Welcoming Cohort 8: The Next Chapter
It's Small Business Week, and what better time to introduce some of the Indigenous entrepreneurs building businesses across the North! We're happy to welcome 10 Indigenous entrepreneurs from Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon to Cohort 8 of EntrepreNorth's Entrepreneur Growth Program, The Next Chapter.
Each entrepreneur brings their own knowledge, experiences and ideas, shaped by the communities they call home and the work they're passionate about.
Why The Next Chapter?
Every business has a story, and each of these entrepreneurs is already writing theirs. They’ve built something real, and now they’re ready to take it further. The Next Chapter is about that moment of stepping into growth, and the decision to invest in yourself to get there. Over the coming months, this immersive program will stretch and challenge participants as business leaders, while surrounding them with the care, support and resources they need to grow with confidence.
The name speaks to something bigger, too. Across the North, more Indigenous community members are stepping into entrepreneurship, building businesses that reflect who they are and where they come from, and shaping what the future of the North can be. Cohort 8 is part of that growing movement, and we’re honoured to walk alongside them as they write what comes next.
A New Approach
This year marks an exciting change for our Growth Program. For the first time, we're welcoming entrepreneurs from all business sectors for a blended cohort experience. This year’s cohort spans wellness and counselling, film and media production, tourism and hospitality, professional arts, consulting, and more.
Bringing together people from different industries creates opportunities to exchange ideas, share knowledge and learn from one another. Their businesses may look different, but what they share is a readiness to grow. We're looking forward to the relationships, conversations and new perspectives that will grow as this group continues its journey together.
Supporting the Next Stage of Growth
The Entrepreneur Growth Program supports Indigenous entrepreneurs across the North who are ready to take their businesses and leadership to the next level. Over the next seven months, Cohort 8 will take part in a guided learning journey that brings together Indigenous-centred business education, coaching, mentorship and support tailored to their individual goals.
Through weekly online sessions, independent business development, and in-person gatherings, participants will strengthen their business strategies, develop their leadership skills and explore opportunities to grow and scale their businesses, including pathways to investment.
The program also recognizes that growing a business means supporting the person behind it. Alongside business education, participants have access to wellness resources, guidance from knowledge holders and a network of fellow entrepreneurs who understand the opportunities and realities of doing business in the North.
“Indigenous entrepreneurs in the North are solving real problems in their communities. They’re creating jobs, mentoring young people and opening doors for the next generation. When we invest in them, that impact ripples out far beyond one business. This program gives them the time, space and close support to grow as leaders, and to build relationships with each other that will last long after it ends. We’ll be with them every step of the way, and we’ll still be here when this chapter closes and the next one begins.”
Cora Kavyaktok | Program Manager, EntrepreNorth
A Journey Shared Across the North
Cohort 8 began their learning journey in September and recently came together in Iqaluit for their first in-person gathering.
Over the coming months, they'll continue connecting through weekly online sessions, with two more gatherings planned:
Whitehorse, Yukon: January 17–21, 2027
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: April 4–8, 2027
These gatherings create opportunities for participants to learn together, share experiences and strengthen relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors and knowledge holders from across the North.
We'll be sharing more from the Iqaluit gathering soon, including some of the moments, conversations and reflections from their time together.
Welcome to the EntrepreNorth Community
Each new cohort brings new people, experiences and perspectives into our growing EntrepreNorth community. The relationships formed throughout the program can continue long after the final gathering, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to stay connected and support one another.
To Berna, Cara, Cole, Corrine, Kunuk, Kamele, Sizula, Amy, Megan (Guná), and Bria, we're happy to have you joining us!
We're looking forward to getting to know you, learning alongside you and sharing more about your businesses and journeys throughout The Next Chapter.
Please join us in welcoming Cohort 8!
Learn more about our Entrepreneur Growth Program.
Meet our Growth Program alumni.
