Indigenous Prosperity Foundation and Community Futures North Central Development Partner to Build Pathways for Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Northern Manitoba

Press Release

Ottawa, ON / Thompson, MB — September 12, 2025 | The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) and Community Futures North Central Development (CFNCD) today announced a landmark partnership to deliver the Indigenous Pathways to Entrepreneurship Program across northern Manitoba.

This collaboration marks the first time IPF has partnered with a regional Indigenous Financial Institution to bring an integrated suite of entrepreneurship programs directly into Indigenous communities. The initiative aims to break down barriers to opportunity by combining mentorship, culturally relevant training, and access to capital — ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs can launch and grow businesses that strengthen local economies.

Through this agreement, IPF and CFNCD will deliver three cornerstone programs:

• Skill Development Program — A six-month, hands-on program with workshops, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in small grants to support entrepreneurs in starting and scaling their businesses.
• Money Smarts: My Financial Journey — A series of eight annual financial literacy workshops for Indigenous youth, using the culturally relevant Money Smarts board game to build confidence and decision-making skills.
• Launchpad for Entrepreneurs — A 12-week training program for youth and early-stage entrepreneurs, combining 50 online learning modules, mentorship, and access to $3,000 seed grants.

“This partnership is about advancing prosperity by ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to mentorship, funding, and training rooted in Indigenous ways of doing business,” said Relay Tangie, Interim Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation. “Together with CFNCD, we are building pathways to opportunity, innovation, and community wealth.”

The partnership will invest more than $265,000 over two years, including direct grants for entrepreneurs and honoraria for mentors. Each year, at least 10 entrepreneurs will benefit from the Skill Development Program, eight communities will host Money Smarts workshops, and 10 youth and early-stage entrepreneurs will participate in Launchpad.

“We are proud to partner with the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation to deliver programs that bring real opportunities into northern Manitoba,” said Tim Johnston, Manager of CFNCD. By combining training, mentorship, and grants, we are creating tangible pathways for entrepreneurs across 17 First Nations, Northern Affairs, and urban communities — and, more broadly, for the entire north — to thrive and contribute to lasting prosperity.”

A powerful example of what this kind of support can achieve is the story of Shannon Osmond, an audiologist operating her business Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Shannon was the first participant to access both a microloan, a grant and mentorship through CFNCD. With this support, she established an audiology practice that now serves her community and surrounding northern Manitoba communities, addressing a vital need in healthcare.

Through CFNCD, Shannon gained business knowledge and mentorship that helped her grow as an entrepreneur. Today, she is not only a thriving business owner but also a national advocate, presenting on Indigenous recruitment in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology and speaking to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in healthcare. Looking forward, she is eager to give back as a mentor through the new IPF–CFNCD partnership, inspiring and guiding the next generation of Indigenous youth entrepreneurs.

“This is what Indigenous-led entrepreneurship looks like: innovation that meets community needs, creates jobs, and builds long-term prosperity,” added Tangie. “By lifting up entrepreneurs like Shannon, we are investing in a stronger future for everyone.”

About the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation is a national organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic prosperity through education, mentorship, and community-driven initiatives.

About Community Futures North Central Development (CFNCD)

Based in Thompson, MB, CFNCD serves 17 First Nation, Northern Affairs, and urban communities across the north central region of Manitoba, and often extends programs across the entire north. As an Indigenous Financial Institution with decades of experience, CFNCD delivers financing, training, and mentorship to empower new and growing businesses. www.cfmanitoba.ca/north-central

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