The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) named two recipients of mentorship training as part of a newly-struck program called “SOAR.”
The initiative is designed to give aboriginal entrepreneurs access to business development support programs, according to SREDA.
“We all know how difficult it is to start a new business. We all know how difficult it is to grow your business,” said SREDA president and CEO Alex Fallon.
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SREDA provided funding for two people to become protégés in the Raj Manek Mentorship Program, at a cost of $600 to just under $1000, Fallon said.
The recipients are Seventh Fire Indigenous Cuisine owner Rich Francis, and ShopIndig.ca CEO and founder Heather Abbey.
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The entrepreneurs will receive mentorship matching services, education seminars and webinars, networking opportunities and a business information toolkit.
“It’s so crucial in these first few years that we learn where to go, where not to go, and just how to successfully run our business and to move forward in a good way in the Saskatchewan economy,” Abbey said.
The SOAR program is expected to grow next year, by either taking in more award recipients or expanding services available to entrepreneurs.
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