Development of a dozen Indigenous-led businesses supported by the Polytech’s Entrepreneurship Acceleration and Incubation Initiative 

For immediate release:

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory – the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis –

Today, at a culturally grounded ceremony in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, RRC Polytech is celebrating its first cohort of students to complete the four-month entrepreneurship program at its new Indigenous Business Accelerator and Incubator known as Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah (Mittohnee).

“Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is empowering Indigenous People and communities with the training, tools and support they need to create, own and operate successful businesses – ventures that will multiply opportunities, create jobs, and transform the economic landscape in Manitoba,” said Jamie Wilson, VP, Indigenous Strategy, Research, and Business Development at RRC Polytech.      

At today’s completion ceremony, surrounded by their family and supporters, mentors, and staff, Mittohnee’s twelve determined Indigenous entrepreneurs are demonstrating their new skills and confidence by sharing their business ideas and explaining how the program’s training and experiences have prepared them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities. 

“Our first Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah cohort has shown extraordinary courage, creativity, and commitment. Each entrepreneur has built something meaningful, and these businesses will continue to shape the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Manitoba and beyond,” said Amy Jackson, Director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah at RRC Polytech. “It has been an honour for our team to walk alongside them, support their growth, and witness their ideas come to life.”

Created for and by Indigenous entrepreneurs, Mittohnee is rooted in cultural values, community connection, and practical skillbuilding. Its programming provides mentorship, workshops, coaching, and access to networks that help entrepreneurs move their business ideas from concept to action.

The entrepreneurs have spent 16 weeks working in collaboration with their peers, Indigenous business leaders and mentors, and Mittohnee staff to develop, refine, pitch, and launch their business ideas. Hailing from communities across the province, their business plans span a wide variety of areas and interests – from digital technology and the arts; to project management and human resources; to the advancement of educational, culinary, spiritual and social innovations. Many of the projects share a common theme of empowering others to succeed by improving access and removing barriers.

“Being part of Mittohnee has been an amazing experience,” said Shyla Niemi. “I’m surrounded by like-minded people who share similar values, but everyone is pursuing very different ideas and approaches. That variety made the space inspiring.”

Shyla Niemi is the founder of Giigido Mikinaak, a brand that makes physical and digital learning tools that help bring Indigenous languages into everyday life by meeting people where they’re at. Giigido Mikinaak, which translates to “Turtle Talk” or “Talking Turtle,” is a nod to her Turtle Clan roots and reflects her deep commitment to Indigenous language revitalization and cultural connection. She’s just launched an online crowdfunding campaign marketing her unique card game called Ataage Agindaasonan – a fun way for anyone to learn Ojibwe/Anishinaabemowin.

“It feels surreal to see this project come to life, but seeing people respond with the same excitement I feel has been really rewarding, and surprisingly emotional,” said Niemi. “Mittohnee gave me feedback, perspective, and helped me realize my ideas were worth pursuing. The program encouraged me to take initiative and follow through, which helped me grow a lot of confidence as an entrepreneur.”

Some of the other new products and services developed by the cohort include:

• an Indigenous-focused newswire service
• a gaming platform using and encouraging traditional languages
• a barbecue sauce infused with medicinal sweetgrass
• practical, accessible HR services for business owners that can also help individuals overcome employment challenges
• supports for local cafes and restaurants to transition from single-use takeout products to reusable cups and containers

The participants now have the choice to move forward on their own or continue to scale and evolve their businesses using Mittohnee’s accelerator supports. They can also access additional strategies, techniques, and knowledge shared through the RRC Polytech-led Labs4 College-University Research Network, and its eight Regional and three Indigenous Hubs located across the country.

“Today’s entrepreneurs will quickly become tomorrow’s mentors, so we’re excited to ramp up our business accelerator programming to help anyone interested in taking their project to the next level,” said Jackson. “By encouraging, supporting, and funding new and established Indigenous entrepreneurs, as well as band-operated business looking to pivot, scale up, or explore new partnerships, Mittohnee is strengthening communities and creating pathways for innovation and economic sovereignty.”

Funded by the Province of Manitoba, Prairies Economic Development Canada, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) along with generous donors including TD Bank Group and Canada Life, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is now recruiting interested participants for its next entrepreneurship program cohort, scheduled for the fall.

“The success of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah’s first cohort shows what is possible when Indigenous entrepreneurs are met with the right support and community – turning resilience into confidence, ideas into action, and learning into lasting opportunity,” said The Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training for the Province of Manitoba. “Education is most powerful when we provide opportunities for mentorship and invest in learning that builds opportunity, strength, and success for future generations.”

Media is welcome to attend the Mittohnee Completion Celebration.

When: Friday, January 30^th 11a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus

Who: (Invited Speakers)

• The Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training
• Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research, and Business Development, RRC Polytech
• Amy Jackson, Director, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, RRC Polytech
• Individual Entrepreneurs