The Client Services Economic Development division supports the goals of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation to strengthen its traditional economy and to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Working with clients and partners, the division’s staff plan for, encourage and enable diversity in employment, business, and provide training opportunities for Tłı̨chǫ citizens.
To promote regional growth, the division helps market renewable resources and Indigenous-manufactured goods through the operation of the Tłı̨chǫ Online Store. The store connects buyers to the handcrafted items and food products manufactured by Tłı̨chǫ Citizens and creates feature artist programs in the store.
Annually, the division creates a unique cultural showcase of Tłı̨chǫ artists. Calling for Tłı̨chǫ artists from the four Tłı̨chǫ communities and Yellowknife and then working directly with the participating artists, the division staff plan, market and implement an annual Tłı̨chǫ Arts Holiday Sale & Showcase event featuring only Tłı̨chǫ artists and unique Tłı̨chǫ cultural experiences for holiday shoppers in Yellowknife.
The division helps with applications to access GNWT programs that are designed to support business development, entrepreneurship, agricultural development and artists. It organizes the delivery of training to help entrepreneurs and small businesses develop and grow. Training programs include how to develop a solid business plan, how to price your artwork, tourism hospitality and GST reporting requirements for small business, among others. The division also works with small businesses in the Tłı̨chǫ communities to ensure their businesses are listed on the Tłı̨chǫ Government website.
The division partners with other organizations to enable training for volunteers in the Tłı̨chǫ communities who offer services as part of the Canada Revenue Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). This program enables the training of volunteers in all four Tłı̨chǫ communities and a variety of tax clinics for those with modest incomes who need help with their annual tax filings.
The division creates training partnerships and internships with private sector partners to enable the development of skills for Tłı̨chǫ citizens, as budgets permit.
If you have any questions or would like additional information about programs or services relating to Economic Development, please contact Client Services at: edo@tlicho.ca.
