Canada Allocates $1.8M to Train Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs in Northern Territories

Event summary

  • Canada’s CanNor agency committed $1.8M over three years to Ampere’s Northern Horizons program, targeting digital skills training for Indigenous women in northern territories.
  • The initiative aims to train 1,200 participants, with 80% being Indigenous, and expects to launch 30 new businesses.
  • Total funding, including private contributions, reaches $3.5M, with Ampere matching the government’s investment.
  • Program focuses on culturally relevant training developed through consultation with northern communities.

The big picture

This investment aligns with broader Canadian efforts to integrate Indigenous communities into the digital economy, addressing historical barriers to participation. The focus on northern territories reflects growing recognition of the region’s untapped economic potential, particularly in sectors like technology and entrepreneurship. With $3.5M in total funding, the program could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other underserved regions.

What we're watching

Program Scalability
Whether Ampere can sustain the pace of training and business creation across three territories with limited resources.
Economic Impact
How the new businesses will contribute to northern economic growth and whether they can compete with established ventures.
Cultural Relevance
The effectiveness of culturally tailored training in bridging the digital divide for Indigenous women entrepreneurs.

Related topics

Technology