They say it’s not what you know, but who you know. In the world of business there are few things more important than networking, and the annual Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase aims to provide a platform for just such a thing for First Nations entrepreneurs. The two-day event is returning June 5 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, bringing together key leaders in the industry to celebrate the theme of Reconciliation in Action.
“It’s such a great conference that brings together Indigenous communities, leaders and decision makers in one beautiful space,” said key speaker Geena Jackson, who will reflect on a career dedicated to supporting local Indigenous business. Having worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) for 13 years, helping more than 500 entrepreneurial members start their own businesses, alongside kickstarting Dragon’s Den style Indigenous business competition TV show Bears' Lair in 2022, Jackson has a wealth of information to lean on when it comes to taking to the podium. “What I found during my time with the Squamish Nation was that there were a lot of barriers with entrepreneurism.
There was a lot of confusion within the industry on how to get entrepreneurs to meet in the middle and set up that community for success,” she said. “So creating a directory and making introductions easier for others has become something that I’m now very passionate about, something that is a huge draw card at this conference.” With Indig.