7.4.2.1 Third-Party Certified Indigenous-Owned Businesses

Third-party certified Indigenous-owned business is a business that is predominantly owned and operated by Indigenous individuals and has been officially verified by an independent third-party certification organization such as the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council or the various regional certifying bodies across Canada. This certification ensures that the business meets specific criteria of Indigenous ownership, typically requiring that Indigenous persons hold at least 51% ownership and control. The purpose of this certification is to authenticate the business's Indigenous status, enhancing its credibility and eligibility for specific programs and opportunities designed to support Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Each third-party certified Indigenous-owned business must have its community affiliation recorded. If a business does not specify a community affiliation or is affiliated with multiple Indigenous communities, general categories such as Indigenous (General), First Nation (General), Metis (General), or Inuit (General) can be used. However, these general categories are not preferred, and recording the actual community affiliation is highly encouraged whenever possible.