ADAAWE Members

ADAAWE Members are Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists and makers building businesses on the unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Territory grounded in Indigenous values and teachings.

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Wejibàbandan

Indigenous Business Incubator

The ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub presents the Wejibàbandan Indigenous Business Incubator, a comprehensive program supporting early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs in the National Capital Region. From September to December 2024, the Incubator offers full-time business development with a living wage, mentorship, training, resources, and a startup grant.

Meet the 2024 Cohort

Denyse Nadon

Tribalure Canada Inc.

Denyse Nadon, a proud member of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, is the founder of Tribalure Canada Inc., a 100% Indigenous woman-owned startup specializing in online Indigenous cosmetics and skincare products. Tribalure’s products are infused with quality ingredients and proudly packaged to reflect the Indigenous spirit. Denyse hopes to gain business development skills, mentorship, and resources to help scale Tribalure Canada Inc. She aims to create a sustainable business model, expand her product line, and increase her market reach while networking with other Indigenous entrepreneurs and gaining insights from experienced professionals.

Kaylee Smoke

K Rose Artistry

Kaylee Smoke, from the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne, is the founder of K Rose Artistry, offering mobile hair and makeup services for events such as weddings, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and galas. As a recent graduate from Versailles Academy for professional hairstyling, barbering, and makeup artistry, Kaylee has worked at various events, including weddings and fashion shows. She aims to address the growing market for travelling stylists in Canada and the need for Indigenous woman-owned beauty services. Kaylee is joining the incubator to access assistance in service development and financial management.

Amanda Fox

Inspired by Nokomis

Amanda Fox, a member of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, is the founder of Inspired by Nokomis, a business offering beading and sewing craft work, cultural workshop facilitation, Powwow Workout fitness instruction, and Jingle Dress dance presentations. Named in honour of her grandmother, whose craftsmanship inspired Amanda’s passion, Inspired by Nokomis is a tribute to her heritage and a platform for cultural exchange and empowerment. Growing up, Amanda spent countless hours learning from her grandmother at powwows, which instilled a deep appreciation for her culture. Through the Wejibàbandan Indigenous Business Incubator, Amanda aims to transition to working full-time on Inspired by Nokomis and create a sustainable business.

“Wejibàbandan,” meaning “a place to dream” in Algonquin Anishinaabe, is named to reflect our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial vision and success.

Program Benefits and Outcomes

Participating entrepreneurs graduate with a wealth of valuable assets and skills, including:

A comprehensive business plan
A detailed financial plan
Legal audit and assets
Fully operational business systems
A full branding kit
Built-out supply chains
Client acquisition opportunities
Enhanced leadership skills
Off-site visits to inspire and educate
Weekly Medicine Wheel healing circles
The unwavering support of a community

To support our cohort or to learn about applying for the 2025 Cohort, email incubator@ibhub.ca.

Program Impact to Date

The first cohort pilot, conducted in Fall 2023 with three entrepreneurs, achieved significant impact during the 14-week program. Entrepreneur achievements during the program included:

Securing over $25,000 in revenue.
Acquiring global, national, and local clients
Becoming official suppliers to the Government of Canada
Engaging with more than 50 industry, academic, non-profit and government partners
Receiving support from more than 100 champions, mentors, and coaches
Moving from part-time to full-time business operations
Creating five new jobs

We are committed to supporting our alumni, who are now engaged as peer mentors for the 2024 cohort.

Meet the Incubator Team