Building a Sustainable Future Through Economic Development
Indigenous-led opportunities to create employment and strengthen communities
Supporting Sustainable Indigenous Business Growth
Strong Indigenous businesses create opportunities and support long-term community well-being. The Osborne Group works alongside First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities to develop practical strategies, strengthen governance, and build sustainable business enterprises. Through collaborative planning, economic development, and operational support, we help to identify opportunities, make informed decisions, and create lasting benefits for current and future generations.
What We Are Hearing From Communities
We want to develop Indigenous businesses for future self-sufficiency.
Leaders in every community want to create opportunities for people of all ages to develop their skills, manage their lands and resources respectfully and provide a sustainable future for healthy and thriving communities. Whether partnering in major infrastructure projects, forming limited partnerships or supporting Indigenous-owned enterprises, the overall goal is to strengthen communities. Our team works with both economic development and community services to provide holistic solutions.
Indigenous communities need to be equal and active partners in projects that impact traditional territories.
As full partners in resource and infrastructure development projects, community leaders want to participate in decision-making affecting their people, air, lands and waters. Partners need to be fully aware and engaged in joint ventures including decisions about environmental stewardship, governance, business strategy, sources and agreements for funding and investment, and talent development across the board.
Successful businesses are built around trust and respect for community values.
Economic development strategies are fundamentally about identifying and building businesses that strengthen and give back to our communities. The best strategies are built around dialogue with all community leaders and active engagement with voices from across the community to understand and reflect their unique stories, traditions and history in smart and sustainable business decisions.
We want advisors who listen and collaborate with our leaders and partners.
While we know our communities and people, business advisors who can listen to our specific needs and requirements, bring their business acumen around strategy, governance, human resources, finance and IT will be critical partners. Collaborating with our economic development staff, chief and council leaders and with existing business leaders is central to multi-generational success.
Skill development is multi-faceted.
Employment for young people is important but needs to take place alongside skill development for existing business leaders, managers and staff. Council members also need to learn best practices in governance and business oversight because delivering strong financial returns is as important as driving key benefits for the community.
Indigenous Business Development Services
Government Relations and Funding Support
With the wide range of support available from federal and provincial agencies, as well as the meaningful infrastructure projects that are planned, it is critical to be connected to the right people and programs to ensure full and appropriate participation. The Osborne Group and our partners can help in a number of ways:
- Understanding what programs are available
- Accessing the available program funding
- Identifying potential projects
- Engaging with the multiple levels of government
Strategy and Planning
This set of services helps communities ensure a focus on the opportunities and priorities that will deliver the desired and expected benefits from any investments, be they community programs or business opportunities. The services include:
- Strategic Planning – Community level, Economic Development, For-Profit Corporations
- Feasibility studies – internal projects and business opportunities
- Business planning
- Capital planning
Program and Project Delivery
Once planning is complete, The Osborne Group offers a full range of implementation services encompassing expertise in the main operational areas, coupled with project and program management.
- HR, IT, Finance, Operations – from project support to fractional executive support
- Project and Program Management
- Client Engagement
Governance
The overall structure for the operational elements of a community continue to become more complex. Our experts have the experience to help ensure that you have the right structure to operate efficiently and in full compliance with community law and the provincial and federal laws. The focus areas include:
- Corporate Structure Design – Not-For-Profit, For-Profit, Limited Partnerships, Incorporation, Taxation
- Organizational Design
- Board Design and Board Manuals
- Advisory Services – Board or Departmental Level
Partner Network and Collaborative Delivery
The Osborne Group works closely with several partners to provide a range of services for Indigenous communities. Our partners include:
- The CCS Group (Government Relations, Project Management and Program Funding)
- Daniel J. Brant and Associates (Research and Community Engagement)
- Maximus Rose Living Benefits Inc.
We have worked with First Nations and Inuit communities to help build sustainable businesses:
Sagamok First Nation Strategic and Business Plans
Projects include the Strategic Plan, Capital Plan, Mining Business Plan and Maintenance Business Plan for Z’gamok Enterprises Inc. (ZEI) as well as HR and Financial policy support. The Osborne Group also developed the Strategic Plan for Sagamok Development Corporation (SDC).
Magnetawan Quarry Feasibility Study and Preliminary Business Plan
We brought engineering and business experience together on a team to explore the feasibility of a Quarry Operation for Magnetawan First Nation and the optional approaches. A preliminary business plan was then developed.
Shwe Miikaan Miller Business Plan
Applied a multi-disciplinary team to develop a comprehensive business plan for this Indigenous owned and operated business, representing a partnership between three First Nations and Miller Paving.
Wasauksing Market Analysis
We provided a market feasibility analysis and plan for expansion for their marina operation.
Build Successful and Sustainable Business Enterprises
With The Osborne Group’s deep expertise and collaborative approach, Indigenous communities can support and develop new businesses that strengthen communities.