The Fireweed Institute
Advancing Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fast Facts
Canada
Ann McStay
2026
Entrepreneurship
How The Fireweed Institute Is Making a Difference
The Fireweed Institute supports Indigenous communities by ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the resources they need to build generational wealth and drive impact in their communities. They serve Indigenous founders, innovators and aspiring business owners, particularly those who face barriers to capital, networks, and skills development. This is done through a Learning Series of practical, relevant, culturally appropriate sessions focused on financial fundamentals, capital readiness, export and market navigation, and founder-to-founder learning.Â
Work of The Fireweed Institute
- Expands access to capital readiness and entrepreneurial knowledge with related subject matter, expert guest instructors and business coaches.
- Promotes peer connection and mentorship, building trusted relationships across geographies and stages of the program.
- Uses digital delivery infrastructure with Zoom, a learning portal setup, and recording of sessions.
- Tracks impact on poverty via: improved venture investment readiness, increased revenue stability, jobs created or retained, stronger local procurement, and supply chain participation.
- Includes development of a replicable model and a program design guide available to Indigenous entrepreneurship organizations internationally, with potential to reach thousands through partner organizations that adopt the model.
Initiatives Supported by Project Redwood
2026:Â $30,000 to underwrite the design, facilitation, guest expert honoraria, accessibility support stipends for remote participants, and evaluation and tracking of program impact on poverty.