Every day, we have the privilege of working alongside entrepreneurs who are building something remarkable. But somewhere along the way, we noticed something that deserved its own spotlight: our clients aren't just running businesses : they're carrying knowledge, history, and expertise that goes far deeper than their day-to-day operations.
That's what inspired Empowerment Pathways, a new space where we share the stories, facts, and lived experience our clients bring with them in their own words.
Last Thursday, I had the honour of attending a ceremony unlike any other.
We gathered inside Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village, located approximately 140 kilometres east of Vancouver, British Columbia in the community of Harrison Mills. Healing Village — a Minimum-security institution designed specifically for Indigenous incarcerated individuals — to mark a moment of real, earned progress.
At SEF Canada, we believe that strong businesses begin with clear thinking, practical tools, and the confidence to take the first step.
Over the years, we have developed a wide range of workbooks and resources to support entrepreneurs in our programs and partner communities. Today, we are proud to share that the “Back of the Envelope Workbook” is joining our growing collection—designed to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas and passions into real businesses.
In this video, we sit down with Clay Williams, founder of Molded Fortitude, to learn more about his journey, his experiences, and the story behind his business. Clay shares who he is, what inspired him to start Molded Fortitude, and how he is building a new path through entrepreneurship. His story reflects resilience, growth, and the power of turning ideas into action. We’re proud to highlight Clay’s work and the dedication behind his business. Learn more about Empowerment Pathways and our work:
At SEF Canada, one of the most meaningful measures of impact is longevity, seeing projects we supported years ago continue to thrive, adapt, and uplift their communities. That’s why we’re proud to share the latest Year in Review from Accelerate UP, a project that has been creating real, measurable change since 2013.
Accelerate UP empowers entrepreneurs and propels small businesses to start, expand, and diversify through a comprehensive system. Over the years, the program has created or retained 459 jobs, helped launch, expand, or acquire 144 businesses, and supported access to $19.4 million in capital investments a powerful testament to what sustained, community-centered support can achieve.
Yesterday morning, SEF Canada was proud to host a complimentary introductory session for our new course series, Engage & Elevate: Community-Centered Courses. This gathering brought together individuals passionate about creating meaningful, community-driven impact.
The session served as an introduction to a course series designed for change-makers and community leaders who want to deepen their engagement, strengthen their initiatives, and elevate the voices within their communities. From the start, the energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to learning, collaboration, and action.
SEF Canada was honoured to visit the Vuntut Gwitchin community in early January to deliver a workshop. This workshop was part of a community visit and collaborative learning experience.
The name “VGFN t’aih Business Development.” emerged through group discussion, marking an important step toward community ownership and reflecting the voices, priorities, and identity of participants.
SEF Canada at IPSS 2025: Building Bridges for Indigenous Economic Opportunity
Posted November 2025
We’re thrilled to share that SEF Canada had a fantastic time at the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS) 2025, held on November 13 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.
IPSS 2025 brought together Indigenous Nations, business leaders, policymakers and investors to spark meaningful partnerships and advance economic reconciliation in Canada. For SEF Canada, this event offered an inspiring environment to engage, learn and connect.
Last night, SEF Canada had the pleasure of attending a remarkable networking event hosted by Hispano Mine and sponsored by Orla Mining. The gathering brought together professionals from across the mining sector—many of them Spanish-speaking and Latino leaders—to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the growing diversity within the industry.
🌱 From Mining Project to Thriving Community
A few years ago, SEF Canada worked with the community in Cerro de San Pedro, Mexico. Our role: build capacity, and support residents in launching small businesses, making the community economically sustainable.
We’re proud to say that the knowledge stayed with the community. 💡 Even after our direct involvement ended, the people of Cerro de San Pedro continued to grow, innovate, and build a sustainable future on their own terms.
What an exciting moment for Sarah Hopkins, Founder & Matriarch of Three Sisters Consulting, and a valued partner of SEF Canada through the Empowerment Pathways Program!
Sarah has been recognized as Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 at the CanadianSME Small Business Awards—a well-deserved honour that celebrates her unwavering leadership, vision, and dedication to community empowerment.
Brandi Qalhaq Williamson is Iñupiaq from Ambler and Kotzebue, Alaska. Her parents are Jennifer & Andrew Greene, and Unch Schuerch. She is the mother of Kassandra, Carter, and Wren, who inspire her commitment to ensure the benefits of cultural knowledge carry forward to future generations.
SEF Canada at CIM2025: A Powerful Step Toward Partnership and Impact
SEF Canada was proud to participate in the CIM 2025 Convention and Expo, one of the mining industry’s most influential events. Our presence marked an exciting opportunity to connect with leaders and companies across the sector who are looking to build meaningful relationships with communities and support entrepreneurial development.
We’re excited to announce that Corina Qaaġraq Kramer has joined SEFCanada as our new facilitator!
Corina Qaaġraq Kramer, is Iñupiaq from Noorvik (Alfred Wells Sr. & Hannah Wells’ tutik) and Kotzebue, Alaska. She specializes in integrating traditional Indigenous knowledges with Western practices to improve the well-being and sovereignty of Tribal communities. Her advocacy aims to restore Indigenous peoples' rights to leadership and success while reviving their connections to culture, land, and communities.
This month, SEF Canada had the incredible opportunity to attend PDAC 2025, with Sukhman Kathar from our Sales team and CEO Suzette McFaul representing the organization! It was a remarkable experience to connect with global leaders, exchange ideas, and deepen understanding of the evolving role of sustainability in the mining sector.
