Indigenous communities and development corporations partner with us to achieve their business and community objectives.
By leveraging our existing relationships and utilizing our innovative Online Business Connectors and in-person events, they can establish valuable connections with other vetted ABM Members quickly and according to their priorities. This streamlined process allows to explore new opportunities efficiently and ensures accelerated success.
Taking part in this collaboration is completely cost-free. We simply require a commitment to mutual success through active participation.
“We at the K'omoks Economic Development Corporation pursue opportunities in several industries.
Hosting our own ABM Business Connectors saves us time and expands our network. It is a highly efficient way to make new connections with decision-makers who understand our community-directed approach.
ABM helps us to source culturally competent companies we want to hire or partner with.”
Jen Knox, CEO, KEDC
Important
ABM facilitates introduction only. We are never invested into the outcome of introductions or privy to conversations. While we offer ongoing support as needed, next steps are entirely up to the introduced parties.
There is no obligation for our community partners other than to work with us collaboratively and to honour the appointments they confirm.
We prioritize companies that have multidimensional objectives including the development of revenue-generating partnerships appropriate for communities offering varying levels of capacity and interest. We are clear with the companies that want to join ABM that it is not our job to deliver the economic power of Indigenous communities in form of “sales targets” and that we do not solve anybody’s Indigenous engagement problem.
The companies that participate in ABM are exceptional in their approach, experienced and appreciate that Indigenous leadership deals with more complexity and criticism than corporate leadership. They all accept that business at ABM is done with this understanding at the forefront and with adequate time, grace, and without flimsiness.
We understand that working with Indigenous community and business leadership requires flexibility and that schedules and priorities change. Being accommodating to get things done regardless is what we do.
The Process
Our community partners decide on dates and times for their Online Business Connector series. For us to be effective and for our partners to be successful, we require a commitment to hold a minimum of four Connectors over 12 months.
We create our partners’ Online Business Connectors in our proprietary virtual environment.
Based on our partners’ priorities and goals, we invite companies with matching business interests and make sure the right people attend.
On the day of the Connector, our software creates private video feeds for each confirmed meeting.
A debrief after each Connector ensures we understand goals correctly and curate the next Connector effectively.
“I can highly the ABM to help and assist in your search for the right people or business to meet your demands. I have been involved in their conferences and online sessions for many years and have had some great successes. I always look forward to the next event to meet new people or to visit with new friends.”
— Darryl Peters, Business Manager, TTQ Economic Development Corporation
“I’ve been with ABM for a number of years and highly recommend being involved. Katrin and team are a wealth of knowledge and can help you or your organization connect with the right peeps. They are passionate about what they do and it totally shows.”
— Dolly Kershaw, Economic Development, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
If you are an Indigenous community or development corporation, we are looking forward to meeting with you to see how we can assist your business goals.
If you are a company and would like to develop opportunities with our Indigeous community partners, book a meeting with us. We are looking forward to learning more about you.