Aamjiwnaang and Community Futures Lambton launch entrepreneurship workshop series

A free eight-week program beginning Sept. 29 will guide aspiring and established business owners through practical business skills.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation, in collaboration with Community Futures Lambton, is launching “Build. Grow. Expand.,” a free eight-week entrepreneurship workshop series designed to strengthen Indigenous business development and practical learning in the region.

The program begins Tuesday, Sept. 29 and continues for eight consecutive weeks at Maawn Doosh Gumig in Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Sessions run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Each workshop combines guided learning with hands-on workbooks, exercises and templates that participants can apply directly to their business or business idea. Topics progress from business model development through digital marketing strategy, financial literacy, and business plan creation.

“Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship means creating opportunities for people to build practical skills, explore their ideas and make informed decisions about the future of their businesses,” said Judith Beauchamp, Education Outreach Worker of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. “By bringing business learning directly into the community, this partnership can help entrepreneurs move forward with greater clarity and connect with resources that can support them along the way.”

The series is primarily focused on serving the Aamjiwnaang business community, but registration is open to entrepreneurs in other Lambton County First Nations communities.

Sarah Reaume, CEO of Community Futures Lambton, said the partnership represents a shared investment in long-term business success. “Strong businesses are built through ongoing learning, thoughtful planning, and the confidence to make informed decisions,” Reaume said. “We are proud to work alongside Aamjiwnaang’s Economic Development and Education Departments on this first-time partnership.”

Workshop topics include business model canvas, value proposition development, digital marketing strategy, financial literacy, pricing for profit, financial projections and business plan development. Participants who complete the full eight-week series will receive a certificate of completion.

The program is free and has a capacity of 15 participants. Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.

To register, visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft.com/r/2Du4Gf4aAg or contact Joel Piché, Special Projects Liaison, at [email protected] or 519-336-8410 ext. 242.