All You Need to Know About the Indigenous Business Directory (IBD)

Last September, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) officially launched its Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) platform, a significant milestone in promoting economic reconciliation.

The publicly accessible platform aims to enhance visibility of Indigenous-owned businesses, foster connections, and increase opportunities for inclusion across all industries. Today, the IBD counts hundreds of verified Indigenous businesses.

How It Works for Indigenous-owned Businesses

To be listed as a registered business within the IBD, businesses can begin by completing the easy-to-use online form hosted on the ICC’s website.To maintain authenticity, the IBD applies strict inclusion criteria, such as the following:

• Ownership requirement: Only businesses with at least 51% Indigenous ownership and control are eligible. This covers various entity types such as bands, cooperatives, sole proprietorships, partnerships, not-for-profit incorporations, and joint ventures where Indigenous entities hold the majority stake.
• Status documentation: Participants must provide formal proof such as Indian registration, Métis Federation citizenship, community recognition, or enrollment in land-claim agreements. Manitoba residency is confirmed through documents like driver’s licenses or lease agreements.
• Corporate records: Further verification into beneficial ownership is performed using incorporation papers, board minutes, share registers, joint‑venture agreements, and other governance documents to confirm Indigenous control.

Once confirmed by ICC staff, Indigenous-owned businesses are set to be listed on the IBD, providing a verified and trusted directory for government bodies, NGOs, and corporations to source Indigenous expertise and services. Positioned as a key tool for inclusive procurement, the IBD echoes the ICC’s broader economic reconciliation strategy.

For governments, corporations, and procurement professionals, the IBD offers a powerful tool for building inclusive and resilient supply chains. By providing a centralized, verified list of Indigenous-owned businesses across industries, the IBD streamlines supplier discovery, supports diversity goals, and fosters meaningful economic partnerships.

Whether fulfilling public procurement mandates or seeking trusted collaborators with deep local roots and cultural insight, non-Indigenous organizations can use the IBD to engage in genuine, mutually beneficial economic reconciliation.

Beyond its role in enhancing visibility and procurement opportunities, the IBD also lays the groundwork for broader economic impact. It can help attract impact-driven investors, support access to financing, and facilitate cross-sector partnerships with non-Indigenous firms.

Over time, the directory may also contribute to public policy reform, offering valuable data on Indigenous business activity, while fostering a sense of community and peer support among Indigenous entrepreneurs. As the platform grows, so too does its potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable economy.