<p>Governments, Nations and large companies are actively looking for Indigenous suppliers. The businesses that win those contracts are rarely the biggest. They are the ones that are ready when the opportunity appears. Here is how to get there.</p><h2 id="0debece2-5ed5-41d6-b7ce-7f3d24a57406" data-toc-id="0debece2-5ed5-41d6-b7ce-7f3d24a57406" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Get your business foundations in order</h2><p>Buyers want to see a registered business, a business number, proper insurance, and clean financial records. If any of these are missing, start here. They are the first things a procurement officer checks.</p><h2 id="8d45e135-03a9-41b6-b6fe-52a5d64042b9" data-toc-id="8d45e135-03a9-41b6-b6fe-52a5d64042b9" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Write a one-page capability statement</h2><p>A capability statement is your business résumé. It should state who you are, what you deliver, who you have worked for, your certifications, and how to reach you. Keep it to one page and tailor it to each buyer.</p><h2 id="00129b36-a0db-46fd-b8f4-9fafc2de638b" data-toc-id="00129b36-a0db-46fd-b8f4-9fafc2de638b" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Register where buyers look</h2><p>Register with the supplier systems your buyers use. For federal work, that includes CanadaBuys and, for eligible businesses, the Government of Canada's Indigenous Business Directory. Many provinces, municipalities and companies keep their own supplier lists as well.</p><h2 id="6bf94048-8e92-4e6f-8200-37fdd2c459bc" data-toc-id="6bf94048-8e92-4e6f-8200-37fdd2c459bc" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Start small and build a track record</h2><p>Your first contracts may be small. Deliver on time and on budget, then ask for a written reference. A short list of satisfied clients is often worth more than a long proposal.</p><h2 id="9e6f404d-8723-48a2-81c8-b601ccd88d51" data-toc-id="9e6f404d-8723-48a2-81c8-b601ccd88d51" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Learn to read and answer a bid</h2><p>Read the whole solicitation before you write anything. Make a checklist of every mandatory requirement, answer each one directly, and price the work so it is profitable for you. Missing one mandatory item can disqualify an otherwise strong bid.</p><h2 id="48c03bf9-53a6-414e-9177-5b3c5a573f0c" data-toc-id="48c03bf9-53a6-414e-9177-5b3c5a573f0c" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">How JDionne &amp; Associates can help</h2><p>We work with Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses on capability statements, supplier registration, bid preparation and business planning. <a target="_blank" href="/business-services">Explore our Business Services</a> or <a target="_blank" href="/contact">book a free discovery call</a>.</p>

Five practical steps Indigenous businesses can take to compete for government and corporate contracts.

5 Steps to Becoming Contract-Ready as an Indigenous Business

Articles from JDionne & Associates on Indigenous recovery, mental health and the 60s Scoop, plus business planning, funding and contract-readiness guidance.

5 Steps to Becoming Contract-Ready as an Indigenous Business

5 Steps to Becoming Contract-Ready as an Indigenous Business

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