Aboriginal Peoples and communities are increasingly turning to economic development to improve quality of life and build a bright future for their community members. According to the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS), there are more than 43,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada who are business owners.

While considerable data exists for Canadian business owners generally, relatively little is known about Aboriginal entrepreneurs, specifically, who they are, what their experiences have been, and what they need for future growth and success. To address these gaps and develop a better understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal business owners in Canada, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), with support from the Government of Canada, is pleased to release the 2016 National Aboriginal Business Survey. This updated study of Aboriginal business owners across Canada, builds on previous research conducted by CCAB in the 2011 report entitled Promise and Prosperity: The Aboriginal Business Survey.

CCAB’s research shows that Aboriginal entrepreneurs are motivated by a desire to innovate, expand and profit from their businesses, but they also face unique challenges to their growth and development. A better understanding of these realities by business and governments, combined with the optimism of Aboriginal business owners, creates unlimited opportunities for everyone. CCAB’s goal is to widely communicate the findings of this research so it can be used by Aboriginal Peoples, businesses and communities, and by non-Aboriginal businesses and governments, to develop tools, initiatives and policies that fully realize the potential of Aboriginal business in Canada.