The Cree Social Economy Regional Table (CSERT) visited eight Eeyou Istchee communities in mid-October under the banner Fill a Need. Build a Future to help residents explore business ideas, address local needs and learn about funding possibilities. Peggy Petawabano, the department’s social economy advisor, said they want to help people understand what the social economy can offer, including help to launch new businesses or develop existing ones. Petawabano said a survey gathered information from community members on local challenges and opportunities. Their input will help shape priorities for the next five years. “Residents, including those living outside their home communities, shared their ideas on projects, services and local enterprises that could address community needs and improve quality of life across Eeyou Istchee,” she explained. An initiative of the CNG’s Department of Commerce and Industry, the visits heard suggestions from local leaders, service providers and community members that will help guide next steps, Petawabano said. The outreach highlighted barriers, explained available support and learned about business priorities from participants. “People were unaware of what is social economy,” Petawabano said. “They are really interested in having more projects in their communities to help residents thrive.” The sessions explained the types of projects the initiative may support, Petawabano said. CSERT offers grants covering up to 75% of a project’s total costs, to a maximum of $25,000, for both existing social economy businesses and emerging ones. “Many didn’t know we had these funds,” Petawabano explained. “There’s different types of funding they can tap into, either as a startup or existing business.” According to the application guide, eligible projects must be based in Eeyou Istchee and demonstrate community benefits, such as creating local jobs, supporting entrepreneurs, promoting Cree culture or addressing local needs. Funding can be used for equipment purchases, training, start-up costs, feasibility studies and marketing, and applicants must provide a business plan or feasibility study and demonstrate a 10% cash contribution toward the total project cost. “The CSERT grant is allotted on a first-come-first-served basis; therefore, promoters should submit their requests as soon as possible, at the start of the fiscal year,” the application guide states. Petawabano said community members interested in developing a project can contact her directly to learn more about the application process and available funding. Petawabano said she will continue sharing information, gathering feedback and connecting interested community members with the resources they need to turn their ideas into projects.
Turning Ideas into Projects Social Economy Regional Table seeks to strengthen community-led business development
