Initially piloted in 2020, Ottawa Tourism and Algonquin College were proud to collaborate on the development of the Indigenous Tourism Entrepreneurship Training initiative. This successful pilot initiative was designed to help kickstart Indigenous tourism businesses and provide training on how to start a business and be an entrepreneur. It was also perfect for Indigenous business owners who were looking to upgrade skills, network, and get a new initiative off the ground. This year, we are proud to partner with the Adaawe Business Hub to coordinate a new cohort of this initiative.
Welcome to the 2025 Indigenous Tourism Entrepreneurship Training!
Developed by Indigenous entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, this program is designed specifically for Indigenous learners. Participants can learn business fundamentals all while keeping within the context of Indigenous ways of knowing, including storytelling and interactions with subject matter experts and guest speakers.
The Indigenous Tourism Entrepreneurship Training will be offered in-person at the Adaawe Business Hub and will include business theory and concepts, practical learning activities and advice to help new and existing Indigenous tourism businesses attract customers and follow-through by helping to develop quality, viable market-ready experiences.
Think this might be the right program for you? Check out this video with Cezin Nottaway, a proud Anishinabe First Nation entrepreneur, an award-winning TV host, and a graduate of Algonquin College’s Culinary Management Program, who turned her love of bush cooking into a successful catering business and career by following her passion and becoming an entrepreneur.
Program features:
- 12-week intensive training delivered by Indigenous facilitators, presenters and guest speakers.
- Educational training that provides essential business planning and development skills, mentoring services, and linkages into the broader start-up ecosystem for Indigenous entrepreneurs wanting to pursue a sustainable career in tourism or existing business owners looking to expand their current tourism experience offering.
- Indigenized learning environment where participants can learn in the traditional ways through Indigenous ways of knowing, including storytelling and interactions with guest speakers.
- Training is offered in English only.
