EDO Access to Financing & Funding Support

Description

A key component to any decision around participating in procurement is understanding financing options and how to access support.  This session is intended to provide EDOs with information on various current programs and strategies to seek financing for their community and businesses. 

Speakers

  • Laurel Douglas, ETSI-BC
  • Felica Magee, NDIT
  • Denise Martineau, NEDC
  • Jacquie Ridley, Tricorp
  • Rocio Zielinski, Stolo Community Futures
  • Business Development Bank of Canada Speaker

Speaker Bios

Denise Martineau, Business Development Officer, Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corp (NEDC)

Denise Martineau is a member of Frog Lake First Nation, she resides and works on the unceded territory of Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations.   Denise is a Business Development Officer with Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corp (NEDC) with 35 years’ experience in the finance industry. Prior to NEDC, she was an accredited lender with a bank for both personal and commercial financing. Denise completed education requirements for the Certified Financial Planner designation along with multiple banking and finance related courses. Denise really enjoys assisting entrepreneurs in building successful businesses.

 

Jacquie Ridley, TRICORP

Jacquie has been with TRICORP for over 23 years and has gained experience in all divisions of TRICORP. Over the past few years, she mentored under the late Frank A. Parnell and was instrumental in securing several programs that complement TRICORP’s other programs. Jacquie is a member of the Gitga’at Band; her traditional name is Gyipaayk (“Flying In”), given to her by the late Heber Clifton and Elizabeth Clifton of the Ganhada clan. She is the mother of four children and four grandchildren. She likes knitting, mixed media, and weaving in her spare time. Jacquie is a lifelong learner, continuing to take courses to enhance her skills. A firm believer that knowledge is powerful and beneficial no matter your field of work.

 

Rocio Zielinski, General Manager, Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF)

Rocio is dedicated to leading the momentum of the rapidly expanding Indigenous economy in S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Traditional Territory, with her strong connections and relationships with Indigenous Communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Since joining Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF) in 2005, as Operations Manager and now in her role as General Manager since 2019, Rocio contributes to the social and economic well-being of S’ólh Téméxw, by supporting and advancing the development and expansion of the Indigenous business economy. With the support of the SCF Board of Directors, Rocio has focused the activities of SCF on a grassroots foundation approach to building the business capacity of Indigenous Communities, businesses, and Community Members, by linking new and/or existing Indigenous businesses with business counselling, training, financing supports and ongoing aftercare. Rocio and her Team also provide Indigenous community development corporations with the financing and support services to proactively expand economic development projects and Community-owned businesses. With her leadership, SCF was recognized by the Indigenomics Institute Inc.’s 2020 Indigenomics 10 to Watch List, for organizations that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership and committed action towards the growth of the Indigenous economy. Rocio continues her work in leading SCF, by providing capital to start-up and expanding businesses, with funds provided by Pacific Economic Development Canada. Rocio has been instrumental in securing much-needed additional capital through beneficial partnerships, to support the Indigenous economy in S’ólh Téméxw, with the development of innovative Indigenous business lending programs, such as the SCF/Vancity Indigenous Impact Lending Program with Vancity Credit Union.