Support for Indigenous Operators
RTO 9 is proud to work closely with our Indigenous communities and Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) to provide space for our Indigenous Partners to tell their stories, on their terms. It is strongly encouraged for potential operators to reach out to their local contact first!
Local Connection: Tyendinaga
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ) Business Development Officer, Dianna Brant-Winkler, is your local contact in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory for operators who are interested in beginning their own tourism business. Dianna is happy to help operators explore this opportunity and work with them at their own pace to help establish a strong business foundation.
She can be reached via phone during her office hours, (613) 396-3424 x 138, or at businessdevelopment@mbq-tmt.org.
More Info on MBQ-TMTLocal Connection: Akwesasne
LaToya Rourke, the Tourism Training Manager for Akwesasne Travel, the tourism specific branch of Akwesasne Economic Development, is your local contact in Akwesasne for opportunities in getting involved with their tourism experiences program. LaToya can assist operators with experience development for operators to tap into tourism in the area.
LaToya can be reach via phone during her office hours at: (518) 358-4238 x 1506 or at latoya.rourke@srmt-nsn.gov
More Info On Akwesasne TravelIndigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO)
Learn MoreIndigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
Learn MoreFirst Nations Women's Entrepreneurship Program (FNWE)
Aiming to support women entrepreneurs, FNWE provides start-up and expansion micro loans and grants of up to $20,000 to eligible First Nations women entrepreneurs. In addition to micro-loans and grants, the FNWE program offers workshops and learning opportunities, as well as business planning guidance and coaching.
Learn MoreFedDev Ontario Indigenous Business or IEDCs Funding
FedDev Ontario is here to help Indigenous-owned businesses, organizations and not-for-profits achieve their goals and support increased participation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples in the southern Ontario economy. No deadline to apply and no need to complete an application before contacting the FedDev team.
Learn More