Representatives from area First Nations communities will attend a business networking event held in Prince George this month.
Leaders from Williams Lake Indian Band, Soda Creek, Canoe Creek, Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council, Esk'etemc, and the Tsilhqot'in National Government will be among the 117 First Nations communities and B.C. attending the Aboriginal Business Match Feb. 13 to 16.
The event focuses on deal making and relationship building. The format combines three days of one-on-one prescheduled appointments and insider workshops on the secrets of doing successful building together.
It will allow First Nations and tribal councils to raise awareness and find resources for their projects, access new markets, and investigate partnership and other business opportunities. The event, which will also include decision makers from close to 100 national and international companies, is to also provide an opportunity for companies to build new partnerships and expand their business portfolios.
The ABM will match First Nations economic development projects and businesses with potential partners, suppliers, customers, and investors. Some of the groups expected to attend are: First Nations and tribal councils, First Nation development corporations, oil and gas, forestry, alternative energy, tourism and resort development, commercial real estate, financial services, entrepreneurs, economic advisors, legal and accounting services, government and non-profit agencies.
The ABM, co-hosted by the Lheidli T'enneh Nation, will be held at the Prince George Civic Centre and is a partnership initiative of the B.C. First Nations Industry Sector Councils, the Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C., and the B.C. Regional Program Management Advisory Committee. It is also supported by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
For more information or to apply, visit www.aboriginalbusinessmatch.com.