Indigenous Entrepreneurship Micro-credential
UPDATED FOR 2026! The Indigenous Entrepreneurship Micro-credential (IEM) is a journey into entrepreneurship guided by the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk). This concept, originally shared by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall, encourages us to draw on the strengths of Indigenous knowledge through one eye and Western knowledge through the other.
Through the IEM, learners explore how to build businesses that are both innovative and culturally grounded. This program goes beyond the mechanics of starting a business, it is a space to blend knowledge systems, embrace connection, and envision entrepreneurship through a lens of balance and wisdom.
Duration: 12 weeks. One 3-hour class per week plus assignments.
Delivery mode: Virtual live
The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is here to help you pursue the future you want. The grant will cover up to $3,500 of eligible costs for your short-term skills training at public universities and colleges in BC.
The February 2026 offering of this program is eligible for FSG funding.
StrongerBC future skills grant
Honouring Two-Eyed Seeing in Business, Community, and Innovation
The IEM program weaves Indigenous and Western ways of knowing to empower learners to build businesses that are both profitable and deeply rooted in culture and purpose. Participants learn to create opportunities that honour relationships, support community well-being, and reflect Indigenous ways of seeing the world.
Topics Covered
- View of Business Owners
- Look Before You Leap
- Idea Meets the World
- Business Structure Operations
- What are You Selling
- Marketing 4Ps + People
- Competitors and Competitive Advantage
- Customer Profile
- Show Me the Money
- Legal and Accounting Basics
- Pricing Strategy and Cash Flow
- Human Resources and Motivation
Learning Structure
This program will be delivered over a period of 12 weeks. Participants will meet virtually via Zoom one evening per week for a three-hour introduction to each of the above topics. These live sessions will consist of exploring course topics, group discussions, and learning from guest speakers. Between each class, participants will complete assignments that support their learning and business goals.
Who Should Attend
- Aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Indigenous small business owners (early or growth stage)
- Indigenous makers, creatives, & knowledge holders
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the business planning process through both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing
- Generate and evaluate business opportunities that honour community, culture, and purpose
- Define a business using principles grounded in strategy and cultural integrity
- Analyze markets while considering community needs and Indigenous perspectives
- Develop marketing strategies that reflect both practical business approaches and relationship-building practices
- Use common platforms to connect with customers, understand competitors, and strengthen networks
- Understand bookkeeping and accounting fundamentals with attention to sustainable and community-minded practices
- Gain hands-on experience with financial management tools
- Learn foundational staff management and team-building skills that foster collaboration and respect
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
- Grade 10 equivalent reading, writing and comprehension
- Access to a computer/laptop with webcam and microphone
Completion Requirements
- Assessment is based on attendance, participation, and completion of weekly assignments
- Min 80% attendance, contribution during classroom exercises, and successful completion of all assignments are required to earn this micro-credential
- Attending every class is recommended, since new material is covered each day
Course Cancellations
Please note that courses may be cancelled at any time due to low enrolment. Upon cancellation, registrants will receive a full refund.
