SASKATOON — Trent Billette is driven to help Indigenous entrepreneurs like him. He founded Indigpreneur to empower Indigenous business owners in Northern communities, particularly those involved in ecotourism.
His goal was motivated by the limited resources and opportunities available to Indigenous entrepreneurs, a gap he was determined to close.
“There’s a lot of need for reconnecting with the land and others around us, so tourism is a big answer to that gap,” said Billette, who is a proud member of the Buffalo River Dene Nation and is from Dillon, about 550 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
Early in his journey as an entrepreneur, Billette realized that his community lacked essential infrastructure for business development, including reliable internet and basic economic resources.
That motivated him to make these resources accessible to fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs so they could start and grow their businesses that would benefit their communities. The desire to support sustainable ventures, like ecotourism, was key to his vision.
Billette partnered with Firecircle, a fully digital small business accelerator that became integral to his venture's success. Firecircle provided him with a supportive community of peers and mentors, offering a sense of belonging that was crucial to Indigpreneur's growth.
“Firecircle came in at a crucial time as I built a social enterprise that supported Indigenous entrepreneurs. Their accelerated programs gave me the tools, mentorship, and network that helped take my business ideas to the next level,” said Billette.
Through Firecircle’s programs, Billette sharpened his skills and found a new purpose in his work. He saw this as an opportunity to build his business and empower others in his community. The sense of community he gained through Firecircle helped him feel connected to something bigger than himself.
“Firecircle makes it feel like you’re a part of their family, even after you’re done with the program,” said Billette.
Billette continues to find purpose in his work and has expanded his efforts by offering one-on-one coaching sessions. He is also launching an Indigpreneur Podcast designed to highlight the achievements and stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Trent attributes much of his growth to his partnership with Firecircle, whose support has been essential in helping him reach his current position. With his platform, he is now assisting Indigenous entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses that reconnect them with the land and their communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation of ecotourism leaders.
