Saskatoon is part of the Homeland of the Métis, a dynamic and growing population with a rich history. Métis people are also one of the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs[1]. The Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF) supports Métis entrepreneurs throughout Saskatchewan with programs for startups, expansions and to purchase existing businesses. There are forms of assistance available for small to large-scale projects, as well as specific programs to assist women and youth entrepreneurs. Recently, CCDF and SREDA have worked closely to support Métis entrepreneurs, and SREDA’s SOAR program, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, has had a positive impact on the Saskatoon economy. This past January, a group of business and community leaders gathered virtually to celebrate the 2020 SOAR recipients. Among the winners were Shannon Loutitt, Raelene Perlitz and Patrick Fleury, three Métis entrepreneurs whose businesses have been supported by both CCDF and SREDA:
Shannon Loutitt, the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau
Shannon Loutitt is the CEO and co-founder of the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau, a service linking audiences with Indigenous Speakers and Knowledge Keepers from around the globe. The first of its kind, IISB creates opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to connect and build bridges by providing a portal to the wealth of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives from around the world. At the same time, IISB is dedicated to empowering Indigenous speakers’ experience and ensuring their talents are honoured appropriately. IISB believes that building bridges is possible and that education and understanding will create prosperous pathways for all our future generations.
Visit the IISB here: https://iisb.ca/
Patrick Fleury, Ernest Plumbing, Heating and Full Home Service
Patrick Fleury is a journeyperson from Saskatoon who founded Ernest Plumbing, Heating and Full Home Service in 2020. His construction experience began at a young age, working alongside his Papa, Ernest. Patrick’s plumbing career has taken him all over Saskatchewan as he completed new commercial builds for a number of years, smaller-scale renovations and repairs, and residential plumbing, heating and drainage. He is also a domestic gas fitter and certified boiler operator. While his specialty is plumbing, Patrick has experience with carpentry and framing, concrete, drywall, roofing, flooring and more.
Find Ernest Plumbing, Heating and Full Home Service here: https://www.ernestphs.com/
Raelene Perlitz, Laserology Skin Clinic
Raelene Perlitz opened Laserology Skin Clinic, a Warman-based custom skincare solutions clinic, in 2019. Raelene had experienced melasma, a skin condition, for years, and once she discovered the variety of treatments available for her condition, the beginnings of Laserology started to take shape. The clinic’s services include laser hair removal, skin tightening, removal of skin irregularities and many other skincare services. Raelene believes that when people feel better about themselves, they feel empowered – and Laserology’s customized solutions are designed to create a world where everyone loves the skin they’re in.
Learn more about Laserology Skin Clinic here: https://www.laserologyskinclinic.com/
Are you a Métis entrepreneur?
You can access a variety of supports through CCDF and SREDA, from business advice to funding. SREDA’s Square One program provides entrepreneurs free services such as market research reports, startup tools and support for business growth phases. SREDA’s SOAR program also offers funding and a variety of business development support services to Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Saskatoon Region. Together, SREDA and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF) are committed to fostering a vibrant, growing Métis entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Learn more here: https://clarencecampeau.com/ and https://sreda.com
Sources:
https://www.ccab.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/CCAB-PP-Report-V2-SQ-Pages.pdf
[1] A growth rate of 13.7% between 2006 and 2011 according to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
