Bringing Spirit into Business through the 1st First Nations-Led Entrepreneurship Centre and Business Incubator in Canada

Press Release

May 21, 2025

Backed by 15+ partners, Treaty One Development Corporation opens the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre to accelerate Indigenous business growth

May 21, 2025 – Treaty No. 1 Territory – Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) today launched the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre (WTEC), Canada’s first fully Indigenous-led business incubator. WTEC isn’t defined by what it offers, but by what it unlocks—a space for visioning, transformation, and self-determined growth.

Located in Wawanesa Insurance’s former executive office at 191 Broadway in Downtown Winnipeg, MB, WTEC brings together over 15 government, academic, and industry partners to offer a one-of-a-kind environment where Indigenous entrepreneurs can access the tools they need to thrive: capital, legal and financial guidance, mentorship, marketing support, and global business connections—all under one roof. Within WTEC’s 5,000+ sq. ft. space, Indigenous entrepreneurs are surrounded by a team of dedicated advisors, mentors, and experts who walk alongside them through each stage of their business journey.

“WTEC was created to respond to real gaps faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs and help remove the barriers that too often stop good ideas before they have a chance to grow,” said WTEC CEO Kathleen BlueSky. “We’re offering more than space and funding, we’re creating a support system grounded in trust, belonging, and long-term vision. This is about reclaiming our place in the economy with confidence and heart.”

The establishment of WTEC is a unique collaboration between T1DC and a wide range of public, private, and academic partners. This includes a $500,000 investment from the Government of Manitoba through the Indigenous Economic Development Fund, along with substantial support and investment from Red Leaf Capital. Together, these contributions underscore the Province’s and industry’s shared commitment to economic reconciliation and to supporting WTEC’s long-term operations and programming.

WTEC’s key partnerships include:

• Red Leaf Capital/Xcel Capital, Founding Investor and Strategic Advisor, providing support in program development, financial advisory, financial support, access to capital, and global networks
• Wawanesa Insurance, contributing mentorship, networking supports, programming collaboration, and financial support
• Deloitte, contributing both financial support and year-round access to consulting expertise and global business connections
• Bockstael Construction, providing annual financial support and mentorship in the construction and development sector
• Fillmore Riley LLP, contributing financial support and offering on-site legal information and educational seminars
• Canada Lands Company, providing financial, mentorship, strategic promotion, and national networking supports
• Winnipeg Airports Authority, providing financial support, co-hosting a dedicated program, and facilitating access to international networks and innovation channels
• Asper School of Business, contributing annual in-kind support through student-led business planning, mentorship, and training workshops
• West BC Polytechnic, supporting program development and providing space for up to 10 student participants through its “Idea to Market” academic certificate program
• Innovate Eastman, providing access to start-up programs, mentorship, workshops, marketing, networking supports
• Prolex, providing mentorships and support in marketing, sales, branding, and social media strategy

Meaning “Working Together to Succeed” in Anishinaabemowin—the name Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing speaks to a future in which Indigenous entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources and relationships needed to build lasting businesses rooted in community values.

“Indigenous businesses generate more than $100 billion in revenue each year and contribute over $30 billion to Canada’s GDP,” said WTEC Chairperson Evan Roberts. “WTEC exists to grow those numbers—giving our Indigenous entrepreneurs the space, support, and connections they need to participate fully in the national economy—on our own terms and with the tools we need to compete in today’s markets.”

With its doors now open, WTEC is positioned to become a cornerstone of Indigenous economic growth—both in Manitoba and across the country.

To learn more about WTEC, visit https://wtecentre.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nations
Email: vsavino@treaty1.ca | Cell: 204-770-0392

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