❊ Rooted in the North ❊

Our Story

EntrepreNorth is a growing network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and changemakers from across the North who are building businesses that reflect their values and visions for the future. We exist to support Indigenous innovation that is rooted in identity, community values, and deep care for the land. Our work combines business tools and education with Indigenous knowledge systems to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

A man wearing a black hoodie with a graphic of a Native American chief and the word "SACDEN", pointing at a whiteboard covered with colorful sticky notes while holding papers.
A woman with dark hair smiles and looks over her shoulder, wearing a fur-like coat and large pink earrings, standing in front of a blue background with a microphone nearby.
An elderly woman with a black hat and black blazer smiling and engaging in a conversation with two women with colorful hair, one with blue and the other with pink, in a room with wooden walls.
  • A blue and cyan laser sight reticle focused on a target.

    Our Vision

     A movement of Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are innovating solutions to strengthen economic resilience and community wellbeing for generations to come.

  • A symmetrical snowflake with a floral pattern in shades of blue and teal.

    Our Purpose

    To advance thought leadership on business education and financial practices that honours Indigenous knowledge systems, creates social change, and generates new economic pathways.

  • Illustration of a pair of ice skates.

    Our Mission

    Empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across Northern Canada.

Mapping Business Through a Circular Lens

At the heart of EntrepreNorth’s work is the Multi-Directional Business Compass—an Indigenous-centred model created by Benjamin Scott that offers a multi-dimensional perspective on value creation, business development and systems thinking. This model serves as the foundation for our program design and offers a powerful tool for thinking about business, community, and economic impact in a more circular and holistic way.

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A traditional teepee tent made of animal hide and wooden poles, set outdoors among tall pine trees on a partly cloudy day.

  • Northern leaders, Indigenous entrepreneurs, donors, and impact investors gather in Yellowknife, NT for two design workshops hosted by MakeWay. A shared understanding emerges: Indigenous entrepreneurs face unique barriers, yet hold powerful potential to transform Northern economies. The idea for EntrepreNorth is born.

Group of people standing outdoors in a forested area, gathered around a smoking firepit.

  • EntrepreNorth launches under MakeWay with a clear purpose: activate Indigenous entrepreneurial potential across the North. Benjamin Scott is the Founding Project Director and an Advisory Team forms, bringing together leaders committed to shaping a new model of business education rooted in Northern realities.

Man giving a presentation in front of a whiteboard with circular diagrams and charts, pointing at the whiteboard.

  • The inaugural cohort brings together entrepreneurs from across Nunavut, the NWT, and the Yukon for immersive learning, coaching, and network building. Radius SFU supports as a delivery partner. This foundational program sets the tone for holistic, community-centered entrepreneurship.

Three women standing together against a dark background, wearing stylish winter jackets with fur-lined hoods.

  • EntrepreNorth expands its team, and Xina Cowan joins Benjamin Scott as Co-Director. Four additional cohorts are delivered. New offerings launch, including:

    • Business Ideation Workshops

    • Facilitator Certification Program

    • Storytelling platforms like the Venture Out podcast

    • Digital tools like the eNorth App

    • These years establish a strong network of alumni and deepen the organization’s impact across the North.

A woman sprinkling what appears to be ash or spices over an open campfire inside a tent, with several people in the background playing drums.

  • EntrepreNorth secures long-term funding partnerships and advances the design of a Northern Impact Fund to address persistent barriers to capital access for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Person inside a large ice cave, wearing beige winter gear and yellow gloves, holding a knife, and looking upward, surrounded by icy walls.

  • EntrepreNorth becomes an independent charitable entity co-founded by Benjamin Scott, Xina Cowan, and Kristin Richard. The movement continues to grow, guided by the wisdom of Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs, community leaders, and the roots that shaped its early vision.

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Our Guiding Values

WOVEN INTO EVERYTHING WE DO

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  • We strive for excellence while uplifting each other with dignity, kindness, and respect.

  • We honour the lived experiences, gifts, and teachings that we all carry into our work.

  • We center personal wellbeing and acknowledge the courage it takes to walk in power.

  • We focus our energy on solutions that hold purpose and meaning for communities.

  • We teach business practices that demonstrate care for the land, water, and animals.

  • We embrace ideas that promote greater self-determination and economic justice.

  • We amplify narratives that inspire new ways of doing business where we all grow and benefit.

Meet our team who makes it happen!

The E-North Team