Thank you, Madam Chair, and thanks to our witnesses for being here on this important study.
I was reading on the NACCA website the importance of federal funding, and I just want to make sure I read this into the record.
It says:
The inclusion of NACCA in Budget 2024 demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing Indigenous economic prosperity. This funding will enable us to continue our transformative work, breaking down systemic barriers and fostering economic participation aligned with Indigenous cultural values. We acknowledge and thank the Government of Canada for their strong belief, support and inclusion of NACCA and the network of IFIs as we look forward to a continuance of collaborative positive outcomes towards Indigenous Prosperity.
Ms. Perron, speaking to some of this funding that's been supportive of many indigenous entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs, can you speak to what this means to NACCA, what it would mean to the hundreds of women whom you currently support through maybe micro grants or other programs that you run.