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Federal Government press release ...

Aboriginal Firms Click and Go Global

Across the country, there are over 27,000 self-employed entrepreneurs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit heritage who are creating economic opportunities in their regions and making important contributions to Canada’s economy. Their businesses are growing, reporting profits and gaining ground in higher knowledge sectors such as professional, scientific and technical services.

While the majority of Aboriginal businesses sell their goods and services in Canada, 13% are now exporting goods and services to other countries.

One way the Government of Canada is helping Aboriginal businesses look beyond the country’s borders is through www.aboriginaltrade.ca, a website launched to help Aboriginal businesses—especially smaller firms—tap into global trade opportunities.

“As important as it is for Aboriginal companies to build their business within Canada, it is equally important for them to look at expanding to other countries,” says David Emerson, Minister of International Trade. “The website brings together, for the first time, targeted export information for a range of sectors where Aboriginal businesses are making their mark—sectors like tourism, cultural industries and natural resources.”

The website highlights the products and services of Aboriginal entrepreneurs so that prospective international customers can easily find information about what Aboriginal businesses have to offer. Canadian trade commissioners working abroad can also access the site to match potential buyers and partners for Aboriginal businesses.

“The Aboriginal business and international trade website will be an important tool in helping businesses make the most of global opportunities, particularly those emerging from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 Games in Vancouver-Whistler,” says Emerson.

This website was developed by the same firm that developed and maintains INAC's Aboriginal Portal - Alika Internet Technologies Inc (www.alika.ca). Other sites they develop and maintain include:

http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca
http://bsa.cbsc.org/
http://businessgateway.ca
http://commercecan.ic.gc.ca
http://hrmanagement.gc.ca
http://exportsource.ca
http://innovation.gc.ca/
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca

Apparently this latest site was developed in collaboration with Aboriginal businesses, economic development officers and Aboriginal service providers across Canada.

For more information, go to www.aboriginaltrade.ca