Wemindji Economic Development
"The vision of the Economic Development Department is “to be the resource that local Cree entrepreneurs turn towards for professional assistance; so they can become self-reliant and build successful businesses that will provide meaningful, safe and sustainable employment opportunities to community members, in accordance with local by-laws.”
Its mission is “to help local Cree entrepreneurs on the Cree Nation of Wemindji Territory to acquire the resources, tools, services and financing required for their support, establishment, growth and development, in respect to the legal and regulatory framework of the community.
Its mission is “to help local Cree entrepreneurs on the Cree Nation of Wemindji Territory to acquire the resources, tools, services and financing required for their support, establishment, growth and development, in respect to the legal and regulatory framework of the community.
Its mission is “to help local Cree entrepreneurs on the Cree Nation of Wemindji Territory to acquire the resources, tools, services and financing required for their support, establishment, growth and development, in respect to the legal and regulatory framework of the community.
" It's true that hydropower exploitation can bring economic development, but not necessarily to the benefit of local people. "
Ma Jun
"Without economic development, any potential for political openness and freedom will be questionable."
Jose Maria Aznar
"if you try to put social and cultural development ahead of economic development, it doesn't work. You have to do it all together. "
Aga Khan IV
"Action is the Foundational
KEY TO ALL SUCCESS"
Pablo Picasso
FUNDERS:
Eeyou Economic Group
Cree Human Resources Development
- chrd.ca
Cree Nation Government
- cngov.ca
Creeco Board of Compensation
SOCIÉTÉ du PLAN NORD
Société de crédit commercial autochtone
Eeeyou Economic Group
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'Innovation
Tawich
PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
The following 4 priorities were identified for the Economic Development Department
(EDD) during the strategic planning session:
1. Improve the quality and quantity of services and infrastructure available to local entrepreneurs and community members. To be more effective, we must clearly define our roles and responsibilities and look at ways to clarify and improve the department’s structure and processes. We also believe the Economic Development Department should play a bigger role in the development of the community, by enhancing collaboration with other departments of the CNW, as well as with TDC, TBDC and their subsidiaries, partnerships, and joint ventures.
2. Build the capacities of our local entrepreneurs to develop an entrepreneurial culture in the community
As the community Economic Development Department, we have a responsibility to inspire an entrepreneurial culture in the community and to be involved in identifying and establishing support mechanisms and resources to assist local businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage of their development. This includes the creation of entrepreneurial programs for both youth and women.
3. Reduce the economic leakages and increase the spinoffs in the community
As a relatively small and remote community, Wemindji’s businesses must rely on its own residents as recurring customers. This, in turn, limits the viability of certain types of businesses in the community, which require a minimum population base to be profitable. We must therefore find creative solutions to ensure that future Wemindji-based enterprises are successful, that the needs of the population are satisfied, and that spending leakages are reduced.
4. Improve internal and external communication and information sharing between all key stakeholders with regards to business and community economic development in Wemindji
We must clearly communicate our updated offer of services, procedures, guidelines, as well as the introduction of the Wemindji Entrepreneurial Assistance Fund to the community as a way to promote trust and confidence. We must also improve communication with TDC, TBDC and their subsidiaries, partnerships and joint ventures, as well as interdepartmental communication within the Cree Nation of Wemindji
Process - Flow Chart
(Entrepreneur’s Application Process)
The Applicant has a business idea. He or she meets with the Economic Development Department
to discuss the project and the process to follow (brainstorm together)
The Applicant submits a Letter of Intent and completes a personal assessment.
In collaboration with the EDO, draft a portrait of the project (Project description form).
The EDO provides a list of consultants, what needs to be done and the documentation requested to confirm that he or she meets the eligibility criteria
A commercial lot or a rental space may be identified for the project. Environmental issues need to be identify.
If clarifications or if modifications are requested
The EDO submits the Letter of Intent and the Project Description Form to the Director General who
Submit it to the Chief and Council for approval
If clarifications or if modifications are requested
Chief and Council review the project and issue a Letter of Support
They may also reserve temporarily a commercial lot or space in a band-owned building identified for the project
A Feasibility Study, Business Plan, Environmental Assessment, Building Inspection or other professional studies might be needed at this stage (3 proposals requested)
The Applicant may want to request funding for the professional fees for the study(ies) required for the project
He or she needs to complete an Application Form to access funding for up to 75% of the study(ies) fees
GO
NO GO
The Applicant requests a BCR and/or a right of superficies for a commercial lot previously
reserved by Chief and Council (if applicable)
The Applicant may also request a commercial lease in a band-owned building previously reserved, or a commercial lease in a building owned by another entity or individual (if application)
The Applicant may request funding for the Implementation of the project
The contribution of the Applicant should be of a minimum of 10% of the total project cost (equity)
The Applicant may want to request funding to CHRD for professional training and coaching, as well as
for salary subsidies for himself or herself and his or her employee(s)
The Applicant may want to request aftercare services with the Business Services Center for bookkeeping and accounting services or other services such as legal counsel, training and coaching with other professionals.
The Applicant submits his or her Business Plan to the EDO and requests a Business Permit
The EDO completes the Project Analysis Form and makes recommendations
If clarifications or if modifications are requested
The EDO submits the Project Analysis Form to the Board of Directors for TDC’s approval
NO GO
GO
The EDO issues a Business Permit
THE ENTREPRENEUR IS NOW IN BUSINESS !!
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