How much funding can be received?

Access a free business start-up training program featuring 8 weekly business planning workshops, followed by advice, mentoring and access to financing needed to make your business a success.

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grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 4,000

Launching a financial literacy program for underprivileged youth

$ 6,000

Developing a sustainable gardening social enterprise for urban areas

$ 12,000

Community café and co-working space in downtown Calgary

$ 8,000

Organic skincare startup aimed at using natural ingredients

$ 5,000

Creating eco-friendly packaging solutions for small businesses

$ 10,000

Launching a mobile app to support local artisans

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Matchstick program is defined by specific criteria related to the applicant's identity and entrepreneurial interests.

The applicant must be an Indigenous, Métis, or Inuit woman.
The applicant should have an interest in entrepreneurship.
The applicant can be at any stage from exploring entrepreneurship to having a business idea without a clear starting point.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Matchstick program is specifically designed for Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit women who are interested in entrepreneurship and looking to bring their business ideas to life. It aims to support those in the early stages of exploring entrepreneurship, whether they are questioning their potential as entrepreneurs, exploring starting a business without a specific idea, or needing guidance on where to start with an existing idea.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Matchstick program focuses on empowering Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit women interested in entrepreneurship by providing educational sessions and support to grow their business ideas into reality. The eligible activities under this program aim to build confidence, inspire business ideas, and teach the fundamentals of business growth.

Attending educational sessions on entrepreneurship and personal development.
Creating a personal vision board to align values and motivations with entrepreneurship.
Developing a business vision board to guide initial steps in entrepreneurship.
Exploring and brainstorming business ideas and planning initial business strategies.
Learning the basics of product/service offering, pricing, marketing, budgeting, and developing a business plan.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Matchstick program. The criteria include assessing the applicant's entrepreneurial potential, the viability of their business idea, and their commitment to the program.

Entrepreneurial potential
Viability of business idea
Commitment to the program

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1:
- Application for this program is closed.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here is additional relevant information for the Matchstick program:

The program includes a variety of sessions delivered virtually via Zoom to facilitate access irrespective of geographical location.
The facilitator, Destinee Peter, brings real-world entrepreneurship experience as the owner of Tangles Hair & Beauty Salon.
Participants will have the opportunity to create personal and business vision boards as part of the program activities.
Matchstick is a collaborative effort supported by WESK and several partners, including the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, and First Nations University of Canada.

grant_single_labels|contact

matchstick@wesk.ca

Apply to this program

Sparking Entrepreneurship Among Indigenous Women

Matchstick is an empowering six-week program dedicated to motivating Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit women who aim to explore the world of entrepreneurship. The program focuses on igniting inspiration and guiding participants through the basics of starting a business, offering a solid foundation to transform business ideas into reality.

Empowering Paths to Entrepreneurship Through Matchstick

The Matchstick program stands out as an essential conduit for nurturing entrepreneurial spirit among Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit women, engaging them in a transformative journey towards entrepreneurship. This initiative, designed by WESK in collaboration with significant partners, aims to equip and inspire participants through a thoughtfully curated curriculum over a series of virtual sessions. From its launch, Matchstick has focused on instilling confidence, harnessing entrepreneurial potential, and providing foundational skills necessary for business initiation and success.

The program meticulously addresses budding entrepreneurs’ needs, offering an expansive overview starting with self-discovery and motivation in "Sparking Your Inspiration." Participants are encouraged to delve deep into their identities, evaluate their values, and align their strengths with entrepreneurial goals. Through reflective activities like creating personal vision boards, they map out not just their business ideas, but a new trajectory for their futures, buoyed by their cultural heritage and aspirations.

In the sessions addressing "Sparking Your Business," the program transitions into more technical aspects of entrepreneurship. Participants gain insights into identifying customer needs, effective marketing strategies, and understanding financial fundamentals. Each element is crafted to guide the participants through essential business concepts, from pricing strategies to developing a nuanced understanding of startup costs and budgeting. This practical knowledge serves as a stepping stone for those who might have conceptualized business ideas but lacked the skills or understanding to harness them into actionable plans.

Beyond educational content, Matchstick provides a supportive network and mentorship opportunities through experienced facilitators like Destinee Peter. Peter's involvement as a facilitator is pivotal, as she brings real-world entrepreneurial experience as the owner of Tangles Hair & Beauty Salon. Her journey and achievements represent a tangible success story and serve as an inspirational example for participants to follow. Her insights into business expansion, rebranding, and cultural integration into a business model provide an invaluable learning experience for participants seeking guidance and motivation.

Matchstick is more than just a program; it is a community-building endeavor that fuels economic growth in Saskatchewan and strengthens ties within Indigenous communities. The participants not only learn to become business leaders but also gain the tools to generate employment and economic growth within their territories. The collaborations with entities such as the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and First Nations University ensure that the program is profoundly rooted in and supportive of Indigenous values and needs.

The program’s impact extends beyond individual participants, contributing to broader socio-economic development goals by promoting self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among Indigenous women. By the end of the program, participants are empowered to embark on their entrepreneurial ventures, equipped with a robust business plan, a clear vision for their enterprises, and the confidence to turn their inspirations into real business opportunities.

Matchstick continues to serve as a beacon of empowerment and innovation, sparking remarkable changes in the lives of Indigenous women who participate. It thrives on the principle of combining traditional knowledge with modern business practices, creating a holistic learning environment where participants can flourish. Through Matchstick, Indigenous women are not only finding supportive pathways to economic independence but are also playing an instrumental role in shaping the economic landscape of their communities for future generations.