RADF Investment: $900,000

Other Investment: $300,000

Total Investment: $1.2 million

Project Period: June 2009–December 2011

T: 780.645.1155

Project Description

The goal of this project is to develop a long-term, grassroots economic growth and partnership model for Aboriginal communities in the St. Paul region. The project’s focus is to create Aboriginal-owned and -operated businesses that are economically viable and self-sustainable, while building collaborative relationships with non-Aboriginal businesses. Northeast Alberta Information HUB Ltd., a regional economic development alliance, has partnered with seven Aboriginal communities to manage this program.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:

• More self-reliance and independence for Aboriginal businesses and communities
• Development of an economic model that can be easily adapted by other Aboriginal communities
• Increase skills training and economic opportunities for Aboriginal youth in their home communities
• Increase economic development and community capacity for Aboriginal communities
• Improve the region’s economy by encouraging Aboriginal-owned and -operated businesses
• Open doors and provide mentorship for people interested in starting their own business
• Increase economic development and community capacity for local First Nations communities and the St. Paul area as a whole