Lockheed Martin Canada said today it will expand its partnership with the Joint Economic Development Initiative, or Jedi, a not-for-profit organization that fosters economic development for First Nations in New Brunswick.

JEDI launched a targeted strategy in 2014 to help Aboriginal people to pursue businesses and careers in the aerospace and defence industry. The organization developed a unique training and mentorship program – the JEDI Aboriginal Business Accelerator program. This program aims to help participating entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses focused on exporting and creating intellectual property that is attractive to the aerospace and defence industry. 

After completing the program, Aboriginal entrepreneurs are better equipped to become part of the supply chain for shipbuilding and related defence sector opportunities.

Lockheed Martin Canada has partnered with JEDI since its inception in 2015. The company first reviewed the training and mentorship curriculum, providing constructive feedback to further scale the program and participated in the first training modules.

JEDI Nurtures First Nations Entrepreneurs

The pilot program supported eight participants with companies in mobile software development, security, machining, consulting, cleantech and health sciences. The 10-week program focused on helping the entrepreneurs succeed by introducing them to key skills and resources ranging from financial management to research and development. Following the program, participants have received interest from investors, universities and large aerospace and defence companies.

“Lockheed Martin Canada has a significant focus on strengthening our community of small Canadian businesses,” said Rosemary Chapdelaine, Vice-President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Mission Systems. 

“JEDI’s program has an essential role to play in positioning Aboriginal entrepreneurs for future opportunities in shipbuilding and defence. Our industry needs these talented people to develop their businesses because we are always looking for new partners to meet the increasing demands of our programs.”

Lockheed Martin Canada will continue its partnership with JEDI, increasing its sponsorship support for the new cohort of ten participants in the 2016-17 program. This effort is part of the company’s overarching strategy to engage and support small and medium Canadian businesses for programs like the Canadian Surface Combatant and initiatives like the IMPACT Centre.

"JEDI is pleased to partner once again with Lockheed Martin Canada on the JEDI Aboriginal Business Accelerator," says Alex Dedam, President of the Joint Economic Development Initiative. "The JEDI Aboriginal Business Accelerator is an exciting endeavour that will have a tremendous impact on its graduates, the communities they live in and the aerospace and defence industry. The support of Lockheed Martin Canada will be instrumental in helping many Aboriginal people turn their business ideas into successful companies."

The second Aboriginal Business Accelerator Program will take place beginning in November at Planet Hatch in Fredericton. It will include weekly instruction, office hours with experts and successful entrepreneurs, networking events, presentations as well as business-to-business meetings with key industry stakeholders.