an Effective Startups Is an Effective Growth Tool Growth Tool 5 5

The right branding helps you get noticed by potential customers, even in a crowded market filled with competitors Imagine yourself in a supermarket, where you are faced with a shelf filled with similar products, which do you reach for?

Most of the time an average customer will pick the product that he has heard most about It might not be the best product or even the cheapest The reason for this increased sales is good branding

Good visual branding should be what people think about you when your brand is mentioned It is not enough to make a good product, it allows you to introduce your company

The visual presentation gives your brand even more weight than before. Also if your startup is not a creative firm, it is advisable to hire branding services for startups to create your visual identity

The color, fonts, and logo you use will be the first notion you make about new consumers and how they will remember you as they continue to form opinions about your brand

Getting the right marketing agency for startups helps you get noticed by potential customers You must also put enough money and effort into developing yourself as a brand.

Remember, the product that sells more is the one people can easily recall, so build on that branding

When you think about all the establishments that are well-received today It is noticeable that they have one thing in common and that is excellent branding

Your brand message should make your customer the hero who wins because of your products This is a great opportunity for startup agencies to grab their consumers ' attention

As you are creating, always focus on the benefits you are offering to your consumers Keeping them at the center of the story will be a good foundation for your brand

As of March 2021, only 80% of startups survived after one year mostly because they lack expertise Branding is about unbroken promises, you want your customers to feel trust and confidence when they see your logo.

That dependability strengthens your customer’s mind that you’d always come through Once trust is established, and you have proved that you can keep the promises your brand is making, your customers will become loyal to you

Whether you are a startup trying to gain relevance in the corporate market of today, or you already have a standard company There is one thing you need to have to survive and that is having a unique identity

The customer will trust that when they purchase your product they will always have a positive experience.

They have a habit of always returning because they have identified with the brand on a personal level and because of the continuous satisfaction they get. This one is simply habitual.

You have become a known brand that they can depend on to deliver quality services and products Their influence will introduce people to your startup

Your establishment needs to stand out before competitors, investors, and customers It is only when you are identified as a trusted firm that you will get more opportunities The best way to achieve this is by emphasizing and building on your branding techniques

Branding will help your target consumers develop a good impression of your establishment You not only want them to be able to identify your product, but you also want to show them how your idea is different from the competitions

Using imagery and color with the help of a design agency for startups can help connect your brand emotionally with your consumers. Your branding can communicate the feeling, lifestyle, or mood that you want your audience to emulate.

A professional can advise you on which colors and fonts will best describe the overall message of your brand

The cost of starting up an enterprise depends on your model of the business and how fast you want it to scale The first investment will go towards product development, the members needed to implement the idea and technology Some of the reasons why startups crash are poor market analysis, weak strategy execution, bad marketing, lack of money, unforeseen economic collapse, and so on

The essential components to starting a startup are ideas, time, and investment You need to be working in all areas at the same time, and find the right support system necessary to secure funds to boost your startup

The holiday season may be over, but that doesn't mean your email marketing efforts should be! In fact, the post-holiday period is a great time to engage with prospects and customers, keeping them in the know about your brand

Email marketing should absolutely be a staple in your marketing efforts throughout 2023. That’s because it has an average ROI of 3800%, and the average order value is at least three times higher than on social media This makes email the most affordable and effective marketing channel!

Here are five steps to take to plan for success in 2023:

Email Marketing

5 Tips for 2023

Hank is an author, speaker, podcast host and Sr. Manager of Client Solutions at iContact, a Ziff Davis company. With a passion for all things digital and social, combined with more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, he has been dubbed the Digital Marketing Infotainer because he makes marketing fun and successful

Analyze your results

First, analyze the results of your holiday campaign efforts for last year and this year Determine what worked well and what didn’t Use this information to improve your future email campaigns

Next, analyze your open and click-to-open rates, as they will tell you how well your subject lines and CTAs (call-to-actions) worked Review your subject lines, content, and images, as well as your sending frequency.

It is also important to analyze your unsubscribe and complaint rates to determine if/when your audience became disengaged with your emails or your brand as a whole Use this information to decide if you need to change something, like your sending frequency, content, or offers

Hank Hoffmeier

Sr. Manager of Marketing and Operations at iContact

Look for trends in your data such as increases or decreases in opens, clicks, spam complaints, and more It will help paint a picture of your efforts and results so that you can plan for the future

Send frequency

Second, move to a regular schedule for your email campaigns Being consistent without being annoying is key when it comes to keeping your audience engaged You should dial back if you increase your send frequency during the holidays

It is normal to send more emails around the holidays to help increase visibility and sales, but that may not be what your subscribers signed up for and you may unsubscribe or mark your message as spam Give them a break

Even when the holidays are over, the celebration does not need to stop! Other holidays, such as Valentine’s Day and St Patrick's Day will help you and your audience stay in the holiday marketing spirit Maybe sprinkle in some fun lesser known holidays such as National Cookie Day or Give a Hug Day

Need help with crafting email subject lines that will help you crush it in 2023? Look no further than the iContact Ultimate Subject Line Guide It is packed with 501 examples of good (and not-sogood) subject lines based on data from real customers that sent emails using iContact It is broken down by types of emails as well as by industry.

Third, use data to segment your audience and send relevant messages at the right time There are many ways to create segments, but here are four main options:

Demographic: Age, Gender, Income, Education, Occupation

Psychographic: Lifestyle, Values, Concerns, Personality, Attitudes, AIO (Activity, Interest, Opinion)

Behavioural: Opens and clicks (did or did not)

Geographic: Country, City, Density

Once you have your segments, you can use them to send targeted and relevant emails that will help with engagement and increase conversions

Fourth, create a sending schedule This will help you start off on the right foot and keep your audience interested while ensuring that you always have content for your campaigns!

Finally, engage with your subscribers and anyone who has become disengaged Run a win-back campaign to re-engage with subscribers that are no longer interacting with your emails. It’s healthy to clean out those that are too far gone!

Speaking of disengaged subscribers, it is important to clean your list of dead weight since it is skewing your metrics and can hurt your email deliverability (getting into the inbox) Identify subscribers that have been in your account for some time, say six months or a year, and perform list hygiene or a win-back campaign for those that have not opened or clicked an email in the same amount of time

List hygiene Conclusion

There you have it – Five tips for success for your email marketing campaigns in 2023! Wishing you a Happy New Year and continued email marketing success

Make sure to follow iContact on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and check out the iContact blog often for helpful digital marketing articles You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter, which provides you with tips and will allow you to live events and webinars Sign up today

Top 5 Cybersecurity

ByArtemMykhailov

cybersecurity seriously not only because it’s expected of you but also because your clients may be at greater risk than you are

You think it’s too early to focus on cybersecurity

At the very dawn of your journey as a small business or startup, the line between before and after is often blurred You don’t clearly realize when you ’ ve crossed over Just yesterday, your laptop was for personal use only (education, some side projects, watching movies); today, lots of personally identifiable information, credentials to the production environment, and other sensitive businessrelated information is stored and manipulated on the only computer you own Probably, like the majority of users, you do a full disk backup once in that rare moment of cautiousness when one of your friends loses everything to ransomware.

No matter what you think of your business and how much you believe that it’s too early for hackers to be interested in you, the truth is that you ’ re exactly in a hacker’s sweet spot If you ’ re a new startup, then probably you ’ re trying to onboard your first customers And if you ’ re a B2B startup, your next customer could be a gigantic corporation

This is exactly why governments and corporations develop and enforce cybersecurity supply chain regulations they want to build trusting relations with those who understand the risks and care about their cybersecurity Moreover, you should take

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking that your organization’s cybersecurity is just a question of a relatively small investment Yes, it should be affordable There’s no sense starting a business if you spend more on cybersecurity than you earn But the ugly truth is that to build solid cybersecurity, you need to change the way your organization works Cybersecurity is a risk-based domain, which means that you need to manage your cybersecurity risk just like any other risk, work with probabilities, and mitigate threats. You can accomplish this only by changing your mindset and implementing a cyber/information security framework a set of rules and processes that allow you to manage your cybersecurity risks

Sure, you want to keep a cozy family feel within your team: no controls, approvals, or boring meetings You think this is your huge advantage as an employer But while you might be right about the impact on your employer brand, the cybersecurity risks don’t decrease due to a smaller headcount

By the time you start thinking about your cybersecurity, your favorite customer or an industry regulator has likely already informed you that in order to continue your business development journey,

You first thought cybersecurity was too expensive and now think it’s just a matter of spending a few bucks per endpoint

Byou’ll need to achieve compliance with one of the popular cybersecurity frameworks such as SOC2, ISO27k, or the NIST family of standards. And if you havent thought about your cybersecurity before such a conversation happens, you surely will start thinking about it afterwards

Luckily, a simplified cybersecurity standard, SOC2, is now accepted by most stakeholders and makes everything a little bit easier Okay, you think I need to implement this and cybersecurity will come automatically

The truth is that while following a framework such as SOC2, ISO27k, or NIST standards is mandatory for sustainable cybersecurity, it’s not sufficient Cybersecurity is not a state; it’s a process Which means you should constantly monitor what’s happening in your infrastructure A cybersecurity framework makes sure you ’ re not monitoring complete chaos You can think of it as a labyrinth for hackers, where all the routes can be monitored so you can spot an anomaly quickly and respond easily

Compliance can be faked in order to get a piece of paper confirming you ’ ve implemented SOC2 requirements In reality, however, this is a ticking time bomb that will detonate during the next APT (advance persistent threat) attack Thus, compliance without due care is wasted money

and explain why you need to stop using your favorite tool and instead buy a whole list of special software to make your attack surface monitorable and controllable.

You should ideally have a manager dedicated to cybersecurity who runs the sometimes boring cybersecurity operations and keeps an eye on all internal cyber-related activities This is the correct approach, but it should not mean that you fully delegate your cybersecurity to a manager employed by you

Don’t forget that cybersecurity is a risk-based domain And the final owners of this risk are the CEO, the co-founders, and the management board

A good Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) will study, prepare, and implement lots of things, but eventually they will come to you to justify the costs

The unfair truth is that even after years of investments and focusing on your cybersecurity, you’ll still be vulnerable It is the nature of cybersecurity and the rapidly growing tech industry to evolve.

There is no final destination in cybersecurity It’s like cleaning your teeth you do it every day and still visit your dentist twice a year

No destination means this is an endless road for as long as your organization lives, and over time you will lose some employees and gain new talents That’s why regular cyber hygiene and cybersecurity awareness programs are an essential element for the sustainability of your cybersecurity

You may hold or have held one of the above beliefs, and you ’ re not the only one On average, it takes five years to raise a cybersecurity pro However, as a company that has been fighting some of the most devastating cyberattacks in history over the last fourteen years, we know that half-baked security measures are not the best option for innovative companies

If you want to secure your business today you should cover all vital aspects of startup’s cybersecurity journey: compliance, hardening of your infrastructure and actual attack prevention, incident detection, and response. It’s the only way to mitigate the potential consequences of a cybersecurity incident and save your company, money, digital assets, and reputation

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