News & Updates                                                   Press Release 
January 29, 2013

   Soaring Eagles' Nest: Dragons' Den Style Business Plan Competition
         Hosted by The Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Inc. (CCAE)

It’s official, for the first time ever; the BEST of the BEST competition is moving to be hosted on a national stage at I DO BUSINESS. National Summit & Tradeshow – Success for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Toronto from March 4-5-6, 2013.

This event features select graduates from across British Columbia who have completed the Aboriginal BEST (Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training) Program. Only 50 seats will be open to paid registrants of I DO BUSINESS. National Summit & Tradeshow. If you would like to be in the audience for this great event, register now and contact register@idobusiness.ca to get your name on the list.

Moving the event from Vancouver will provide the opportunity for all Aboriginal Entrepreneurs to experience the competition through technology and recording of the event for dissemination through I DO BUSINESS. Community Ambassador Mini-Summits following the National event. However, for the first 20 paid registrants for the National Summit, they will have the chance to experience this event live, during the competition, where seats have been reserved. 

“We take great pride in our exceptional approach toward making this event truly a national one, helping urban and rural Aboriginal social issues and assisting individuals to engage in the economic sector.  Therefore, we are very proud to have the BEST of the BEST from British Columbia to compete at the Soaring Eagles' Nest: Dragons' Den Style Business Plan Competition & Awards hosted by The Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Inc. (CCAE).” Stated John Kor, National Summit Lead.

About I DO BUSINESS.
For anyone currently doing business, or contemplating doing business with or in Aboriginal Canada, I DO BUSINESS. National Summit & Tradeshow will offer an outstanding venue to Learn, Network and Do Business. The activities, workshops and exhibitor forum will provide a unique and innovative opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services, and to network effectively and profitably. Check out www.idobusiness.ca for more information.

About CCAE
The Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Inc. helped create and now runs the highly successful Aboriginal BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) program, which has been offered in 86 communities to over 1,400 Aboriginal entrepreneurs. CCAE works with government and Aboriginal organizations to bring this innovative and powerful program to

Communities across Canada. Many successful businesses have been started through this program. See www.aboriginalbest.com 

About Aboriginal BEST Program
Aboriginal BEST is financially supported by both the B.C. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Service Canada.  The Aboriginal BEST program has proven over the years to help Aboriginal people and communities to achieve economic strength and independence. BEST helps participants identify business opportunities and determine their feasibility. They learn how to conduct market research, write business plans and explore financing options. If they want, they get to pitch their business idea to a panel of community leaders.  A wide variety of guest speakers round out the training. Graduates then have the unique opportunity to apply to a loan program set up just for BEST participants. And take part in a Dragons’ Den-type business competition, all expenses paid.

Bruce Lacroix is the Provincial Coordinator of Aboriginal BEST. “The BEST program is suitable for entrepreneurs at all levels, from those who don’t have an idea yet to those working on their ideas, even those who are already in business. And I thank Vancity for their support” said Lacroix. The program is so complete that Lacroix has been approached by colleges and universities that are considering offering credit to BEST grads. “Vancouver Island University, Thompson Rivers University, College of the Rockies and others are all interested in the program. So it’s like a free Business Admin course.” For further information, visit www.aboriginalbest.com.