ITI’s Dehcho Regional office held a Pop-Up Tradeshow Event for small businesses in November.

The event, deferred from Small Business Week in October in respect of COVID protocols, was designed to engage Dehcho residents interested in starting or expanding a small business.

In addition to ITI’s regional Trade and Investment and Tourism and Parks representatives, six additional organizations were represented; each with the common objective of supporting small business.

They included: the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CANNOR); the Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA), Dehcho First Nations (DFN) Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS) team, Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), Deh Cho Business Development Centre (DCBC) and the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC).

ITI Economic Development Officer Martina Norwegian was on hand to promote the NWTArts Program to registered artists needing more information or wishing to update their profiles.

Randal Sibbeston of Midnight Sun Growers took the opportunity to chat with Nazim Awan – CanNor’s Manager, Economic Development.  

“It was a pleasure meeting with the representative from CanNor and discussing my agricultural venture. I was happy to bring some of my fresh potatoes to the event to share with the community to showcase my business. Thanks ITI for organizing this event,” Sibbeston said.

Derek Erasmus (left) represented the Arctic Energy Alliance at the event.

“The event was well organized and was a breath of fresh air during the pandemic,” he said. “It was great to connect with small business owners and educate them about our rebate programs.”

The DFN’s ISETS team attended the event.  Diane Simbaa (left) and Josanne Kenny (right), had advice for clients about their programs and applying for assistance to train themselves or their employees.

ITI’s Regional Tourism Development Officer Madison Pilling (left) and Manager of Tourism and Parks, Stephanie Hardisty (right) provided information and advice about tourism programs and opportunities.

The event was catered by Fort Simpson businesses previously supported by ITI.  These delectable desserts were made by Buns 2 Babes, owned by Trudy Nelner.

By all accounts, this year’s Pop-Up Tradeshow Event was well received and successful. ITI’s Dehcho team and the many organizations that were involved are already looking forward to delivering the event again next year.