Support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs with Monica James

Since 2003, Monica James has focused her commercial banking career on helping Indigenous entrepreneurs realize their dreams and being a voice of reconciliation. During this time she has held a variety of progressive positions in Indigenous Banking, including Senior Manager and Business Centre Manager.

In her current role as Regional Manager, Client Diversity, she leads BDC’s national strategy to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in accessing capital and advisory services to scale and optimize their business. She is also the Indigenous Lead for BDC’s internal strategy to honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92.

As a proud Cree woman from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and being raised in northern Manitoba, she understands the unique challenges many rural and remote Indigenous entrepreneurs face. She values giving back to the community and serves on the Board of Mother Earth Recycling, an Indigenous social enterprise focused on creating meaningful jobs and opportunities for at-risk individuals.

“The biggest way we can support Indigenous entrepreneurs is purchasing their products and services and creating visibility by promoting their brand to others.” 

On this week’s Startup Women Podcast, sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada and Scotiabank, Monica shares resources that are available for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada and the best ways we can support Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses.