Contact
Bruce Lacroix, President
The Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Inc.
406 Richards Street
Nelson, BC, Canada V1L 5K1
Phone: 1-226-243-5653
© 2024 The Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Inc.
Bruce Lacroix
President and CEO
Bruce enjoys volunteering locally and has been a Director with Nelson and District Credit Union, Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce, Nelson Municipal Library and the Rotary Club of Nelson – Daybreak. Having been broke and on welfare in his past, he understands the challenges of starting a business from nothing. An avid cyclist, scuba diver and pickleball player, when not working he can usually be found enjoying these activities.
Stewart Anderson
Associate
Stewart grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he attended Dalhousie University, graduating with a BComm (Honours Finance), before travelling, completing his Master’s degree at the Thunderbird School of Global Management (University of Arizona), and relocating to Vancouver. He has worked in the financial services sector for the last 30 years, with a strong background in economic development, project finance, and corporate lending, as well as a keen awareness of the importance of relationship building. The formerManager of Indigenous Partnerships at Vancity, Stewart is currently involved with projects focused on entrepreneurship, social enterprise, building local Indigenous economies, and creating stronger connections between Indigenous and non Indigenous organizations and communities.
Karen White
Associate
Musician, author, poet, speaker, playwright, artist and entrepreneur … and currently Director, Engagement and Relationship Development, BC Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Karen’s life and professional experiences give her a unique approach to Entrepreneurship Training. Certified in Aboriginal Employment Development, and having studied at The Banff Centre, Camosun College and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Karen brings a combination of professional development and empathy to her teaching. Participants love her humourous and down-to-earth style.
We have years of experience working with all people, all across Canada. We are super easy to get along with, speak in every day, easy to understand language, and are ourselves currently entrepreneurs. We believe in having fun while helping others.
OUR TEAM
Testimonials
It’s not important what we say about ourselves: It’s what others have to say that is the true worth of a business.
COMMENTS FROM FUNDERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND OTHER BIGWIGS…
We have years of experience working with all people, all across Canada. We are super easy to get along with, speak in every day, easy to understand language, and are ourselves currently entrepreneurs. We believe in having fun while helping others.
OUR ALUMNI MENTORS
About CCAE
The CCAE Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship
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Driving to put Indigenous businesses on every block in Canada.
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Serving First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities with training, resources, and opportunities for growth for over 25 years.
CCAE Provides:
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Entrepreneurship project management
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Entrepreneurship training
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Speaking and writing services on Entrepreneurship and the New Gig Economy
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Consulting to government and Indigenous businesses, organizations and individuals
This is accomplished by forming virtual partnerships with complementary team members.
The CCAE is owned by Bruce Lacroix, President and CEO. Born in Halifax of mixed Mi’kmaq and French heritage, Bruce now lives in the picturesque heritage town of Nelson, BC with his family.
A life-long entrepreneur and self-professed “terrible employee working for others”, Bruce works best in collaboration wth others to help achieve success for all involved
About Aboriginal Best
BEST helps to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of people, communities, and organizations. Participants meet guest speakers, identify viable business ideas, determine their feasibility, and take steps to start or grow their own businesses. Learn to conduct market research, write business plans, and explore financing options on your journey to self-employment success!
Aboriginal BEST is for Aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit, status or not, who are interested in becoming self-employed or starting their own business. BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business opportunity, others have a solid idea to research, and some are eager to write a plan that will help them launch or grow their venture.
Over 3000 people in 130 communities across Canada have taken part in Aboriginal BEST in the past 15 years.
“The Aboriginal BEST material that Mr. Lacroix developed is a great resource and is easy to teach to students. … When I met Mr. Lacroix I was working as the Economic Development Coordinator for my organization. I also maintain contracts with the Universities to teach business and economic development courses. The teaching material that Mr. Lacroix developed is very exceptional for our First Nations students. I have struggled to find good textbooks and I often refer to sections of the Aboriginal BEST Participant’s Manual. He maintains a First Nations perspective to business. This is hard to find.”
Crystal Verhaeghe
MBA, Past Executive Director, Tsilhqot’in National Government
“Programs such as Aboriginal BEST – the Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training Program illustrate our commitment to entrepreneurship development. … evaluations of the program have shown that a high percentage of BEST graduates move quickly into employment or self-employment.”
The Honourable Barry Penner
BC Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Strategic Conversations Annual Forum
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CHRYSTAL TABOBANDUNG
RAISE – Indigenous Cultural Awareness & Competency Training
RAISE – Indigenous cultural awareness & competency training is designed to increase knowledge, enhance self-awareness and strengthen the skills of those who work both directly and indirectly with First Nations/Aboriginal/Indigenous people.
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JOSEPH SAGAJ
Independent Canadian Indigenous Artist
Designer of the 2022 TORONTO SIGN, the award-winning terrazzo medallion at Seneca College and the Bloor Annex BIA Mural at Paul Martel Park, Joseph is Anishnaabe of the Sturgeon Clan from the remote community of Neskantaga, 433 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. He graduated in Fine Arts at the Ontario College of Art & Design in 1985.