About the Program

The IWE program was developed in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and is a crucial step to ensuring Métis women have access to equitable services. CCDF’s goal for IWE is to assist Métis women in overcoming these barriers by providing them with the support structure to enable them to achieve their business dreams and close the gender gap. CCDF can help more Métis women in business because of dedicated staff, training, networking, and mentorship opportunities and provide a micro-loan-grant for part-time, home-based businesses.

Are you interested in this program?

There are 3 main pillars for CCDF’s IWE Program:

Financing

CCDF offers tailored lending programs to help Métis women entrepreneurs access the capital they need:

1. 1. The Women’s Business Development Program is designed for full-time business ventures requiring a mid-size or larger loan.
   2. The Micro-Loan and Grant Program is designed for part-time and /or home-based business ventures requiring smaller loans.

Guidelines:

• • • Businesses funded under this program must be for-profit and demonstrate viability through a sound business plan
    • The business must be at least 51% owned by a Saskatchewan Métis Woman (husband and wife partnerships are not eligible)
    • Applicants must contribute a minimum of 5% equity to the project
    • The contribution will be interest-free
    • No administration fees

Education

CCDF is committed to creating accessible and relevant educational resources tailored specifically for Métis women entrepreneurs. Our goal is to provide the tools and knowledge needed for long-term success. We offer a wide variety of free workshops and webinars!

Want to stay up to date on the latest events? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Eventbrite to be the first to hear about upcoming sessions.

Community

At CCDF, we believe in the power of community. We offer a safe, supportive space for Métis women entrepreneurs to connect, share, and grow together. Through networking and mentorship opportunities, women can:

• • • Share best practices
    • Support and uplift one another
    • Celebrate each other’s successes

We’re here to build a strong, vibrant network of Métis women entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan.

CCDF has a dedicated staff member committed to supporting Métis women entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses.  She will provide Métis women with mentorship and support in navigating the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

If you want to learn more about the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program, reach out to the CCDF office!