Indigenous Prosperity Foundation

10/02/2026

New Op-Ed | Financial Literacy Is Only Part of the Story

Financial literacy matters, but it cannot be separated from access, opportunity and the realities Indigenous entrepreneurs are navigating.

In a new op-ed, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation Executive Director Michelle Okere reflects on the findings from Financial Literacy and Indigenous Communities and what they mean for the broader systems surrounding Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The piece explores why financial empowerment must be considered alongside access to capital, culturally relevant supports, confidence, relationships and opportunity.

The research gives us the evidence. The op-ed asks what we do with it.

Read Michelle Okere’s Op-Ed:

https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/financial-literacy-matters

We gratefully recognize RBC as the Knowledge Mobilization Partner for this research. RBC’s support helps IPF share the findings and bring more people into the conversation about strengthening access to capital.

09/29/2026

Join Our Team – Communications Coordinator (Remote)

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation is hiring a Communications Coordinator to help shape our communication strategies, manage social media, and highlight the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Why Join Us?

- Health benefits: medical, dental, vision

- Defined pension plan

- Flexible schedules and work-life balance

- Generous paid time off and personal days

- Opportunities for growth and professional development

This role is remote with competitive pay. Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry.

Apply today: https://indigenousprosperityfoundation.bamboohr.com/careers/31

09/28/2026

New Research | Financial Literacy & Indigenous Communities

What are Indigenous entrepreneurs experiencing regarding financial literacy, access to capital, and navigation of a rapidly changing economic landscape?

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation has released its new research package, Financial Literacy and Indigenous Communities: Access to Capital, Financial Empowerment and the Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence.

Drawing on survey responses from 102 Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada, stakeholder interviews, a literature review and broader ecosystem research, the work explores financial literacy, access to capital, culturally relevant supports, digital readiness and emerging technologies.

The research package includes:
• Summary Report
• Literature Review
• Interview Findings
• Survey Data

The findings point to an important conversation: financial knowledge matters, but entrepreneurs also need equitable access to capital, trusted relationships, culturally relevant supports and systems that create opportunity.

Explore the findings and download the research today.

https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/financial-literacy

We gratefully recognize RBC as the Knowledge Mobilization Partner for this research. RBC’s support helps IPF share the findings and bring more people into the conversation about strengthening access to capital.

09/23/2026

Join the Conversation | September 28

What are Indigenous entrepreneurs telling us about financial literacy, access to capital and the supports they need to grow?

Join Indigenous Prosperity Foundation Executive Director Michelle Okere for a conversation exploring the findings from Financial Literacy and Indigenous Communities.

Michelle will share key insights from the research, including what entrepreneurs told IPF about financial literacy, confidence, access to loans and grants, culturally relevant supports, mentorship and emerging opportunities connected to technology and artificial intelligence.

September 28, 2026
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM MT
Online via Zoom

This session is for Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigenous organizations, funders, financial institutions and ecosystem partners working to strengthen Indigenous economic prosperity.

Register today: https://events.zoom.us/e/view/preview/MMJbxmx-To2VuSv83s30kw

We gratefully recognize RBC as the Knowledge Mobilization Partner for this research. RBC’s support helps IPF share the findings and bring more people into the conversation about strengthening access to capital.

09/11/2026

More tools for the entrepreneur journey.

Every entrepreneur enters Launchpad with different goals, strengths and levels of digital confidence.

Launchpad is collaborating with Jelly Academy to bring additional digital learning opportunities to qualifying participants, helping entrepreneurs build skills they can apply directly to their businesses.

Participants may have opportunities to build digital confidence, strengthen their website and online presence, and develop practical skills in areas such as social media strategy, email marketing and automation, and Google Analytics 4.

And there’s another exciting value-add: participants in the Squarespace + Digital Marketing stream may also receive sponsored Squarespace website support, helping turn learning into something tangible for their business.

It’s one more way Launchpad is connecting entrepreneurs with practical tools, learning and support as they build and grow.

Learn more: https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/launchpad-and-jelly-academy

Learn more about Jelly Academy: Explore https://jellyacademy.ca/

For more information about Launchpad, email [email protected]

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

We’ve extended both the deadline and start date for the next Indigenous Launchpad for Entrepreneurs cohort to September 8.

Launchpad supports Indigenous youth and early-stage entrepreneurs with business training, mentorship, peer connection and opportunities to access up to $5,000 in seed funding.
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step with your business idea, or know someone who could benefit, there’s still time to get connected.

The Cohort 2 start date has been extended to September 8.

For more information, email [email protected]

09/01/2026

While in Saskatoon, the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation had the opportunity to connect with team members from Clarence Campeau Development Fund, SaskMétis Economic Development Corp. and the Gabriel Dumont Institute through MoneySmarts facilitator training.

It was a great opportunity to learn together, share perspectives, and strengthen connections with organizations that support Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities across Saskatchewan.

Our latest blog, Building Confidence Through MoneySmarts, takes a closer look at the training and the people who helped make the experience so meaningful.

Thank you to CCDF, SMEDCO and GDI for learning, sharing and connecting with us in Saskatoon.

Read the full story:
https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/building-confidence-through-moneysmarts

Interested in bringing MoneySmarts to your organization or community? Have questions or want to stay connected about upcoming opportunities? Email [email protected].

Ready to learn more about becoming a facilitator? Register for our upcoming virtual MoneySmarts Information Session:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aRplvwlgTQ-uSEEb0JdcRQ #/registration

08/28/2026

Community Futures North Central Development is doing meaningful work across Northern Manitoba, helping strengthen local economies, build capacity and create opportunities that reflect the realities and strengths of the North.
Serving 17 communities across the region, North Central Development supports entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey with business guidance, programs, resources, financing and community economic development support.
But their impact goes beyond business. It’s also about relationships, connection and helping people build opportunities close to home.
We had the chance to hear directly from the CFNCD team about who they are, what they offer and how they continue to support entrepreneurs and communities throughout the North.
Take a listen and get to know the people behind the work.

08/28/2026

A quick hello from Community Futures North Central Development 👋

IPF stopped by the office to connect with some of the team and say hello to some of the people behind the work happening across Northern Manitoba.

It’s always good to put faces to the organizations doing important work in community.

Here’s a little peek inside North Central Development and some of the friendly faces who help make the office what it is.