Chance for Canadian Indigenous-owned businesses to be featured on Shopify, Facebook

Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada have a chance to be featured in a social media campaign backed by Shopify, Facebook, as well as other organizations and social media platforms.

Shopify, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, EntrepreNorth, Pow Wow Pitch and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners all partnered to launch #WeThrive, a campaign supported by social media giants Facebook and Instagram, it was announced Wednesday, July 14.

“Shopify believes in a world where more voices in entrepreneurship creates more empowerment and economic opportunities,” said David Pereira, Global Indigenous Programs Lead at Shopify. “We're proud to collaborate with Facebook on #WeThrive to amplify Indigenous-owned businesses, and help connect Canadian shoppers with Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada.”

There is no cost to apply or to be featured.

While Indigenous-owned businesses have always encountered unique barriers, Shopify says COVID-19 has presented Indigenous entrepreneurs with additional significant challenges.

According to a recent report from the CCAB, 73 per cent of Indigenous-owned businesses have reported a negative impact on their business as a result of the pandemic; while 37 per cent faced temporary closures.

And at the moment, 72 per cent of entrepreneurs currently need financial support, but are hesitant to take on additional debt.

“CCAB's research has found that Indigenous-owned businesses encountered exacerbated challenges during the pandemic,” said Tabatha Bull, President & CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. “Now is the time to reflect on how we can lift each other up in a more collaborative way by contributing to the Indigenous economy. #WeThrive provides the opportunity and platform to buy Indigenous and foster economic growth that benefits all Canadians. Spend your money where it can create a positive impact and start your own path toward reconciliation.”

The campaign is exclusive to Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada.

There is no limit to the number of businesses that can participate. They must, however, have a Facebook and/or Instagram account, meeting Facebook’s Community Standards and Advertising Policies, and sell a physical product that can be shipped to consumers across Canada.

A full list of eligibility criteria can be found here.

Once approved to participate, entrepreneurs can submit up to five products that could be included in the #WeThrive Shoppable Buying Guide ad campaign.

To apply, visit fb.come/wethrivecanada.