Webinars to advance First Nations training

Focus will be on entrepreneurship

A free online course for Indigenous people interested in becoming entrepreneurs starts next month.

Participants sign up for some or all of 18 evening webinars offered in May and June.

“The program’s primary goal is to help Indigenous entrepreneurs, from those with new business ideas to established businesses, to plan strategically for post-pandemic opportunities,” a statement said.

Students will receive start-up advice, advanced business training, learn about mindfulness and wellness, communications, networking, marketing and strategies to excel in business, the release said.

One-on-one mentoring is included and will carry on at the end of the 18 sessions.

Called, “Thriving: Entrepreneurial Training and Mentoring to Create Space for the Empowerment of Indigenous Businesses,” it is open to Indigenous people from southern Vancouver Island and elsewhere.

It is being offered by the Songhees Innovation Centre, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and the Songhees Nation, and with backing from Vancity.

Students will hear from Indigenous speakers and facilitators.

They have the options of signing up for some or all of the webinars.

The program offers cash and awards for participants in categories such as innovation, social enterprise and business growth plans.

Anyone interested in signing up can send an email to vithriving@gmail.com. Or they can call 250-619- 3450.

They can also log onto helloiamanentrepreneur.com/ thriving for more information and a schedule of webinars.