The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas announced on Wednesday (July 12) that veteran Indigenous entrepreneur Barry Payne has joined the non-profit organization as an expert in residence.
Through Payne’s appointment, the Innovation Cluster aims to extend the reach of its entrepreneurship program to Indigenous communities. According to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Indigenous peoples are creating new businesses at nine times the Canadian average.
A proud member of Hiawartha First Nation, Payne began his entrepreneurial career by launching Adirondack Technologies Furniture, a home-based business he grew to become the third largest supplier to the Government of Canada with sales in excess of $20 million.
Payne also founded Adirondack Information Management, a staffing agency serving the private and public sectors in Canada and beyond, and OnNation, a leading national provider of technology solutions, cybersecurity solutions, and digital transformation platforms for business.
Through his businesses, Payne was involved in over $200 million of various types of contracts with the Canadian federal government. After retiring from his business ventures, he accepted a role as Indigenous procurement ambassador with Procurement Assistance Canada, a department of the Canadian federal government that makes it easier for smaller businesses to bid on federal contracting opportunities and increases supplier diversity in federal procurement.
Payne has also volunteered for a number of boards of not-for-profit organizations, most recently the Mushkegowuk Development Corporation in northeastern Ontario, a regional business organization established to create value for its First Nation partners including Chapleau Cree First Nation, Fort Albany First Nation, Kashechewan Cree First Nation, Missanabie Cree First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation, and Mushkegowuk Council.
“I am excited to take on this new role at the Innovation Cluster, which has demonstrated a sincere commitment to inclusion and Indigenous business growth,” Payne says in a media release. “As a member of Hiawatha First Nation and an entrepreneur, I understand the potential within our communities. I look forward to extending the reach of the entrepreneurship program and supporting the growth of Indigenous-owned businesses.”
As an expert in residence at the Innovation Cluster, Payne will provide mentoring to clients to help them navigate government funding and take advantage of networking opportunities, while also offering business advice.
“His unique perspective and experience will undoubtedly provide invaluable guidance for our clients and further our mission to drive innovation-focused, entrepreneur-led economic growth in the region, which must include Indigenous communities,” says Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster interim CEO. “We’re proud to not only talk about diversity but to make it part of our operational fabric. Partnerships like the one with Barry are critical to an inclusive and diverse community of entrepreneurs.”
