AOPFN Limited Partnership

Business Development & Community Opportunities

Our Commitment

The AOPFN Limited Partnership is committed to supporting a strong, sustainable local economy that encourages entrepreneurship, and improves economic opportunities for our members and community.

Our goal is to strengthen economic stability and long-term prosperity by supporting business development, building partnerships, and helping community members access the training and resources needed to succeed.

What We Do

Business Development & Entrepreneurship

We support members who are interested in starting, growing, or expanding their businesses. This includes assistance with business planning, identifying funding opportunities, accessing available resources, and connecting with potential partners.

Employment & Workforce Development

We recognize that workforce readiness is essential to creating meaningful and sustainable employment. We work to identify training opportunities, address employment barriers, and help members develop the skills, qualifications, and confidence needed to pursue their career goals.

Partnerships & Economic Opportunities

We continue to build and strengthen relationships with businesses, industry partners, governments, and organizations throughout Renfrew County and beyond. These partnerships help increase awareness of our community's workforce, businesses, capabilities, and potential for economic participation.

Training

We support access to skills development, certification, and training opportunities that respond to current and emerging needs.

Community & Business Development Projects

We explore projects and initiatives that support community priorities, encourage economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to long-term sustainability.

Funding & Business Resources

We actively research funding programs, grants, and other resources that may assist members, entrepreneurs, and community businesses in pursuing new opportunities.

Staying Connected

Keeping members informed and involved is an important part of business development.

We are committed to sharing information about business opportunities, training, funding programs, community initiatives, and upcoming events through the AOPFN website, social media, newsletters, and community communications.

How to Access Services

Community members, entrepreneurs, and businesses are encouraged to contact the Business Development Officer to discuss their ideas, goals, or support needs.

Whether you are exploring a business idea, looking to expand an existing business, seeking training opportunities, or interested in potential partnerships, we can help connect you with relevant information, resources, and opportunities.

Contact the AOPFN Limited Partnership to learn more about available services or to arrange a meeting.

Together, we can build opportunities that strengthen our businesses, support our workforce, and contribute to a prosperous future for Pikwàkanagàn.

Supporting AOPFN Entrepreneurs and Businesses

Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation (AOPFN) Limited Partnership supports member-owned businesses at every stage, from developing an initial business idea to expanding an established operation.

The Business Development Officer (BDO) provides guidance, resources, and assistance to help members explore business opportunities and strengthen their business capacity.

Business Planning & Development

We can assist with:

  • Business plans and startup planning
  • Funding applications and business financing resources
  • Business expansion and growth strategies
  • Training, mentorship, and networking opportunities
  • Procurement readiness and supplier registration

Business owners participate actively in developing their plans to build the knowledge and confidence needed to manage their businesses and approach potential funders.

AOPFN Member Business Registry

The AOPFN Member Business Registry helps identify and promote member-owned businesses, independent contractors, artisans, tradespeople, and service providers.

Registration helps AOPFN LP understand local business capacity and share relevant information about procurement opportunities, training, funding programs, and industry partnerships.

Member Business Registration Forms – Coming Soon

Contact the Business Development Officer for registration assistance.

Procurement & Contracting Opportunities

AOPFN LP works with industry partners, contractors, and proponents to encourage Indigenous business participation in procurement and contracting opportunities.

Members can receive guidance on supplier registration, procurement requirements, business readiness, and potential contracting opportunities.

Business Resources & Funding

Indigenous Business Development Toolkit – Ontario

A free resource covering business planning, startup requirements, financial planning, and business growth.

Access the Ontario Business Development Toolkit

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Financing, business advice, and resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Explore BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur Resources

Indigenous Business Financing Programs

Explore additional government programs, financing options, and business development resources.

Government of Canada – Indigenous Business Development

Contact Us

Ready to start or grow your business?

Contact us to discuss business planning, funding opportunities, registration, and available support services.

Funding, financing, and procurement opportunities are subject to program eligibility, availability, and approval. Business registration does not guarantee contracts or funding.

 

 

AOPFN General Partner & AOPFN Limited Partnership

The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation (AOPFN) established the AOPFN General Partner and AOPFN Limited Partnership (AOPFN LP) to advance economic development, pursue strategic investments, and create sustainable business opportunities that benefit the First Nation and its members.

These corporate entities provide a structure through which AOPFN can participate in commercial ventures, establish partnerships, manage investments, and pursue long-term economic growth.

The AOPFN Limited Partnership is responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, and managing business opportunities on behalf of the First Nation.

Each entity is overseen by a Board of Directors, with regular reporting and annual accountability to Chief and Council.

Business opportunities are assessed to determine the most appropriate structure for participation, whether through First Nation administration or the corporate partnership structure.

The overall objective is to strengthen economic independence, generate sustainable revenue, create employment opportunities, and support the long-term prosperity of the community.

Renewable Energy Investments

Renewable energy represents an important component of AOPFN's economic development portfolio. Through strategic partnerships and investments, the First Nation has participated in solar energy projects that contribute to clean energy production and provide long-term revenue opportunities.

Goshen Solar Inc.

AOPFN holds a 51% ownership interest in Goshen Solar Inc., a 500-kilowatt rooftop solar energy project located on Goshen Road near Renfrew, Ontario.

The project was developed in partnership with Hans Reichert and operates under a 20-year agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), with a scheduled contract completion in 2035.

This investment supports AOPFN's participation in the renewable energy sector while generating revenue for the First Nation.

S.S. Kyle Solar Project

AOPFN holds a 15% partnership interest in the S.S. Kyle solar project, a 50-kilowatt rooftop solar installation located in Lancaster, Ontario.

Developed in partnership with Roger Gauthier, the project was established to provide a long-term revenue stream for the First Nation through renewable energy generation.

Pendleton & Barlow Solar Projects

AOPFN entered a renewable energy partnership with EDF Renewables involving two significant solar developments: Pendleton Solar and Barlow Solar.

AOPFN holds a 50.1% ownership interest in each project, with the investments managed through the AOPFN Limited Partnership.

Barlow Solar Project

A 10-megawatt ground-mounted solar installation located on private land near Cornwall, Ontario.

Pendleton Solar Project

A 12-megawatt ground-mounted solar installation located on private land southwest of Plantagenet, Ontario.

Construction of both projects was completed during the 2018–2019 period.

These investments represent important milestones in AOPFN's participation in renewable energy development and were established to provide long-term economic benefits to the First Nation.

Investment Strategy

The AOPFN Limited Partnership developed an Investment Strategy to guide business decisions, assess partnership opportunities, and support responsible economic growth.

The strategy provides a framework for evaluating potential investments, managing financial opportunities, and considering how economic returns can support community priorities.

Community input was incorporated into the development of the strategy through a survey completed by 126 participants, including members living both on and off reserve.

The Investment Strategy supports informed decision-making and helps align future business development activities with the long-term interests of AOPFN and its members.

Information regarding the strategy and community survey results may be requested through the AOPFN Administration Office.

Collaborative Benefits Agreement – Zibi Development

AOPFN entered into a Collaborative Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Windmill Development in connection with the Zibi redevelopment project in the Ottawa, Gatineau region.

The agreement was established to recognize the historical and ongoing presence of the Algonquin people within their traditional territory while creating opportunities for economic participation and community advancement.

Key objectives of the agreement include:

  • Recognizing and respecting Algonquin history, culture, and connection to the territory.
  • Creating opportunities for employment, training, skills development, and business participation.
  • Supporting partnerships, investments, and capacity building.
  • Strengthening economic self-reliance and long-term community sustainability.
  • Encouraging meaningful Indigenous participation in major development initiatives.

The agreement reflects AOPFN's commitment to building partnerships that recognize Algonquin interests while creating opportunities for members and future generations.

Memorandum of Understanding- County of Renfrew

On May 25, 2016, the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the County of Renfrew signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for cooperation and collaboration.

The agreement recognizes the importance of maintaining a positive working relationship and identifying areas of mutual interest that support both communities.

Areas of collaboration may include economic development, employment, training, infrastructure, community planning, and other shared priorities.

The MOU reflects a commitment to ongoing communication, mutual respect, and partnership-building between AOPFN and the County of Renfrew.

Building Long-Term Economic Opportunities

Through the AOPFN Limited Partnership, strategic investments, renewable energy projects, and collaborative agreements, the First Nation continues to pursue opportunities that strengthen its economic foundation.

These initiatives support the broader goals of economic self-reliance, responsible investment, employment creation, business development, and sustainable community growth.

Our focus is on building meaningful partnerships and creating lasting economic benefits for the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and future generations.

A practical guide for Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation member-owned businesses

This guide outlines practical steps that member-owned businesses can take to become procurement-ready, identify opportunities and prepare stronger bids. Registration improves visibility and access, but it does not guarantee an invitation or contract award.

1. Register in the Indigenous Business Directory

The federal Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) helps government buyers identify Indigenous suppliers. Registration is an important step for businesses seeking to compete for contracts set aside under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB). To qualify, a business generally must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned and controlled and must satisfy the applicable verification requirements.

Build a detailed, accurate profile. For example, a cleaning company might list commercial janitorial services, office cleaning, floor care, post-construction cleaning and cleaning supplies, only where offered. Include actual service areas such as Pikwakanagan, Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew, Arnprior and Ottawa.

Official IBD registration guidance: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1756215160157/1756215188889

2. Find opportunities on CanadaBuys

CanadaBuys lists federal tender opportunities, contract notices and procurement information. Search it regularly using several specific product or service terms, relevant locations and closing dates. For example, a cleaning business could try “janitorial services,” “office cleaning” and “facilities maintenance.” Use quotation marks to narrow a phrase search but also try the same terms without quotation marks so you do not miss relevant opportunities.

Some Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) opportunities may require a free SAP Business Network account, formerly commonly called SAP Ariba, as well as completion of the Government of Canada supplier questionnaire. Review each solicitation and the current registration instructions to confirm the exact account and submission requirements before preparing a bid.

Before bidding, confirm submission instructions, mandatory qualifications, insurance or security requirements, supporting documents and deadlines.

CanadaBuys: https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en

Supplier registration: https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/getting-started/preparing-sell-government/how-register-your-business

3. Explore Crown corporation opportunities

Crown corporations may purchase goods and services through their own supplier and procurement systems. Visit each organization’s official website and look for pages labelled “Suppliers,” “Procurement” or “Doing Business with Us.” Register where appropriate, then review the buyer’s eligibility, tender and submission instructions for each opportunity.

Smaller opportunities can be useful for building experience and supplier relationships, but contract values, registration rules and access to tenders vary. Registration does not guarantee an invitation or award.

4. Strengthen your supplier profile

Prepare a concise one-page capability statement that helps purchasers quickly determine whether your business fits their needs. Tailor it to the types of contracts you are pursuing and include:

  • ·       Legal business name, contact information and service area
  • ·       Specific products and services, equipment and delivery capacity
  • ·       Relevant experience, qualifications and certifications
  • ·       Indigenous business status, where verified, and accurate supplier registrations

Keep all directory profiles current. Consider Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) membership or Certified Indigenous Business certification if suitable. These options can support visibility, connections and learning, but they do not guarantee contracts. Membership fees and eligibility criteria may change, so confirm current requirements directly with CCIB before applying.

CCIB: https://www.ccib.ca/membership/

5. Your next steps

☐ Check IBD eligibility and gather verification documents.

☐ Register or update your Indigenous Business Directory profile.

☐ Set up CanadaBuys / SAP Business Network access as needed.

☐ Search opportunities and review bid requirements regularly.

☐ Prepare a capability statement and explore Crown corporation supplier pages.

☐ Contact the AOPFN Business Development Officer for help reviewing your supplier profile, capability statement or procurement next steps: bdo@pikwakanagan.ca

CNL Procurement Opportunities:

http://www.cnl.ca/en/home/vendor_portal/default.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

AOPFN Limited Partnership Office - 3-469 Kokomis Inamo Pikwakanagan - 613-613-1551

Hours of Operation 8:30 - 12:00 & 1:00-4:30 Monday – Friday

Manager - Don Bilodeau (Interim)

Executive Assistant -

Procurement Officer -

Business Development Officer - Crystal Benoit

Contact Us

1657A Mishòmis Inamo
Pikwàkanagàn, ON, Canada
K0J 1X0

T: 613-625-2800
F: 613-625-2332
Email us

Sign up to our News and Notices

Stay up to date on our activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our News and Notices.