The Benefits of Business

This section examines three themes related to social enterprises: community economic development; innovation in business development; and financing models for social enterprises. Exploring these themes will help us understand how to build enterprising communities.

CED uses community resources to launch and sustain economic growth. Members of the Ohpahow Wawesecikiwak Arts Marketing Co-operative in northern Saskatchewan combine traditional skills with co-operative marketing techniques to create and market art that preserves and promotes their culture while generating stable incomes.

“[It's] like putting back the Indian in me. The forming of the Big River First Nations co-op has been a revitalization of identity, language, culture, and spirituality.” – Artisan, Ohpahow Wawesecikiwak Arts Marketing Co-operative