Hydro-Québec and the First Nations of Québec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) have announced a partnership. Hydro-Québec’s contribution of five million dollars over five years will enable the FNQLEDC to expand its service offer and support more First Nations and Inuit women entrepreneurs.
Studies led by the FNQLEDC show that Indigenous women entrepreneurs are especially committed to the well-being of their communities. The collaboration will help the FNQLEDC offer new financing services and a financial contribution to support business creation and commercial infrastructure development. More women entrepreneurs will benefit from personalized support and expert services at every step in their project.
Marketing support will also be available to participating businesswomen under the First Nations Identification brand created by the FNQLEDC to support and protect First Nations entrepreneurs and communities in every sphere of economic development and easily recognize the authenticity of their products and services.
The result of a consultation between Hydro-Québec and the FNQLEDC
The initiative is the outcome of a consultation with current and aspiring First Nations and Inuit women entrepreneurs. Decision-makers from several nations and Inuit organizations, as well as members of the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones, also shared their insights. Hydro-Québec and the FNQLEDC worked together to define the measures to put in place.
Quotes
“In the past few years, Indigenous women have shown increased interest in entrepreneurship. Hydro-Québec’s support will enable the FNQLEDC to enhance its support services and develop new services and tools. Women of all nations will benefit from our support to develop their business plans or expand an existing enterprise. The women entrepreneurs who take part in the program will become role models for the next generations.” – Jinny Thibodeau Rankin, Interim Director General, First Nations of Québec and Labrador Economic Development Commission
“Last November, Hydro-Québec made the commitment to deepen the dialogue with the First Nations and Inuit nation. And it was through this dialogue that it became clear we would support Indigenous women entrepreneurs. Our collaboration with the FNQLEDC and the support measures flow directly from our talks with women entrepreneurs. We want to sincerely thank them for generously sharing their realities with us. We pledge to invest every effort to meet their expectations.” – Julie Boucher, Vice President – Sustainability, Community Relations and Communications, Hydro- Québec
Organization profile
Hydro-Québec delivers reliable electricity and high-quality services tailored to customers’ needs at competitive prices. By developing clean and renewable energy sources, Hydro-Québec is contributing to Québec’s collective wealth. It plays a central role in moving towards a green, sustainable economy. As a recognized leader in hydropower and large transmission systems, Hydro-Québec promotes positive features of its energy. It also helps reduce its carbon footprint. Hydro-Québec also designs leading-edge solutions and shares its expertise in order to decarbonize the economy and optimize energy consumption.
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