Rooted in a vision of sustainable and collective development, Entreprises Essipit now holds an important place in the regional economic landscape thanks to its diversification and strategic partnerships.
In our First Nations and Business Transfer video series, Marc Genest, General Director of the Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit (council), explains how the community has successfully combined economic diversification, business transfer, strategic partnerships, and cultural cohesion.
The power of border-crossing partnerships
After going through several acquisition phases in the early 2000s, the community turned to joint ventures as a lever for growth. Fishing was the first targeted sector, followed by more diversified projects: factories, fish market-restaurants (such as the Pêcherie Manicouagan in Les Escoumins), and even a BMR hardware store.
For Essipit, economic development is not limited to the community’s territory. Partnerships developed beyond the community’s boundaries have helped ensure the sustainability of existing businesses. There was also an opportunity to share the Council’s expertise with new entrepreneurs and create quality jobs for members, regardless of whether they live inside or outside the community.
The Council does not seek to manage all businesses directly, but prefers to co-own them, adopting an oversight role through a board of directors, which maximizes impact while requiring fewer resources.
Watch the full video!
Dive into this story of vision and collaboration by watching our video on Entreprises Essipit. Get a behind-the-scenes look at these initiatives and gain ideas for your own acquisition or joint venture endeavours!
