National Adult Literacy Database

Great messaging and a spirit of Canada-wide community are coming out of preparations for the I DO BUSINESS National Summit & Tradeshow   ̶  Success for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. The event, set for March 4-6, 2013, in Toronto, is being hosted by the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition.

The goal of the summit/tradeshow is to bring businesses and literacy together to support current and emerging Aboriginal entrepreneurs from across Canada. It’s also intended to emphasize the importance of connecting economic development and adult literacy to support Aboriginal business development.

“Literacy is such an important element in terms of an individual’s socio-economic situation, and most certainly in terms of being a successful entrepreneur,” say the organizers. “For Aboriginal entrepreneurs, business and financial literacy, along with communications, are critical skill areas that are often in need of development.”

Themes of the three-day event include:

• Awareness of best practices
• Business development
• Business literacy
• Financial literacy
• Financial support
• Soft skills for business
• Successes and challenges
• Community and culture in business

In addition to the tradeshow, I DO BUSINESS will feature workshops and a panel of leading experts in business development from a variety of locations and contexts. 

Katherine Shine, executive director of the Kenamatewin Native Learning Centre in Kenora, will present the workshop ‘What Is Literacy and Why Does It Matter?’  In addition, there will also be a one-day seminar on ‘The Alexis Principles’ - Building Bridges for Effective Business Development.

Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in the Soaring Eagles' Nest business plan competition and a photo contest on Facebook leading up to the event.

“The summit and trade show will offer an outstanding venue in which to learn, network and do business,” according to the organizers.

It is also expected to be the “launching platform of an effective, ongoing business development initiative at the grassroots level across the county” and the “foundation for the subsequent I DO BUSINESS Community Ambassador Mini-Summits to be held in Aboriginal communities across Canada.”

NALD CEO Bill Stirling is taking part in the national summit and will be a member of the experts’ panel on business development.

For more information on the event, contact Susan Wilson, national project manager, at susan.wilson@idobusiness.ca or go to the event website.

This article was prepared by:

Christy English
NALD Editor/Stakeholder Liaison
Tel: 506-462-5034 or toll-free: 1-800-720-6253
Email: christy.english@nald.ca