First Nations leaders from across the province, including from Aq’am (St. Mary’s Band) will descend on Prince George Feb. 13 – 16 to take part in Aboriginal Business Match 2012. The sold-out event at the Prince George Civic Centre will welcome chiefs and economic development officers from 117 First Nations and Tribal Councils to meet with executives from close to 100 corporations looking to grow partnerships and business opportunities now available in British Columbia.

What makes Aboriginal Business Match 2012 unique among First Nations economic development events is its innovative format and focus on deal making and relationship building. Think of it as “match making” for business. Based on detailed e-profiles developed by all delegates, participants select appointments with each other based on matching business interests. There are already more than 3,100 face-to-face meetings scheduled at this year’s event, and that number will rise to more than 4,600 by the end of the four-day event.

“ABM 2012 will allow First Nations and Tribal Councils to raise awareness and find resources for their projects, access new markets and investigate partnership and other business opportunities,” said Keith Henry, CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC) and ABM Steering Committee Chair.  “This event is designed so that each representative can make the most of their time in Prince George, and meet the people and organizations they need to help move the economy forward in their communities.”

“The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia on this important event, which brings Aboriginal leaders from across BC in contact with decision makers from over 100 national and international companies,” said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “Aboriginal Business Match 2012 supports the Government of Canada’s goal of strengthening economic development in First Nations communities and the Aboriginal business sector.”

There is also a full slate of insider workshops on everything from structuring successful partnerships and negotiating Impact Agreements, to accessing Benefit capital financing and the emerging development opportunities in sectors such as forestry, mining, clean energy, and tourism.

“Prince George is very pleased to be the host community for Aboriginal Business Match 2012, on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh,” said Prince George Mayor Shari Green. “Matching Aboriginal economic developers and Chiefs with corporate executives is a tremendous opportunity to create and explore opportunities that will benefit everyone. New partnerships will be formed and relationships will grow and strengthen. Prince George is open for business and we are pleased so many from around the province will descend upon us to help make their communities and companies grow and prosper.”

Aboriginal Business Match 2012 is co-hosted by Lheidli T’enneh Nation and is a partnership initiative of the BC First Nations Industry Sector Councils, the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC), and the BC Regional Program Management Advisory Committee (BC RPMAC). The federal government, represented by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, is supporting the Aboriginal Business Match 2012 by funding one decision maker from each B.C. First Nation to attend the event in Prince George.

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