Aboriginal peoples and communities are increasingly turning to economic development to improve quality of life and build a bright future for their community members. In Ontario alone, there are close to 9,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who have their own businesses, according to the 2006 Census.

While there is considerable data available for Canadian – and Ontario – business owners generally, relatively little is known about Aboriginal entrepreneurs, in terms of who they are, what their experiences have been, and what they need for future growth and success. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) embarked on the 2014 Ontario Aboriginal Business Survey, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MAA), to develop a better understanding of these issues.

This research builds on a national survey of Aboriginal businesses conducted by the CCAB in 2011 entitled Promise and Prosperity: The Aboriginal Business Survey, which was conducted with Aboriginal small businesses across Canada.