ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub Celebrates One Year of Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Ottawa

Press Release

OTTAWA, ON – October 11, 2023 – ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub, a centre of Indigenous business support and innovation for Indigenous entrepreneurs is thrilled to announce its first-year anniversary on October 12, 2023. Over the past year, ADAAWE has made significant strides in empowering Indigenous business owners and fostering a vibrant community of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub has become a pillar of support and a catalyst for Indigenous entrepreneurship in Otawa. With a commitment to nurturing business skills, providing valuable resources, and fostering collaboration for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis entrepreneurs, ADAAWE has rapidly achieved impressive milestones and demonstrated its unwavering dedication to the success of Indigenous businesses. ADAAWE has grown from an idea to a community of more than 200 Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Karen Smith, Founder of Aunties Catering Services, and a participant in the ADAAWE Incubator Program stated, “After seeing ADAAWE on social media, I decided to sign up for a photography workshop. Litle did I know that I had stumbled upon an incredible community of passionate entrepreneurs who were as creative and driven as myself. I’ve hardly left the Hub ever since! ADAAWE is more than a resource centre because this hub breeds opportunities naturally. Since becoming a member, the Hub has provided me with retail space, networking events, workshop development, a physical workspace with technology, and photography space and camera access. In the next year, I am most looking forward to meeting new members who will be joining the ADAAWE Hub and being able to mentor and grow along with them!”

Many proud accomplishments have been achieved in the first year, all of which support and nurture a pathway to strengthen Indigenous Prosperity and the Indigenous economy in Canada. Some highlights include:

Membership Growth – ADAAWE proudly welcomes over 200 members into its thriving community. These members are the heart and soul of our hub, representing a diverse and dynamic group of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Community Engagement – Four major community events have been organized and hosted, creating a sense of unity and collaboration not only among our members but also within the broader Otawa community.

Knowledge and Skill Building – Over 100 workshops and training sessions have been conducted, equipping Indigenous entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s business landscape.

Mentorship Support – ADAAWE has provided more than 250 mentor office hours, offering invaluable guidance and wisdom to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Cuting-Edge Facilities – A state-of-the-art production studio has been launched, enhancing our members’ ability to create and innovate.

Incubator Program – ADAAWE initiated a major incubator program pilot, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in their journey to build their businesses full-time for three months.

Strategic Partnerships – Meaningful partnerships with key organizations such as BDC, Invest Otawa, Gowlings, and TikTok have been established, strengthening our support network, and expanding opportunities for our members.

Member-Led Initiatives – ADAAWE has supported over 25 member-led programs, contributing over $50,000 in procurements into the ADAAWE Member community through services and products offered in our Pop-Up shop and in operating day-to-day programs and activities.

ADAAWE is supported by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and CEO Shannin Metatawabin shared, “As we celebrate the first anniversary of ADAAWE, it is achieving all that we intended the initiative to do. This Indigenous Business Hub has been instrumental in providing Indigenous entrepreneurs with resources, enabling their success. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed small Indigenous businesses play a pivotal role in job creation, income generation for business owners, offering vital services to our communities, and making substantial contributions to the economy.”

Zachary Pashe, Founder of Sioux Village Bannock, and the ADAAWE Hub-Team Lead added, “Being the ADAAWE Hub-Team Lead has taught me so much and to be in tune with myself and showcase what I can do within my Indigenous business community. My vision is to keep Indigenous entrepreneurs inspired and empowered and to get Indigenous businesses on the streets of the world!”

ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub is not just a space; it’s a thriving ecosystem of support, collaboration, and empowerment for Indigenous entrepreneurs. For First Nation, Inuit, and Métis that now make the Otawa region home, we welcome you to join and build your business. For the many urban Indigenous away from traditional territories, at ADAAWE you will find members of your community, culture , and business support. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we invite everyone to join us in recognizing the strength and essential contribution of Indigenous business owners to the greater Canadian economy.

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For media inquiries or more information, please contact: Joël Lamoureux, Communications Manager, NACCA –

jlamoureux@nacca.ca / 613-316-4089

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