The site, called Aboriginal Business Development Online provides Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, communities and the corporate sector with timely information about Aboriginal economic development in Ontario. It features over 200 links to programs and services offered by the provincial and federal governments, and Aboriginal ventures, case study examples, workshops and forums. The new Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award is to be given jointly, on an annual basis, to an Aboriginal business and a non-Aboriginal business that have partnered successfully on a joint venture or business development. The first Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Award will be made in 2000 based on an open public nomination process. The nomination process describes the criteria and the procedure for nominating eligible businesses for this award.
Support is available for certification, undergraduate, professional, and graduate degree programs.
The first Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Scholarships will be available for the school year beginning in September 2000, with applications due by June 15, 2000. The Economic Renewal Initiative is a partnership among Canada, Ontario and members from the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business communities. The purpose is to foster the growth and development of Aboriginal businesses in Ontario through strategic partnerships and independent ventures. A Steering Committee of twelve provides direction to the Economic Renewal Secretariat that manages the initiative. The Secretariat is supported by full time staff located in Toronto and receives operational funding from the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada, corporate sponsors and Aboriginal organisations.