BOB GLOADE

CHALLENGE: ACCESS TO CAPITAL SOLUTION: BUILDING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

Bob Gloade understands a certain X-factor.

The chief of the flourishing Millbrook First Nation, near Truro, N.S., says having the right team can be one of the biggest drivers of success.

“That’s been the main ingredient that we’ve have. The level of education, the background and experience that each of them brings is vitally important because they’re also business people.”

Gloade, who has a degree in commerce, said Millbrook’s leaders are passionate about seeing their community succeed.

For that reason, commitments are made to projects that will create jobs, benefits and educational supports for band members.

Millbrook’s corporate portfolio is diverse with investments in entertainment, hospitality, aquaculture, commercial leasing and wind energy.

But Gloade said one of its biggest challenges for the Mi’kmaw band has been access to capital.

“There’s always obstacles in every project, with everything that we do,” he said.

“You can only do so much with what you have and that’s an obstacle in itself. Thinking outside the box, being creative and being mindful in how to achieve the end goal has led to our success.”

Gloade says Millbrook has learned to overcome its financial deficits over the years by forming connections with investors, businesses and other governments.

“If there’s a way of doing it by building partnerships and relationships with other entities and other companies — we explore those opportunities, so that’s the way we overcome those challenges.”