Please Click Here To Apply Applications are now open to all registered members of the Moose Cree First Nation community and their direct family. There are only 30 spots available. Full Program Details Below: Where: HYBRID. Online class access Via Zoom and In-Person class access at the Moose Cree First Nation Community Centre. When: Class Schedule: For 3 weeks, over 12 classes on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays 6 p.m To 9:30 p.m. (Local Time) Oct 16th - Nov 2nd. And a graduation ceremony on Nov 3rd, 2026. What: HYBRID 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: Linda Trudeau - Moose Cree First Nation Business Development Officer | linda.trudeau@moosecree.com | Phone #: 705-658-4619 (ext 315) Membertou First Nation ONLINE CCAE Aboriginal Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program

Chief Clarence Louie | Osoyoos Indian Band | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “This training helps our people become independent, working for themselves, starting their own business, and contributing to our community.” Chief Clarence Louie | Osoyoos Indian Band | 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.” Joseph Sagaj | Indigenous Artist | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program

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.” Cynthia & Samantha Dick | By Your Favorite Aunties | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

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.” Essence Wandering Spirit | The Essence of Spirit | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

Kim Bergh | Past Director of HRDC Service Canada | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial "The CCAE has the ability to engage young people interested in becoming self- employed like no one else I have seen..” Kim Bergh | Past Director of HRDC Service Canada | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

Art Lew | General Manager, Community Futures, Haida Gwaii | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial "The CCAE have been very good over the years at supporting Haida Gwaii Community Futures in getting the program delivered with funding, guidance and excellent student materials.” Art Lew | General Manager, Community Futures, Haida Gwaii | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

Geena Jackson | Small Business Officer, Squamish Nation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “In the last 4 years, over 100 Squamish Nation members have participated in Aboriginal BEST programs coordinated by the CCAE that were co-hosted at our Nation or other local urban organizations. Their team continues to mentor, inspire and motivate so many people; their work and BEST has changed the landscape of our economic development dreams. They make success in small business exciting and attainable. I love the difference you both make in many lives every day with your coaching, inspiring social media posts, informative Tweets, and teaching.” Geena Jackson | Small Business Officer, Squamish Nation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

Kerry Mehaffey | Economic Development Officer, Mt. Currie Indian Band | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “It was immediately clear walking into the Coordinator’s meeting that Bruce had long-standing relationships with various clients, service providers and communities” Kerry Mehaffey | Economic Development Officer, Mt. Currie Indian Band | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

Stewart Anderson | Aboriginal Banking, Vancity Credit Union | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “We have been involved with Aboriginal BEST for the last seven years in a number of capacities, and have witnessed the program grow and mature under the guidance of Mr. Lacroix and his associates, Flavio Caron and Kristen Kozubeck. Through this time, I have also participated in the annual Best of the Best competition and have seen firsthand the improvement in the business plans arising from the program. In addition, in the last year we have worked with the organizations involved with BEST to share our experience with micro-lending, and to customize our programs to better meet the needs of BEST graduates and the Aboriginal Community in BC Through our Micro Finance Program, Vancity has worked with entrepreneurs and those re-entering the workplace in a variety of sectors, and we appreciate the benefits of having community-specific programming and a more holistic approach to conventional self-employment training. The life skills components and coaching/mentoring supports offered under Aboriginal BEST are considered key factors for success for program participants, and this is consistent with our broader experience in Micro Finance.” Stewart Anderson | Aboriginal Banking, Vancity Credit Union | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial.

Crystal Verhaeghe, MBA | Executive Director, Tsilhqot’in National Government | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “The Aboriginal BEST material that Mr. Lacroix developed is a great resource and is easy to teach to students. … When I met Mr. Lacroix I was working as the Economic Development Coordinator for my organization. I also maintain contracts with the Universities to teach business and economic development courses. The teaching material that Mr. Lacroix developed is very exceptional for our First Nations students. I have struggled to find good textbooks and I often refer to sections of the Aboriginal BEST Participant’s Manual. He maintains a First Nations perspective to business. This is hard to find.” Crystal Verhaeghe, MBA | Executive Director, Tsilhqot’in National Government (2011) | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial

The Honorable Barry Penner | Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial “Programs such as Aboriginal BEST – the Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training Program illustrate our commitment to entrepreneurship development. Government provides funding for twelve free training sessions to Aboriginal people, leading to the development of a business plan. Many of you are familiar with that program and have even assisted with its delivery. Since its inception in 2004, over 626 students have completed Aboriginal BEST training, and previous evaluations of the program have shown that a high percentage of BEST graduates move quickly into employment or self-employment.” The Honorable Barry Penner | Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation | CCAE Aboriginal BEST Entrepreneur Program Testimonial