Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah’s mission to bring more local Indigenous business ideas to life has begun with the launch of its inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program and celebration of its first ever cohort of determined entrepreneurs.

Mittohnee is RRC Polytech’s business accelerator and incubator initiative, created by and for Indigenous entrepreneurs to help aspiring and established business leaders build the necessary networks and access the support and training required for increasing the success of any new or existing venture.

“By creating access, breaking down barriers and ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the tools to succeed here in Manitoba, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is opening new economic doors,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Whether it’s progressing a student’s idea from concept to reality or supporting an established Indigenous entrepreneur and/or band-operated business to pivot, scale up or explore new partnerships, Mittohnee will transform experiential learning, innovation and entrepreneurship into real business opportunities for Indigenous communities.”

The name Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah comes from a Neynowaywin (Cree) expression that means ‘If you are going to do it, do it right. If you don’t know how to do it right, learn how.’

Made possible by the power of partnership — between RRC Polytech, federal and provincial governments, generous corporate partners, TD Bank Group and Canada Life — Mittohnee is a true collaboration and the first of its kind in Manitoba. As one of three Indigenous incubators in the Labs4 national network, it offers additional connections to the innovation ecosystem across the country.

Mittohnee’s inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program will feature mentorship through an entrepreneur-in-residence, training workshops, networking events, opportunities to connect with other business leaders and even student competitions.

Director Amy Jackson — a proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, dedicated community connector and entrepreneur who founded a successful venture called Nativelovenotes during the pandemic — has tailored the program for maximum impact.

“From resources and connections to dedicated space for entrepreneurs to collaborate and grow their ideas, we provide everything they need in a really supportive environment,” says Jackson.

“When we help entrepreneurs succeed, they create jobs, build stronger communities and inspire the next generation. The ripple effect is powerful.”

Mittohnee is a natural but significant extension of RRC Polytech’s commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples and communities. It will also benefit the students graduating from the Social Innovation and Community Development program, who may wish to continue the pursuit of their project concepts.

“These students, who know and understand their communities and the challenges they face, now have the resources to build on their education, take their ideas and solutions and create a business that moves their vision forward,” says Jackson.

A total of 13 entrepreneurs of First Nations and Métis descent, each with their own dream, idea or business-in-progress, make up the initial cohort. In addition to their proud heritage, what they share is an eagerness to put in the work to learn, grow and succeed.

Among them is Darion Ducharme, the award-winning founder of Teqare, an Indigenous-owned education and technology training company empowering youth, adults, elders and organizations with hands-on workshops in cyber-safety, scam prevention, financial literacy, digital literacy and city life skills.

Ducharme is already a passionate role model making a difference and can’t wait to take his story to the next level and continue to inspire positive change.

“Teqare’s success, while amazing, has forced us to evolve from dealing with small-scale numbers and assets to much larger and complicated transactions,” he says.

“I see the training and mentorship through Mittohnee really helping me to manage business finances better to ensure return on investment and improve areas like proposal writing, which will allow our company to grow and thrive.”

Last week’s launch celebration included a culturally grounded ceremony, a motivational panel discussion and feast at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus.

Ducharme says the venue is important in continuing to build trust with Indigenous communities and — like the word Mittohnee itself — reminds everyone that entrepreneurship is not just about ideas, but about how you approach the work.

“This is a safe space where everyone makes you feel welcome, cared for and valued,” says Ducharme. “I believe Mittohnee will help us create a culture of people who come together to do what they are called to do. I can’t wait to get started.”

Learn more about Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah.