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August 31, 2023, Toronto, Ontario – Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) today announced the Indigenous companies selected to participate in the Indigenous Business Defence Sector Accelerator program, which opened to applications in June. The Accelerator Program will provide opportunities for Indigenous businesses in Canada, which are traditionally underrepresented in supply chains, to engage with defence industry suppliers.
The inaugural sponsors for the program, General Dynamics’ business units in Canada, Land Systems–Canada, Mission Systems–Canada, and Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada reviewed 28 submissions from businesses looking to participate in the program. These sponsors, along with CCAB, are proud to announce the Indigenous businesses selected for 2023-24.
The successful applicants are:
Acosys Consulting Services Inc.
Montreal, QC
COTA Aviation
Parksville, BC
Gestion ADC
Laval, QC
MBS Techservices Inc.
Vancouver, BC
LaFlesche Plastics
Kahnawake, QC
Xtended Hydraulics and Machine
Regina, SK
“Being recognized and endorsed by General Dynamics speaks volumes about the faith in our capabilities. With the support, mentorship, and resources offered through this program, we anticipate significant advancements in our capabilities and outreach that will propel our growth,” said David Morrish, CEO of MBS Techservices Inc. “This program is a testament to high expectations the industry has for the growing contributions from Indigenous businesses to the technology sector that we are honored and thrilled to be a part of.”
The chosen recipients moving forward in the program will be paired with organizational sponsors to learn about regulatory requirements and acquire skills to leverage opportunities within their sponsors’ global supply chains. CCAB will help facilitate connections between sponsor organizations and Indigenous business leaders participating in the program to increase awareness of sector-specific opportunities and will provide mentorship and coaching for navigating the process of becoming a supplier within Canada’s defence industry.
“A big congratulations to the inaugural candidates of the Indigenous Business Defence Sector Accelerator Program. They will have the opportunity to participate in a bespoke supplier development program and expand their network and further engage with the defence sector supply chain,” said Philip Ducharme, vice president of entrepreneurship & procurement at CCAB. “Thanks to the support and leadership of General Dynamics, we hope to continue this valuable program and invite other mature defence sector partners to join the program. Together we can continue to help Indigenous businesses climb to success with new procurement opportunities.”
About Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business:
CCAB is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. As a national, non-partisan association, its mission is to promote, strengthen and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness. CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to its members to cultivate economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada. For more information, visit www.ccab.com.
About General Dynamics:
General Dynamics is a global defence and aerospace company with a worldwide reputation for excellence. In Canada, our operations focus on the production of combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions, IT & C4ISR solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces and allied forces worldwide. We are proud of the work our employees do every single day to design and develop cutting-edge solutions that support our troops when it matters the most.
Media contacts:
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Alannah Jabokwoam
Senior Associate, Communications & Public Relations
marketing@ccab.com
T: +1.647.920.3554
General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada
Jay Hancock
Manager, Corporate Affairs
hancockj@gdls.com
T: +1.519.964.5104
General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada
Lorena MacKenzie
Strategic Communications & Marketing
lorena.mackenzie@gd-ms.ca
T: +1.613.277.4927
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada
Berkley Whaley
Chief Communications Officer
berkley.whaley@gd-ots.com
T: +1.727.578.8367