On March 17 and 18, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) had the pleasure of welcoming young First Nations entrepreneurs from across Quebec to Hôtel ALT in Quebec City for the event Auetiss: Leaders of Today, Builders of Tomorrow.
Aimed at young people aged 18 to 35 who have a business project or are already in business, the event represented a unique opportunity to network, learn, share experiences, and move their entrepreneurial projects forward, regardless of their stage of development.
Two Streams Adapted to Entrepreneurs’ Realities
To meet the participants’ needs, the event was structured into two distinct streams:
- Auetiss Group, for youth with a startup business project;
- Builders Group, for entrepreneurs already in business.
The first day began with the arrival of participants, followed by the welcome address, opening prayer, and an icebreaker activity that helped participants quickly build connections. The opening conference Daring to Become an entrepreneur, presented by Xavier Watso, entertainer and content creator, set the tone for the event by discussing his entrepreneurial journey, his motivations, and the key moments that led him to start his business.
In the morning, participants then took part in various workshops tailored to their background. The workshop Launching Your Entrepreneurial Project was led by Jade Boulianne and Roxane Perron, entrepreneurship officers at the CDEPNQL, while established entrepreneurs participated in the workshop Building Credibility in the Business Market, led by Adam Jourdain, Director of Investments for First Nations Venture Capital of Quebec (FNVCQ).
In the afternoon, our Strategic Projects Coordinator, Steve Laveau, gave a presentation on Identification First Nations (ID1N). This helped participants better understand the importance of identification and authenticity in the business world. Participants then moved on to the workshop Bringing Your Project to Life, led by Jade Boulianne and Roxane Perron, as well as the workshop Coop-etition: Growing Your Business Through Partnerships, led by Judy Lafrenière, Entrepreneurship Officer for the CDEPNQL
Finally, the day concluded with the conference The Voice of Today’s Leaders, which allowed participants to hear the testimony of Marie Gros-Louis, who shared her entrepreneurial journey and the creation of her business, Flower and Crow.
Learning, Sharing, and Challenging Yourself
The second day began with an inclusion activity followed by a sharing circle, allowing participants to reflect on their learnings and share their thoughts following the first day.
Participants then attended the workshop Financial Planning for Your Project, which covered the financial basics of an entrepreneurial project, as well as peer and expert co-development activities. A workshop on the entrepreneurial pitch, Finding Your Voice and Your Pitch, led by Ms. Lafrenière, also allowed participants to work on their business presentation.
A workshop on the entrepreneurial pitch, Finding Your Voice and Your Pitch, led by Ms. Lafrenière, also allowed participants to work on their business presentation.
A panel discussion led by Mr. Martel, Director of Entrepreneurship Services at the FNQLEDC, allowed participants to learn about available resources for support, financing, mentorship, and support programs, notably through the participation of representatives from various organizations supporting First Nations entrepreneurs.
A highlight of the event was the activity Taking the Stage, inspired by a reinvented version of “Dragon’s Den,” during which participants presented their business projects to a jury. This exercise highlighted the courage, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential of the next generation of First Nations entrepreneurs.
A panel discussion led by Mr. Martel, Director of Entrepreneurship Services at the FNQLEDC, allowed participants to learn about available resources for support, financing, mentorship, and support programs, notably through the participation of representatives from various organizations supporting First Nations entrepreneurs.
An Inspiring Entrepreneurial Next Generation
Through this event, the FNQLEDC aims to continue encouraging, equipping, and supporting the next generation of First Nations entrepreneurs in Quebec. The young entrepreneurs in attendance demonstrated great creativity, strong determination, and a genuine desire to contribute to the economic development of their communities.
The FNQLEDC would like to warmly thank all participants, speakers, partners, and team members who contributed to the success of this edition of Auetiss.
To learn more about the entrepreneurship services offered by the FNQLEDC or to start your business project, we invite you to contact our team or visit our website.
