Press Release
MINISTER DUNCAN ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR ONLINE TRAINING FOR ABORIGINAL ENTREPRENEURS
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (March 21, 2011) — The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today a contribution to GoForth Institute to customize its online, small-business training program for Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
“Strengthening Aboriginal entrepreneurship is a key priority of our Government’s Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development,” said Minister Duncan. “Through investments like these, we are working with willing partners to help ensure that Aboriginal people in Canada enjoy the same opportunities for employment, income and wealth creation as other Canadians.”
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada contributed about $249,900 to GoForth Institute to help the organization modify its successful online entrepreneurial education program to make it relevant to an Aboriginal audience. The revised education curriculum will enable Aboriginal entrepreneurs to improve their financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills, enhancing their ability to start, manage and grow a small business.
“GoForth is thrilled to have the opportunity to adapt our current highly successful online small business training program to bring a more relevant entrepreneurship program to over 35,000 entrepreneurs in the Aboriginal business community,” said GoForth President and Founder Dr. Leslie Roberts. “This curriculum is expected to have a beneficial, long-term impact on Aboriginal communities across the country.”
GoForth worked closely with Aboriginal entrepreneurs and organizations to develop the revised education curriculum, which is now being piloted with over 150 Aboriginal agencies and entrepreneurs. Pending the results of the pilot, GoForth will seek partnerships with the private sector to deliver the curriculum on an ongoing basis to Aboriginal entrepreneurs.
Released in June 2009, the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development represents a fundamental change to how the federal government supports Aboriginal economic development. The Framework makes use of a modern and comprehensive approach to Aboriginal economic development that is opportunity-driven and places emphasis on building strategic partnerships with Aboriginal groups, the private sector, and the provinces and territories.
GoForth Institute is a private, nationwide institute dedicated to excellence in entrepreneurial education. The institute provides effective, relevant and timely education and ongoing support during business start-up, growth and modernization. GoForth Institute was founded in 2009 by Dr. Leslie Roberts, a veteran entrepreneur and established leader in entrepreneurship education and research. For more information visit www.goforthinstitute.com.
This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca and www.goforthinstitute.com/about-media
About GoForth Institute
GoForth Institute is a private, nationwide institute dedicated to excellence in entrepreneurial education. As the only centre of its kind in Canada, GoForth Institute provides effective, relevant and timely education and ongoing support during venture start-up and growth. Near the end of 2011, GoForth will also provide the education in French. GoForth Institute was founded in 2009 by Dr. Leslie Roberts, a veteran entrepreneur and established leader in entrepreneurship education and research. Dr. Roberts stars on BNN’s popular series The Pitch as an expert panelist on a monthly basis. For more information visit www.goforthinstitute.com.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
GoForth Institute
Dr. Leslie Roberts
President and Founder
Direct: (403) 242-4746
Email: leslie@goforthinstitute.com
Media Relations (GoForth)
Dana Antonini
Media Relations
(403) 281-1560
Email: dana@goforthinstitute.com
