New Blood Tribe Small Business Directory offers opportunities for local entrepreneurs
Story by Henry Heavyshield, Blood Tribe Communications Officer
Standoff, AB. — Blood Tribe Economic Development is excited to announce the launch of its new Blood Tribe Small Business Directory made in partnership with Blood Tribe Communications. It is an online platform designed to showcase and support Blood Tribe small business owners and entrepreneurs.
As Kainai continues to grow, so too does our local economy. There are more Blood Tribe-owned small businesses than ever before. Norma Wolf Child, Small Business Development Officer with Economic Development, began the initiative in May 2025 with a recruitment drive inviting Blood Tribe members to list their businesses.
“[The Directory] is needed. There’s been a few times I’ve heard companies, like construction companies, ask for a list of businesses that have equipment. We’ve been trying for years and years to build a directory, but this is the first time I think we’ve had that many businesses sign-up,” said Wolf Child.
The Directory will provide a hub for connecting Kainai’s entrepreneurial talent with a wider customer base. It reflects Blood Tribe Economic Development’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Blood Tribe’s economic footprint.
Wolf Child hopes the Directory will help small businesses reach more people, network with one another, and access valuable resources. The directory is open to small businesses both on and off-reserve, and there is no cost to join.
Visitors to the directory will be able to browse and search a wide range of businesses: trades, retail, tourism, creative services, professional consulting, and more, all owned by Blood Tribe members. Each listing includes details such as contact information, brief descriptions of products or services offered, and links to business websites or social media.
For entrepreneurs, the directory offers more than just free promotion. When you sign up, you will also be eligible to receive updates from Blood Tribe Economic Development about future professional development opportunities, including workshops and events aimed at supporting business growth. The platform is intended to be both a marketing tool and a community-building space.
A key feature of the directory is its reach. The initiative promotes visibility within the local community as well as the potential to attract customers across Alberta, Canada, and beyond. Wider exposure can help entrepreneurs expand their market share, diversify their customer base, and strengthen brand recognition.
“We hope to increase their market area. Rather than just focusing on the single market, like on the reserve. There’re many opportunities for them to grow their business and to acquire more customers, more reach,” explained Wolf Child.
Are you interested in joining? Signing up for the directory is easy. Use the QR code on the directory or Economic Development’s landing page and fill out the required information. There are no fees to participate, and listings can be updated as businesses grow or change.
Wolf Child Encourages all Blood Tribe entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity.
“My message would be ‘don’t be shy. Don’t be shy,’” said Wolf Child.
“It’s just an opportunity for them to grow and connect to other entrepreneurs for support. And, yeah, there’s tons of benefits for them. But basically, it’s just an opportunity for them to grow,” she added.
Directory participants will also be eligible for Economic Development’s upcoming Small Business of the Month Spotlight. The program will offer a monthly platform for business owners to share their story and promote the work they are doing within the community. Stay tuned to the Bloodtribe.org website in September for their first feature.
The Blood Tribe Small Business Directory is part of a broader effort by Blood Tribe Economic Development to foster economic sovereignty and strengthen the community’s economic resilience. By highlighting the diverse skills, services, and products offered by Blood Tribe members, the directory serves as a valuable tool for empowerment and long-term growth.
For more information, visit Bloodtribe.org and follow the links, scan the QR code, or contact Norma Wolf Child by email at [email protected].
If you are a Blood Tribe small business owner and are interested in joining, scan the QR code below and fill in the required fields.
