The B.C. Aboriginal Business and Investment Council (ABIC) has updated its website to make it easier to do business with First Nations companies, promote economic development among Aboriginal communities, and showcase the successes of Aboriginal businesses throughout the province.

The website update has streamlined resources to better serve its users by adding four quick sections on the home page: Start Your Business, Grow Your Business, Strengthen the Community, and Work with First Nations. Each section provides information and links to existing programs, services, funding, and other resources for Aboriginal entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and partners.

The updated website’s main feature is the Aboriginal Business Listings (formerly FNEDD), which has more than 1,200 B.C. First Nations businesses and potential business partners registered. The comprehensive listings can be searched and analysed by product or service, region, size of business and years of operation. The map function allows for speedy identification of a particular businesses place of operation.

The listings page also presents key information from the British Columbia Economic Atlas on location of First Nation communities, major projects and links to economic agreements between First Nations and the Province.

In addition, ABIC has produced five new videos which discuss the importance of good First Nation and industry relations, as well as stories of First Nations businesses in B.C. The addition of video success stories to the website allows the tradition of storytelling amongst B.C.’s Aboriginal peoples to continue, sharing important messages of lessons learned, obstacles overcome, and goals the companies are hoping to achieve.

As outlined in the BC Jobs Plan, the Province is committed to working with Aboriginal peoples and First Nations to strengthen communities and share in the growth of the provincial economy.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

“B.C. is projected to continue to be one of the economic leaders in the country and First Nations are an increasingly important part of that success, helping to keep the province’s economy diverse, strong and growing. The updated website will help encourage industry and First Nations working together to attract business investment to the province, leading to greater Aboriginal inclusion in the economy.”

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“The Aboriginal Business and Investment Council is an important partner with the Province in advancing reconciliation through economic development in First Nation communities. The updated website will be an excellent tool in fostering innovative partnerships and new business opportunities, to the benefit of First Nations, industry and all British Columbians.”

Kim Baird, Member of the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council –

“Being able to help First Nations and businesses quickly find the information they need to build partnerships and foster a positive investment environment is one of the benefits of the new ABIC website. The new Aboriginal Business Listings will help identify specific needs and opportunities that will benefit Aboriginal businesses and those looking to partner with them.”

Learn More:

Visit the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council website: http://www.bcabic.ca/

Aboriginal Business Listings: https://biz.bcabic.ca

The BC Economic Atlas: www.gov.bc.ca/economicatlas

BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca