Despite constant state of 'survival mode,' Indigenous entrepreneurs pursue their dreams

Indigenous retailer Chelsee-Marie Pettit was startled recently when customers at Toronto's Stackt Market asked her where she donates the proceeds from her business.

The question was "just crazy" because Indigenous businesses are not charities, says Pettit, founder of aaniin retail inc., a streetwear company.

Her store is like a miniature department store for Indigenous-owned brands. Aaniin means hello in anishnaabemowin, the language of Ojibwe. Pettit is an Anishinaabe member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. 

By the new year, Pettit says she'll be selling exclusively online. 

It's hard. She says she put up her own money to start her business and now she's saddled with significant personal debt. But Pettit's dream is still to run Canada's first department store that's Indigenous owned.

"There's a fire under me that feels like other big brands would be able to start doing what I'm doing and take the credit away from Indigenous hands and make it a part of their businesses," she says.

Ontario has 3,526 Indigenous-owned businesses, yet the businesses make up only 0.7 percent of ownership share in the province, according to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Pettit isn't the only one who says Indigenous entrepreneurs face barriers doing business in Toronto — from high overhead costs and a lack of access to capital and affordable real estate to misconceptions around cultural appropriation versus appreciation.

But despite the barriers, some say a program that's focused on training Indigenous entrepreneurs is making all the difference.

"One of the primary challenges Indigenous businesses in Toronto face is the scarcity of accessible real estate," says Raven Sutherland, marketing and events co-ordinator for aaniin retail inc.

"Much of the prime commercial space is privately owned, making it difficult for Indigenous entrepreneurs to secure locations in high-traffic areas that are crucial for business visibility and customer access."

Sutherland said there is a problem with "capital constraints," meaning Indigenous business owners often find they have to "bootstrap" their enterprises. That means relying heavily on personal finances to start and sustain their businesses, which is risky.  

"As a result, many Indigenous businesses operate in a constant state of 'survival mode,' striving to overcome these barriers to achieve stability and growth," she said.

Sutherland said an ability to adapt and find creative solutions is key, along with mentorship and collaboration from the Indigenous community in Toronto. Strategic planning, such as market research and financial management, is also crucial.