The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announced a partnership on August 23 with Hydro One to support Indigenous-owned businesses through two types of grants.
Businesses that are majority-owned and controlled by an Indigenous Canadian have until September 13 to submit an application.
- Level 1 Grants: 20 recipients will be awarded a $2,500 grant and a CCAB membership. Grants will be selected by lottery draw prior to Sept. 30.
- Level 2 Grants: eight recipients will be awarded a $7,500 grant and a CCAB membership. Level 2 recipients are selected through a jury review process and will be notified by Sept. 30.
“CCAB is proud to partner with Hydro One in support of Ontario Indigenous businesses,” said Tabatha Bull, president and CEO of CCAB. “As a silver-certified member in our PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) program, Hydro One continues to demonstrate their commitment to achieving successful positive relations with the Indigenous community. This investment helps give support to those Indigenous businesses that need it the most.”
This partnership is part of Hydro One’s commitment to ensuring that 20 per cent of its community investments are directed to Indigenous communities. Hydro One is also committed to increasing its Indigenous procurement spend to five per cent of the company’s purchases of materials and services by 2026.
“Hydro One is committed to supporting Indigenous-owned businesses in Ontario and growing our network of Indigenous suppliers as part of the continued empowerment of Indigenous communities,” said Penny Favel, vice-president of Indigenous Relations at Hydro One. “By partnering with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, we can help Indigenous-owned businesses thrive as the economy restarts.”
Applications are now open and can be submitted online until Sept. 13. Successful grant recipients will be notified by September 30. Visit ccab.com to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply. Or email grants@ccab.com.
