Training vital to success of small business ventures

Entrepreneurs within the Siksika First Nation are taking giant ‘business’ steps to reach high hopes and big dreams.

The southern community is experiencing an increasing rate of small business owners who wish to manage their own businesses that will guarantee a steady income for the future.

Ariel Waterchief is one of the 10 students who graduated in April from an intense two-month Small Business Management Certification program offered by SAIT Polytechnic, in Siksika. The program is geared to the development of a solid business plan to match individual ventures.

“The skills are meant to last so that the business lasts,” said Waterchief, who plans on expanding her mother’s catering business to “Buttons Restaurant & Catering.” She believes the skills taught in the program are those that entrepreneurs should have before starting their business,

The Grant Review Committee for Siksika Small Business Centre noticed that many small business managers needed additional training as they brought forward their ideas in hopes of obtaining a start-up grant, said Diana Melting Tallow, manager for the Siksika Employment and Training Services.

SAIT Polytechnic was approached to deliver the program in Siksika as part of the third-party partnership.
“We do a lot of business with SAIT and it is a credible organization....I noticed that most of the employers (in Calgary) readily hired people who were SAIT grads, so I thought SAIT would be a good institute to deliver the program,” said Melting Tallow.

The Entrepreneur Program provides financial assistance to Siksika members who want to start a small business or who want to expand with their current business, said Jackie Weasel Fat, service manager for SSBC.  She added that the program funds over 20business applications annually.

“The (SAIT) course is not a requirement to receive a grant from the Siksika Entrepreneur Program,” said Weasel Fat. “It is an asset to the individual as the information provided (are) useful tools to use when operating a business. This type of certification is considered when grant applications are reviewed.”
Currently there are 200 small business ventures registered through the Entrepreneur Program, with approximately 80 per cent in operation both on and off the reserve.

Stewart Montana’s Port-A-Potty venture is one example of a business that has flourished with the help of a grant. And lack of competition within the area is also a winning factor.

Although the SAIT certificate program will not be offered on a regular basis, there is hope to partner with the Community Futures Treaty 7 business arm in the near future for similar training, said Melting Tallow.

Weasel Fat said lack of business knowledge is what causes many ventures to fail.  She does not believe lack of funding is an issue, and is optimistic about the increasing interest in strong business attitudes by potential managers, as seen in the 10 graduates.

Financial company Meyers Norris & Penny are currently running a similar business program in Siksika to further train Siksika employees.

Photo Caption: Siksika entreprenuer students (from left) Raleigh Weasel Head, Samantha Red Crow, Jarrott PrettyYoungMan, Ariel Water Chief, Kim Red Gun, Penny Red Gun, Carlene Bear Chief (missing- Susan Solway, Kai Water Chief, Kerri Running Rabbit) receive recognition from SAIT for the completion of a Small Business Certification program.