SAA Visits Akwesasne Businesses

Submitted by Rachel Lazare

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA), Department of Tehotiiennawakon, Economic Development held a meeting with Quebec's Secretariat au Affaires Autochtones (SAA) on Thursday, January 21, 2016. The meeting was to discuss the programming of the Akwesasne Economic Development Fund (AEDF), but most importantly, SAA government officials had the opportunity to visit a few of our businesses. This gave us the opportunity to showcase Akwesasne's talent and also show our guests the uniqueness of our community.

The Akwesasne Economic Development Fund is a 5-year agreement between the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and Government of Quebec. This partnership was designed to stimulate the economy of Akwesasne through the start or expansion of businesses within the jurisdiction of the MCA.

The main objective of the AEDF is to assist Mohawk owned businesses by providing funding on an equity basis where the business owners are required to match Akwesasne Economic Development Funding on a dollar for dollar basis. In order to make funding more accessible for women and youth, the AEDF contribution amount has been raised to 60% of total project costs. Overall, the AEDF has been a tremendous success in terms of allowing our community members the opportunity to start or expand their business. Should you have a business idea or would like more information, please contact Rachel Lazare at 613.575.2250.