Canadian Indigenous Business Accelerator in the United States Pacific Northwest 2026

Event type: Accelerator

Date: January 12 to February 6, 2026

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Industry: Agriculture and processed foods, Clean technologies, Information and communications technologies, Professional services, Transportation

Export Theme(s): Indigenous people

Application deadline: Upcoming

Who should apply: Canadian Indigenous-owned companies with an interest in the United States (U.S.) Pacific Northwest market

Event description

This accelerator program helps Indigenous-owned Canadian businesses find opportunities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. This region, home to many federally recognized Tribes, represents a valuable market for indigenous-to-indigenous business connections

Led by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Seattle, the initiative will focus on business development in the following states:

  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • Idaho
  • Alaska 

Attendees will include C-level executives from up to 12 startups which are:

  • innovative
  • venture-scale
  • committed to strategic expansion in the region

Through a mix of online and in-person activities, the program helps Canadian Indigenous entrepreneurs:

  • learn about the local markets
  • build business skills
  • connect with potential partners and buyers 

Key activities include:

  • A virtual accelerator program focused on sectors like:
    • clean technology
    • agriculture
    • information and communications technologies (ICT)
    • infrastructure
    • professional services
  • Webinars covering cross-border trade, logistics, and Indigenous business networks
  • Business matchmaking with Tribal enterprises
  • An invitation to participate in Canada’s business-to-business (B2B) programming for the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2026. RES is a major Indigenous business event held in Las Vegas from March 23 to 26, 2026.

Through its regional offices, the TCS is recruiting Indigenous businesses from across Canada and providing tailored support throughout the program. The goal is to help participants:

  • grow their businesses
  • build lasting partnerships
  • succeed in international markets

To express your interest in participating or for questions regarding the accelerator program, please contact Pierre Chalifour.

Benefits of participating

  • Gain insights and market intelligence
  • Develop a first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges of doing business in foreign markets
  • Participate in networking events
  • Participate in pre-organized business-to-business meetings
  • Pitch your product /service to selected audiences
  • Market assessment and connection to relevant local business partners

How the program works

  • Business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking: The TCS organizes curated B2B meetings, connecting Canadian companies with international partners, investors, and clients to explore new business opportunities.
  • Seminar

Testimonials

I was recently telling a business colleague how much I enjoyed the U.S. Accelerator for Indigenous Canadian Businesses interested to build relationships and grow into the Pacific Northwest. I really appreciated the format of the accelerator, especially the fact that it was small, focused, and very targeting to not only share relevant info but also to make specific introductions to folks we are ready and eager to meet based on our business, plans and priorities, and readiness. 

Charlene SanJenko, Founder, reGen Impact

Contact us

Pierre Chalifour

Trade Commissioner
pierre.chalifour@international.gc.ca

Additional Information

Date modified: