Niimuudaan: A Mentorship Service for Eeyou'ch Entrepreneurs
Published on October 10, 2024 - Event occurred on November 13, 2024
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Niimuudaan: A Mentorship Service for Eeyou'ch Entrepreneurs
On October 8, 2024, the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance (SCNATEA), in partnership with Réseau Mentorat, launched the recruitment campaign for Niimuudaan, a mentorship service specially designed for Eeyou'ch entrepreneurs. This innovative program, introduced in August 2024, aims to support Cree entrepreneurs by recognizing the unique challenges they face and promoting their well-being.
Mentorship vs Coaching: What's the Difference?
Mentorship and coaching are two distinct yet complementary approaches to support. Coaching generally focuses on short-term, specific goals. It is often a service aimed at improving skills or solving specific business-related problems.
Mentorship, like the one offered by Niimuudaan, is a more relationship-based, long-term process. The mentor supports the entrepreneur by focusing on their personal and professional development rather than providing management advice or technical solutions.
If a mentee needs more specific services to manage their business, the mentor's role is not to offer these direct solutions but to refer them to specialized resources. For example, if an entrepreneur needs help with accounting or marketing strategy, the mentor can direct them to relevant experts or training programs.
Support: A Pillar of Entrepreneurial Success
Mentorship through Niimuudaan is not limited to sharing knowledge. It is primarily about building a trusting relationship between the mentor and mentee. The role of the Secretariat is to ensure that this process runs smoothly, providing support to both the mentor and mentee throughout their journey. The objective is to ensure that each entrepreneur benefits tangibly from this program, whether it be by increasing their confidence or affirming their values within their business.
A Call to Action for Experienced and Emerging Entrepreneurs
Niimuudaan is now calling on experienced entrepreneurs to share their expertise with the next generation. As Eeyou Eenou mentor Matthew Happyjack emphasizes: "We ask experienced entrepreneurs to join us and become mentors for future entrepreneurs. Small businesses need this program to grow and help their communities thrive."
If you are an emerging entrepreneur looking for mentorship or wish to become a mentor, contact us now to be part of this initiative. Mentorship is a unique opportunity to strengthen the Cree business community and support the development of local businesses.
How to Get Involved?
For more information or to get involved, contact Geneviève Binette at 819-824-9888 ext. 1 or by email at genevievebinette@creenation-at.com.
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