NACCA Partners with Block, Inc. on First Private Indigenous Growth Fund Investment - Seite 2

“When our government first invested in the Indigenous Growth Fund last year, NACCA issued a call to action for partners to come to the table, expand access to capital and provide more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development. “Today, Block has responded to that call, joining NACCA, and our government, in advancing a societal effort towards reconciliation.”

“Block’s investment in the Indigenous Growth Fund is a great step forward in ensuring Indigenous businesses can continue to contribute to their vibrant communities and local economies. By helping further unlock the creative and entrepreneurial spirit in Indigenous communities, Block is positioning itself as a new partner on the federal government’s shared path towards economic reconciliation,” said Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.

Self-Determination for Indigenous Entrepreneurs

“The Indigenous Growth Fund represents a transfer of good energy into economic reconciliation and economic self-determination for Indigenous entrepreneurs,” sums up Metatawabin. “Accepting our first private investment is an important milestone to allow the Indigenous Growth Fund to deliver on its vision of helping more Indigenous business owners to take their businesses to the next level of growth and prosperity,” says Metatawabin. “Block’s investment also signals that private investors are looking at the IGF as a well-structured, institutional-grade fund. One that will begin to anchor real growth for our AFI network and their clients.”

About NACCA

NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, is a network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada. The AFI network has provided 50,000 loans totaling $3 billion to businesses owned by First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. NACCA supports the network by building AFI capacity and fostering Indigenous business development. NACCA’s goal is to provide opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and increase prosperity for Indigenous people in Canada. These efforts increase social and economic self-reliance and sustainability for Indigenous people and communities. NACCA advocates for Indigenous economic development by focusing on the following: representing the unified voice of AFIs; publishing national and regional results of AFI work; fostering partnerships and building capacity; and delivering the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) products and services to AFIs. Learn more at nacca.ca.