Zechariah James CIBN Connect Website: https://thecibn.com/ Zechariah James is a Youth Métis entrepreneur. He started in business in Calgary at the very young age of only 17 in 2013, 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 2013. 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.”

Davina Serotiuk Diamond Willow Kwe Website: https://sites.google.com/view/diamondwillowkwe/home In the bustling city of Toronto, Davina Serotiuk is meticulously crafting pieces that bridge generations, celebrate identity, and showcase the beauty of contemporary Indigenous artistry. As the founder and artist behind Diamond Willow Kwe, Davina creates authentic, high-quality beadwork that resonates with cultural significance and modern style. Her traditional name, Nindizhinikaaz Gaanoo Oziisigobamiish Kwe, meaning Diamond Willow Woman, reflects her deep connection to her roots. Hailing from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) and belonging to the Binesi (Thunderbird) Clan, Davina's heritage is intricately woven into her life and work. Though now residing in Toronto, her connection to her community remains a vital source of inspiration. Davina's journey into beadwork began in September 2019. Entirely self-taught, she embarked on this path as a means of reconnecting with her culture. What started as a personal exploration has blossomed into a thriving enterprise. Diamond Willow Kwe is more than just a business; it's a platform for cultural revitalization. Each piece Davina creates is infused with meaning, representing "good medicine," contemporary Indigenous fashion, and a powerful expression of identity. As an Indigenous youth in the CCAE Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program, Davina writes " I first found out about the BEST program in 2021 I wanted join but didn’t as I knew it wasn’t my time to join yet. As I was looking into entrepreneurship programs for Indigenous Youth like myself I seen the post for the BEST Program. I joined to gained better knowledge on entrepreneurship and to obtain new skills as well as learn more in depth about operating and running a business online. I’d like to give a big Miigwetch/Thank you to Zechariah for being an amazing facilitator, and being there to answer any questions when needed. I value all the time that was taken for this program as my daughter can learn from me and hopefully join the BEST program in the future for her own need.

Amethyst Lavalley Nimoosh Grooming & Boutique Website: www.nimoosh.ca/ Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Toronto's Danforth Avenue lies a unique sanctuary for pets and their people: Nimoosh Grooming & Boutique. Located at 582 Danforth Avenue, Nimoosh, founded in June 2023 by the experienced and passionate Amethyst Lavalley, offers more than just pet grooming; it provides a carefully crafted experience rooted in calmness and compassion From the moment one steps inside (or perhaps even peers through the window), the intention is clear – this is a place designed to put pets at ease. As an Indigenous-owned petsalon, Nimoosh brings a distinct presence to the neighbourhood, reflecting a commitment to community and a personalized approach. Amethyst Lavalley established the business not merely as a commercial venture, but as the culmination of years spent honing her craft and developing a philosophy centred on making grooming a gentle, comfortable, and stress-free event for every animal, especially those who find the process unnerving. In a city bustling with grooming options, Nimoosh distinguishes itself by prioritizing the emotional well-being of pets alongside achieving beautiful results, a promise echoed in the positive experiences shared by its growing clientele. The deliberate choice to establish an Indigenous-owned business in this specific Toronto location suggests a thoughtful approach, aiming to build a community-rooted establishment with a clear identity from its very beginning. This focus on gentle care, confirmed by reports of calm and happy pets post-grooming, directly addresses a common concern for pet owners – grooming anxiety – positioning Nimoosh as a specialized solution provider, not just another grooming shop. As an Indigenous youth in the CCAE Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training  (BEST) program, Amethyst writes "Thank you guys so much! I’m so glad I took CCAE’s BEST program, I learnt so much! Zechariah was amazing and very helpful! I’m so glad I got to experience this and meet everyone in the class. Xo"

Grace Swain Ojibway Influencer, Speaker, Advocate & Artist Visit Website Website: https://graceswainart.com/ Grace Swain is an Indigenous artist, speaker, and advocate. With heritage from Swan Lake First Nation (Treaty One) and Wiikwemkoong First Nation, she resides in Bruce Mines, Ontario. Swain’s work blends traditional Woodlands style painting with personal connection to her Bear and Fish clans, often depicting animals and nature. Holding a bachelor's degree in women's studies, she infuses her art with Indigenous teachings, exploring themes of gender and race. Driven by a desire to revitalize land-based art practices, Swain aims to make these traditions accessible to all Indigenous peoples. Her work is deeply rooted in healing, both for herself and her community, as she navigates the impact of colonialism, including her grandfather's residential school experience. She actively learns and incorporates her language through engagement with Elders and community members. Swain launched an art program in January 2023 to support Indigenous women artists, addressing economic and systemic barriers. The program aims to empower these artists to create and sell their land-based art, emphasizing the role of Indigenous peoples as stewards of the land and their crucial contribution to global biodiversity. As an Indigenous youth in the CCAE Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training  (BEST) program, Grace writes  “I absolutely loved the BEST program! Prior to BEST I had never been taught the legalities, marketing or finances required for business plans. I have invested in several programs and I feel as though this one is a must - even if you already have a business. The community with like-minded entrepreneurs held me accountable, inspired me and gave me several ideas which I will be implementing to generate more clients and leads. Thank you!”

Cynthia & Samantha Dick By Your Favorite Aunties Website: https://byyourfavoriteaunties.com/ By Your Favorite Aunties is a Tsilhqot’in-owned business run by sisters Samantha and Cynthia from Tl’etinqox. They handcraft beadwork, ribbon skirts, and custom digital art apparel inspired by their Tsilhqot’in culture and ranching heritage. Rooted in the teachings of their grandparents, their creations blend traditional artistry with modern designs. Operating part-time after work and on weekends, they showcase their work at events and markets, sharing their cultural pride with the community. Their journey into the world of traditional craftsmanship began with cherished memories that are forever etched in their minds—watching their beloved grandparents skillfully sewing traditional apparel, expertly beading exquisite looms, and meticulously tanning hides with a level of precision and care that only comes from years of practice and dedication. These formative experiences instilled in them a profound appreciation for their cultural heritage. In 2020, as they embarked on a quest to rediscover the art of beading, they found not only a creative outlet but also a source of solace and serenity in this timeless practice. What initially started as a simple pastime quickly blossomed into a passionate endeavor, igniting their creativity and opening up new avenues of artistic expression that ranged from sewing to digital art. In their innovative approach, they artfully blend tradition with technology, showcasing their unique perspective by designing captivating digital artwork. This fusion of old and new allows them to create vibrant prints that are then transformed into stylish apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, each piece telling a story and reflecting their deep connection to their roots. The clothing they produce is not merely fashion; it is a canvas for their heritage, a way to share the beauty of their culture with the world while ensuring that the traditional skills they cherish are not lost to time. Through each creation, Samantha and Cynthia invite others to celebrate and appreciate the rich tapestry of their Tsilhqot'in heritage, making By Your Favorite Aunties a meaningful bridge between the past and the present. Of the BEST program, Cynthia & Samanth say “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.”