BRIDG Program Open To More Aboriginal Communities

BRIDG Program Open To More Aboriginal Communities

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 14:40

Eight more Aboriginal communities in the province will be able to participate in a business-ready program as the federal government has contributed $3.7 million more to the program.

The Business Ready Investment Development Gateway — or BRIDG — helps First Nations and Metis businesses partner with economic developments and energy projects so they can create better governance and business practices.

Julie Wriston, the Aboriginal development officer with Westcap Management Ltd., which administers the program, says the program is unique because it takes into account the core business values of the communities.

Wriston says the selection will be based on merit and applicants will be asked about a variety of topics, such as the community’s political stability.

She says the communities will be asked for the date of their next election, details about their financial situation, if they have done any governance work and if they have an economic development arm.

Nine communities are already participating in the three-year program.

Wriston says the second round of intake will begin very soon.