October 13, 2021 – Ontario’s Hydro One and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business announced 28 recipients of the Hydro One Business Grant, which will provide “direct financial support to Indigenous-owned businesses”.

These grants, explained Hydro One’s Jason Fitzsimmons, “are part of our commitment to empower and support Indigenous businesses and the economy by increasing our annual Indigenous procurement spend”.

“We will continue to leverage our unique position in the province and the reach of our network to further reconciliation and nurture respectful, positive and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities,” Fitzsimmons added.

Level 2 Grants

8 recipients, $7500 grant and CCAB membership. Selected by jury review process.

• Praztek Construction (2124140 Ontario Inc.), Timmins
• Anishinabeg Communications Inc. (Anish Branding), Ottawa
• Dr. Clean Inc., Sudbury
• Superior Strategies Inc., Nipigon
• Beaverstone Consulting, Rockwood
• First Nations Cable, Ohsweken
• Baamaapii Boxes, North Bay
• Bear Standing Tall & Associates, Shannonville

Level 1 Grants

20 recipients, $2500 grant and CCAB membership. Selections made during live lottery draw on September 23.

• 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services, Barrie
• 682912 Ontario Ltd., Schumacher
• Allen’s Resource Management, Kenabeek
• Amor Decor Interior, Cobourg
• Anokasan Capital Ltd., Newmarket
• Clutter Monkey, Etobicoke
• Desire & Glow Closet, Wikwemikong
• Glass Art by Renee Jewell, Southwold
• Humble Man Recording, Ohsweken
• Integra Graphic Design Studio Inc., Barrie
• Iroquois Cannabis Inc., Hagersville
• Lake Temagami Soap Co., Bear Island
• MTS Native Services, Ohsweken
• Northern Mixtures, Rama
• PhotoCadieux, Cambridge
• R&A Toulouse Trucking, Massey
• Shadow Healing, M’Chigeeng
• Stuckin’ Ring, Berwick
• The Haven Hostel Inc., Thunder Bay
• The Smoke Depot, Deseronto

As a Silver-certified member in CCAB’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program, Hydro One is “committed to empowering Indigenous-owned businesses to foster an equitable and sustainable economy”.

The utility says this partnership is a part of its commitment to direct 20% of its corporate donations and sponsorships to Indigenous communities and organizations that benefit Indigenous communities. Hydro One is also committed to increasing its Indigenous procurement spend to 5% of the company’s purchases of materials and services by 2026.

“CCAB has continued to work to support Indigenous businesses through the unique struggles that the Covid-19 pandemic has created, and are grateful to Hydro One for their commitment and continued support of Indigenous business in Ontario,” said Tabitha Bull, CCAB president & CEO.