Empowering First Nations Growth
Who We Are
ABS Business Development has proudly served as an indigenous-owned consultancy since 2006, specializing in First Nations business growth, renewable energy, and government procurement. With over 30 years of combined experience grounded in the Mi'kmaq concept of Two Eyed Seeing, we provide holistic insights designed to foster sustainable development and amplify indigenous voices in the business sector. Our commitment to mentorship and empowerment drives every project we undertake.
Services
- price negotiable
- price negotiable
- price negotiable
- price negotiable
- price negotiable
- price negotiable
Projects
In 2001 Membertou had just entered into their Marshall fishing agreement with the federal government. As part of their capacity building strategy the band wanted to develop fisheries science capacity through mapping. Initially designed as a marine project the mapping initiative very quickly transitioned into a land based mapping company with GPS technology driving the project. As lead director on the project my role was to find and secure a mapping company with the ability to transfer not only the technical requirements and training for Membertou but as well teach the commercial standards that the mapping sector requires for success. Also I was further responsible to find and engage Membertou band members who had the fundamental skills and interest to pursue geomatics as a career. Today Membertou Geomatics is a highly successful and sought after company and is an industry leader in geomatics for indigenous and non-indigenous projects in NS.
.png)
The WMA (formerly known as Beaubassin Mi'kmaq Wind Ltd), was launched in 2012 as a result of the Assembly of NS Mi'kmaq Chiefs engagements with the onshore wind sector. The WMA is a development corporation with all 13 NS Mi'kmaq communities as general partners. As the Mi'kmaq Energy Adviser for the KMKNO, my role in the development of the dev corp was to lead the development team (under the direction of the Assembly's lead energy chief) and our private consultant, Grant Thorton. Today the WMA is an indigenous leader in First Nations development and has multiple projects in the wind, energy storage and cannabis sectors and continues to develop new projects and partnerships for the Mi'kmaq Nation in NS.
.png)
In 2011 the Mi'kmaq of NS began to develop multiple wind projects as a result of their 2010 Mi'kmaq Renewable Energy Strategy. This project (4 MW located close to Bridgewater, NS) presented the first of many renewable energy projects for the 13 indigenous communities in NS. As the Mi'kmaq Energy Adviser for the KMKNO my role was to lead the development for the Assembly and ultimately build the project through Beaubassin Mi'kmaq Wind Ltd. As well, my role also included securing project funding (INAC) as well as developing a benefits program for the Mi'kmaq and ensuring that the Assembly clearly understood the technical, financial and development elements of the project. I worked with Juwi Wind and fulfilled my responsibilities under the authority of the lead energy Chief for the KMKNO
.png)
In 2010 the Assembly of NS Mi'kmaq Chiefs developed their own renewable energy strategy. This strategy examined the potential for large and small wind, small marine turbine and biomass opportunities. The strategy (developed under the authority of the Mi'kmaq Chiefs with the lead energy chief, Gerard Julian) as direct authority. As the Mi'kmaq energy adviser my role was to work with our consultant, Stantec and NS Power to design and develop the format for the strategy and determine how the strategy would be executed. A direct result of the strategy was a 2013 Mi'kmaq energy efficiency project in which the KMKNO developed a pilot project to examine the energy efficiency potential for the 13 communities. Today the Mi'kmaq continue their journey to enhance their energy efficiencies with multiple projects underway.
.png)
In 2016 I had the honour to work with the Tobique First Nation (Neqotkuk) for almost 7 years as their indigenous commercial fisheries adviser. My role was to evaluate the communities current commercial fisheries portfolio, including partners and advise on new acquisitions and solidify long-term partnerships. I had the benefit of working directly with the Chief Ross Perley and the Tobique Fisheries Committee that the Chief and Council founded for the project. Today Neqotkuk has a thriving commercial fishery (Grand Manan and Digby) with a modern commercial fisheries accommodations and training centre on Grand Manan.
.png)
As Wagmatcook's corporate affairs adviser, one of my roles was to develop and execute a project that would not only showcase the communities cultural and tourism assets but as well create revenue. The decision of the Chief and Council and (under the direction of the CEO, Brian Arbuthnot) we developed WCCTV. The project was a community television channel that would broadcast on the local cable system in Victoria County, NS. With our consultant, Robert Bernard, we designed the project to deliver information on all of Wagmatcook's seasonal tourism offerings as well as launched a weekly TV bingo for the community. Launched in 2006 WCCTV continues to provide tourism related information as well as injecting new revenues through their weekly TV bingo broadcast.