Indigenous Tourism Entrepreneurship Training (ITET)

Planning is currently underway for the next program intake — check back soon, as applications for the 2026 cohort open January 23rd.

ITET is a 12-week in-person program running from April 8th to June 24th, 2026. The program is designed to equip Indigenous entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and connections to bring tourism ventures to life.

Join us for an Information Session on the Indigenous Tourism Entrepreneurship Training (ITET) Program on February 12 from 3:30–4:30 PM. Register here.

Meet Past ITET Graduates

Makatew Workshops

Marc Forgette is a proud Anishinaabe Algonquin member of the Wahgoshig (Little Fox) band in Northern Ontario. His business, Makatew Workshops, stems from his self-discovery journey and shares Indigenous teachings. Read more

Program Benefits and Outcomes

Develop essential business skills tailored to the tourism industry, including marketing, financial management, and operations.
Gain insights and guidance from industry experts, Indigenous business leaders, and experienced tourism entrepreneurs.
Build a strong network of like-minded peers, mentors, and industry professionals for long-term support and collaboration.
Access valuable resources and tools to refine, launch, and grow your tourism business successfully.

Program Features

12-week training led by Indigenous facilitators, presenters, and guest speakers.
Comprehensive business support, including planning, development skills, mentorship, and startup ecosystem connections.
Indigenized learning environment rooted in traditional knowledge and ways of knowing.
Training offered in English only.

Commitment

In-Person Onboarding Session – March 12th, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Weekly In-Person Training – Wednesdays April 8th – June 24th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Weekly Homework and Exercises
5-6 hours total weekly commitment
Graduation will be on June 25th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Course Modules

Indigenous Tourism

Understanding the creative process and business concepts needed to enhance your big idea.

Envisioning – Me

Examine who you are as a person, your Indigenous values, and your future goals as an entrepreneur.

Customer Value

Define your target market and identify and understand your niche so that you can master it.

Economic Value

Develop a blueprint for your revenue model, covering pricing, revenue, costs, profits, and sales channels.

Ability to Execute

Identify the key skills required to successfully develop, launch, and sustain your tourism business idea.

Competitive Advantage

Create a competitive strategy to enter the market, stand out, outperform competitors, and sustain success.

Find & Retain Customers

Build your customer databse develop a strategy to attract, engage, and retain loyal customers long-term.

Finance & Budgeting

Develop a healthy financial mindset and master budgeting, from creation to tracking and management.

Financial Planning

Learn key financial statements, conduct break-even analysis, and create your own financial statements.

Operations Strategy

Identify challenges and find resources to support the effective daily management of your business.

Launch

Celebrate with those who supported you on this journey. You've worked hard—now bring your idea to life!

Alumni Community

Join a community of alumni dedicated to growing through collaboration, support, and shared success.

ADAAWE is a hub for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the National Capital Region to gather, learn, and thrive on unceded Algonquin Territory.

Open Monday to Friday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

338 Somerset St. W.

Ottawa, ON

K2P 0 J5