ABORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (AIBD)
Who is the AIBD? The AIBD is an interdepartmental Committee made up of 21 federal government departments and agencies who are working collectively to promote the success of Aboriginal small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in export markets. The AIBD is co-chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (Aboriginal Business Canada) What are the AIBD's objectives? The ongoing objectives of the AIBD Plan are: To maximize the accessibility and use of available government programs and services within the Aboriginal business community. To help identify the needs of Aboriginal SMEs at all stages of export development (potential exporters, export-ready firms and active exporters). To increase the level of participation by Aboriginal firms in mainstream trade activities and to develop special initiatives appropriate to unique opportunities and challenges. To address the strong need for capacity building and skills development in order to increase the number of export-ready and export active firms. To integrate and coordinate the participation of Team Canada Inc. partners so that the impact of existing and new federal government programs and services is maximized for Aboriginal companies. How does the AIBD work? AIBD members are committed to improve market access through export market development and promotion of Aboriginal businesses. The AIBD's approach is to build upon the developmental work of various government departments and agencies. The Committee: meets 3-4 times a year to report on action taken to assist Aboriginal SME exporters; exchanges and coordinates information on new programs to meet the needs of Aboriginal SMEs; maintains a comprehensive inventory of programs and services available to Aboriginal SMEs; channels updated reporting through the Team Canada Inc. process; and discusses areas for joint action in the delivery of services to Aboriginal SMEs. Contact Information Rosi Niedermayer Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Tel: (613) 944-0634 Fax: (613) 943-8820 e-mail : rosi.niedermayer@international.gc.ca Radek Bandzierz Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (Aboriginal Business Canada) Tel:  (613) 954-5430 Fax:  (613) 957-7010 e-mail : bandzierz.radek@ic.gc.ca