Photo by Chic Perspective Photography Inc.
Tracy Persson launched her business, Cozy Intentions in 2018, but she’s had that entrepreneurial spark for as long as she can remember.
“I think I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I started out babysitting and cleaning for people when I was very young. I liked the idea of creating my own hours and bringing in my own income.”
In 2019, Tracy participated in AWE’s NextStep to Success Business Planning Series in Grande Prairie and says what she learned in the program continues to help her build her leisurewear and sleepwear business.
“The facilitator has been incredible; her support does not end when the program is over. She has been really supportive with fine tuning my business plan and my business projections.”
The NextStep to Success program was designed specifically for Indigenous women and offers guidance and expertise on starting and building a business. The program includes an eight-week business planning series focused on determining readiness for entrepreneurship, marketing research, operations planning, and financial planning.
Tracy explains that it was important for her to have the proper support before she launched her business, and she encourages others to do the same. “Whether it’s working with AWE, or talking to your local bank, do your research and get everything aligned before you launch. Then go for it!”
For Laura Asham, the Founder behind Asham Creations, NextStep to Success gave her the guidance to move her business forward.
“I am so happy to have taken the NextStep program, and it really is the next step. And still to this date we are making our puppets and making people happy,”
Since completing the program in 2018, her award-winning educational puppets have been seen in libraries across Alberta, and in schools across the country, even travelling as far as the Montana Blackfeet Nation.
The program’s small group sessions are unique in their circle delivery format and include real-life examples, success stories, and practical training in a supportive learning environment.
Councillor Tracy McHugh helped bring NextStep to Success to Siksika Nation and credits the program with helping women in her community understand the realities of entrepreneurship, and how to create an action plan for success.
“By the time they're done, the women have a solid footing. They ask themselves ‘what is this plan going to look like, how much money do I need, who do I want on my side?’ Alberta Women Entrepreneurs does a very good job at giving that information and providing those tools.”
Together with our partners, AWE continues to develop programs that will increase entrepreneurial opportunities for Indigenous women in Alberta.
