John Harper | Past Director, Economic Initiatives, BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “Bruce has provided the necessary energy, enthusiasm and vision to make Aboriginal BEST a highly recognized success across the province. He is a tireless advocate of Aboriginal entrepreneurship.” John Harper | Past Director, Economic Initiatives, BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

Ryan Daum | Tsawwassen Economic Development Corporation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “Bruce is an insightful writer and teacher who created a business development program which successfully engages and educates Aboriginal students in a respectful manner.” Ryan Daum | Tsawwassen Economic Development Corporation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial.

Caledonia Fred | Economic Development Officer, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Commission | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “The program is well designed and it is obvious that a lot of work went into it.” Caledonia Fred | Economic Development Officer, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Commission | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

Joe Dennis | Past Chief Lower Similkameen Indian Band “As previous Chief of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band I would like to give my greatest respect for Bruce as a facilitator. Bruce is one of the best when it comes to working with First Nations. Well done Bruce!” Joe Dennis | Past Chief Lower Similkameen Indian Band | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial.

Ursula Ullrich | Nipissing Thrift | Website Ursula Ullrich proud owner of Nipissing Thrift, writes, "In 2024, I did a business program called Aboriginal Best through the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, prepping you for pitching. They did lots of Toastmasters’ work. Every day, we would do a 60-second pitch. At the end, it was a pitch competition because the program coordinator had competed in Pow Wow Pitch himself. That really prepped me to be able to take on this mission. I had the coaching from an instructor that did it before to give me that confidence to pitch, to get that video ready for sixty seconds full of what they need to know." Ursula Ullrich | Nipissing Thrift | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial. Joseph Sagaj | Indigenous Artist & Designer of the 2022 TORONTO SIGN | Website ”I have known the facilitator Zechariah since he started at the CCAE in 2017. During this time, I completed two Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) programs, and I’ve been a regular participant in Toastmasters. I have also been involved in all the Indigenous Artisan Marketplace arts and crafts shows hosted by Zechariah, and I’ve found him to be of strong values, having deep respect for people and for good relations on a personal level, which is integral to First Nations traditions.” Essence Wandering Spirit | The Essence of Spirit | Website “The BEST program has been a truly transformative experience for me as an entrepreneur. It didn’t just provide business knowledge—it gave me the confidence, tools, and support to bring my vision for The Essence of Spirit to life. Through the program, I gained invaluable insights into financial planning, business development, and the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship. But beyond that, it reinforced the importance of leading with purpose, cultural connection, and integrity. One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the mentorship I received from Zechariah. Through one-on-one coaching, he helped me refine my ideas, strategize my next steps, and even supported me in building my website. His guidance made me feel like my dreams were not only possible but fully within reach. Before BEST, I had always wanted to create something deeply rooted in healing, empowerment, and self-love—but I didn’t know where to start. This program provided the direction, encouragement, and skills I needed to make it a reality. BEST didn’t just teach me how to build a business—it helped me build something that aligns with my values and allows me to uplift others. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship, the community, and the opportunities this program has provided.” Cynthia & Samantha Dick | By Your Favorite Aunties | Website “The B.E.S.T. program has given us the tools we need to grow our business. While taking the class, I realized that I may have learned some of this information slowly over time, but setting aside these weeks to focus on marketing, finance, branding, and operations has given us more drive to push our business further. A few weeks may seem like a long time to set aside, especially if you also have a full-time job—we thought the same thing. But in order to grow our business, we had to sacrifice somewhere to take the time to learn more tools. This program has helped us bridge the gap, and Zechariah was a patient and informative instructor. We are excited to see how the other participants grow their business, and thanks again to TNG and Zechariah for setting time aside to visit us on this side of Turtle Island.”

Zechariah James CIBN Connect Website: https://thecibn.com/ Zechariah James is an Indigenous Youth entrepreneur, a first-generation Métis of direct Cree lineage. He started in business in Calgary at the very young age of only 17 in 2012, and currently lives in Toronto. He is a majority shareholder and founder of CIBN Connect Inc. www.thecibn.com with his two partners. CIBN Connect is a private business networking and training organization that has hosted over 365 events per year since 2012. Zechariah also teaches and inspires other potential entrepreneurs with the CCAE’s Aboriginal BEST program across Canada and gets rave reviews for his teaching style, knowledge, and commitment. Obviously, as a firm believer in networking, my best advice for people starting out in business is: “Networking solves all problems in business. Technology, Legal, Marketing, Taxes, Insurance, Hiring, … when you can always say ‘I have a person for that’ then you will never have a problem.”

Ursula Ullrich Nipissing Thrift Website: https://www.nipissingthrift.com/ For Ursula Ullrich, launching Nipissing Thrift is an eco-conscious mission rooted in community support and environmental stewardship on Nipissing First Nation. Located at 40b Couchie Industrial Rd S, Nipissing First Nation, ON P1B 8G5—just at the top of the hill from Duchesnay Falls—the business brings circular fashion and textile waste reduction directly to the community. Sustainability Rooted in Community Ursula’s venture gained momentum during Earth Week with the installation of the initial Nipissing Thrift 24/7 donation bin. Within 24 hours of inviting her community to donate unwanted clothing and small housewares, local support flooded in, requiring her to empty the bin three times in a single day. By creating an accessible drop-off point, Nipissing Thrift gives community members a direct way to practice sustainability, divert reusable goods from landfills, and keep affordable items circulating locally. Targeting the Grand Finale of Pow Wow Pitch 2026 Equipped with rigorous pitch training and practical business coaching, Ursula has set her sights on reaching the grand finale of Pow Wow Pitch 2026. As Turtle Island's premier pitch competition for Indigenous innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs, Pow Wow Pitch provides a platform to elevate businesses to the next level. With community support driving her forward, Ursula is asking supporters to vote and help propel Nipissing Thrift to the national stage. Vote for Ursula in Pow Wow Pitch: https://www.powwowpitch.org/vote/ Connect & Support Nipissing Thrift: Vote for Ursula in Pow Wow Pitch: https://www.powwowpitch.org/vote/ Deadline for voting is September 10th 2026. Drop-off & Location: 40b Couchie Industrial Rd S, Nipissing First Nation, ON P1B 8G5 (Top of the hill from Duchesnay Falls) Ursula credits her Indigenous Entrepreneurial readiness and public speaking confidence to graduating from the Canadian Center for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship (CCAE) Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Online program in 2024. Reflecting on how the program built her foundational skill set, Ursula shares: "In 2024, I did a business program called Aboriginal Best through the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, prepping you for pitching. They did lots of Toastmasters’ work. Every day, we would do a 60-second pitch. At the end, it was a pitch competition because the program coordinator had competed in Pow Wow Pitch himself. That really prepped me to be able to take on this mission. I had the coaching from an instructor that did it before to give me that confidence to pitch, to get that video ready for sixty seconds full of what they need to know."

Please Click Here to Apply Applications are open to all Indigenous People (First Nations Status or Non-status, Métis, and Inuit). The application Deadline is April 30th 2027, at 5 pm EST (or until the program is filled). There are only 80 spots available. After we receive your application, we will contact you within 20 business days to schedule a brief 60-90 min virtual meeting with the program coordinators/instructor. Afterward, you will receive your letter of acceptance within 5 business days of that meeting. Full Program Details Below: Where: ONLINE Via Zoom When: Class Schedule: 17 classes, 1:00 p.m. To 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, June 1st - July 8th 2027. Dates: June 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, July 6th, 7th & 8th 2027. Participants must be available to attend at least 75% of the classes. 1-on-1 Tutoring/Mentoring/Business Coaching via Zoom focused follow-up period: July 12th - September 1st. 60-90 min at the participant's choice of time. Tentative Graduation Ceremony via Zoom Wednesday, September 1st, 2027, at 6 pm. Total Program Duration: June 1st - September 1st, 2027. Equipment needs - The following equipment is required: Stable Internet/Wifi access For more information or if you require assistance completing the application, please contact us: Office: 226-243-5635 | Email: ccaecanada@gmail.com What: CCAE Aboriginal BEST (Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training) Program! Aboriginal BEST is the only entrepreneurship program of its kind in Canada, in operation for over 25 years! The BEST Program has helped over 5,000 Indigenous participants start successful new businesses and achieve greater levels of professional, personal, and entrepreneurial success! BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business to increase their income; others have a big idea and need access to tools to make it work; and some are eager to write a plan that will help them secure the funding they need to grow their venture. TOPICS INCLUDE: 101 Business Ideas for Indigenous Entrepreneurs | AI & BEST Technology to Enhance Your Business | Polishing Your Idea | Building Your Business Plan | Marketing | Financing and Tax | Assessing Your Idea | Market Research | Operations Strategy | Operating Challenges | E-business: "How to make sales online" | Financial Literacy | Basic Technology Literacy | Hiring the BEST | Basic Bookkeeping | Funding & Sales Presentations | Shopify/Ecommerce Platforms PROGRAM INCLUDES: Curriculum Book | Completion Certificates | $500 Value Business Booster Package | Business Coaching | Ongoing mentoring | Successful BEST Alumni Indigenous Guest Speakers | Free Networking Organization Membership for Life! | One-Year Free Membership to Toastmasters International

Please Click Here To Apply Applications are open to all Canadian First Nations, Inuit, or Métis ages 16+ Where: Online via Zoom When: Program starts November 09 2026! Monday-Friday 28 weeks. What: ONLINE Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) IndigiTECH Cohort 8 In Partnership With CCAE Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program. 100% online 28-week program, Monday-Friday Project-based learning Nutrition, childcare support 1-1 mentorship 12-week internship connection opportunities FREE digital art pad & laptop, which becomes yours upon successful program completion CCAE BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) is the only entrepreneurship program of its kind in Canada, in operation for over 25 years! The BEST Program has helped over 5,000 Indigenous participants start successful new businesses and achieve greater levels of professional, personal, and entrepreneurial success! BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business to increase their income, others have a big idea and need access to tools to make it work, and some are eager to write a plan that will help them get the funding they need to grow their venture. TOPICS INCLUDE: 101 Business Ideas for Indigenous Entrepreneurs | AI & Technology to Enhance Your Business | Polishing Your Idea | Building Your Business Plan | Marketing | Financing and Tax | Assessing Your Idea | Market Research | Operations Strategy | Operating Challenges | E-business: "How to make sales online" | Financial Literacy | BEST Business Technology for You | Hiring the BEST | Basic Bookkeeping | Funding & Sales Presentations PROGRAM INCLUDES: Business coaching | Ongoing mentoring | Help to start and grow your business | Canadian Indigenous guest speakers CCAE Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program

Please Click Here To Express Interest Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open to all registered members of the Membertou First Nation community and their direct family. There are only 30 spots available. Those who complete the EOI will be given first call once the program applications open. Full Program Details Below: Where: ONLINE Via Zoom When: Tentative Class Schedule: For 5 weeks, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, Oct 13th to Nov 10th 2026, 12:00 p.m. To 4:00 p.m (Atlantic Daylight Time). Note: program dates/times may be adjusted based on the results of EOI. What: ONLINE CCAE Aboriginal BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) is the only entrepreneurship program of its kind in Canada for over 25 years! The BEST Program has helped over 5,000 Indigenous Canadian participants start successful new businesses and achieve greater levels of professional, personal and entrepreneurial success! BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business to increase their income; others have a big idea and need access to tools to make it work; and some are eager to write a plan that will help them secure the funding they need to grow their venture. TOPICS INCLUDE: 101 Business Ideas for Indigenous Entrepreneurs | BEST AI & Technology to enhance your business | Polishing Your Idea | Building Your Business Plan | Marketing | Financing and Tax | Assessing Your Idea | Market Research | Operations Strategy | Operating Challenges | E-business: "How to make sales online" | Financial Literacy | Hiring the BEST | Basic Bookkeeping | Funding & Sales Presentations PROGRAM INCLUDES: Business coaching | Ongoing mentoring | Help to start and grow your business | Canadian Indigenous guest speakers For more information or if you require assistance completing the EOI, please contact: Cindel Knockwood - Indigenous Employment Officer | cindelknockwood@membertou.ca | Phone #: 902-564-6466 (ex.2830) Membertou First Nation ONLINE CCAE Aboriginal Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program

Please Click Here To Apply Applications are open to all Canadian First Nations, Inuit, or Métis ages 16+ Where: Online via Zoom When: Program Start July 27th, 2026! Monday-Friday 28 weeks. What: ONLINE Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) IndigiTECH Cohort 8 In Partnership With CCAE Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program. 100% online 28-week program, Monday-Friday Project-based learning Nutrition, childcare support 1-1 mentorship 12-week internship connection opportunities FREE digital art pad & laptop, which becomes yours upon successful program completion CCAE BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) is the only entrepreneurship program of its kind in Canada, in operation for over 25 years! The BEST Program has helped over 5,000 Indigenous participants start successful new businesses and achieve greater levels of professional, personal, and entrepreneurial success! BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business to increase their income, others have a big idea and need access to tools to make it work, and some are eager to write a plan that will help them get the funding they need to grow their venture. TOPICS INCLUDE: 101 Business Ideas for Indigenous Entrepreneurs | AI & Technology to Enhance Your Business | Polishing Your Idea | Building Your Business Plan | Marketing | Financing and Tax | Assessing Your Idea | Market Research | Operations Strategy | Operating Challenges | E-business: "How to make sales online" | Financial Literacy | BEST Business Technology for You | Hiring the BEST | Basic Bookkeeping | Funding & Sales Presentations PROGRAM INCLUDES: Business coaching | Ongoing mentoring | Help to start and grow your business | Canadian Indigenous guest speakers CCAE Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program