AKSIS

What AKSIS does

AKSIS, formally Edmonton's Indigenous Business and Professional Association (EIBPA), is a non-profit membership association serving Indigenous entrepreneurs, professionals, and allied corporate partners across the greater Edmonton region. Founded circa 2011 (the Indian Summer Golf Tournament is marking its 15th year in 2026), AKSIS is headquartered at #300, 10055 106 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, and operates with a 1–10 person staff and a four-person volunteer Board of Directors (President Mario Auger and Directors Carmie McDonald, George Houle, and Keenan Pascal).

AKSIS's core offerings are service- and event-oriented rather than technology-based: an annual membership program providing directory listing, networking, mentorship, advocacy, and procurement guidance; the Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace (piloted April 2025, converting to a member-exclusive benefit in 2026); the annual Indian Summer Golf Tournament at Cougar Creek Golf Resort; the Indigenous Women's Leadership Circle; monthly TOPONA (Tea & Bannock) gatherings; and the Aksis Connects newsletter delivered via Luma. Its digital footprint is limited to a WordPress website, a member self-serve portal, an e-commerce shop, and standard social channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram); no proprietary technology product is developed or operated.

Revenue is generated from annual membership fees, golf tournament registrations and tiered sponsorship packages ($500–$8,500 + GST), donations, and from 2026 onward, directory listing monetization. AKSIS supplements earned revenue with non-dilutive grants, including $144,149 from Prairies Economic Development Canada in August 2025. The association maintains a network of strategic partners including TELUS, Edmonton International Airport, Urban Matters, BDC, River Cree Resort and Casino, FNBC, NorQuest College, and the City of Spruce Grove, and applies OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession) data-governance principles to its directory and member-data practices.

Name

AKSIS

Legal name

AKSIS – Edmonton's Indigenous Business and Professional Association (EIBPA)

Website

https://aksisyeg.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

AKSIS is Edmonton's non-profit Indigenous Business and Professional Association, serving Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals across the greater Edmonton region through membership, networking events, an annual golf tournament, the Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace, and the Indigenous Women's Leadership Circle.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous Business & Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAHAFAG

Membership, Accreditation & Credentialing Registration Systems

Travel & Hospitality/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)/Event Registration, Ticketing & Attendee Management Platforms

Keywords

• Indigenous business association
• Professional networking events
• Membership association services
• Business mentorship programs
• Community advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Edmonton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees charged to Indigenous businesses, professionals, and allies. Membership provides access to networking, the member directory, Indigenous Business Resource Centre programs, leadership circles, and advocacy services.
2. Event Registrations & Sponsorships: Revenue generated from golf tournament registrations (individual and team), and tiered sponsorship packages (Title Sponsor, Lunch Sponsor, BBQ Dinner Sponsor, Hole Sponsor, Raffle Sponsor) at the Annual Indian Summer Golf Tournament.
3. Donations: One-time donations accepted from individuals and organizations that want to support Indigenous business development without becoming members.
4. Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace: Beginning in 2026, directory listings become an exclusive member benefit available to registered businesses, providing advertising opportunities within the platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AKSIS is a non-profit membership association that delivers networking, mentorship, advocacy, and professional development services to Indigenous entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporate allies across the greater Edmonton region. Its core offerings include an annual membership program, the annual Indian Summer Golf Tournament, the Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace, the Indigenous Women's Leadership Circle, and TOPONA networking gatherings.

Product overview

AKSIS (Edmonton Indigenous Business & Professional Association) is a non-profit membership-based organization that operates as a network and advocacy body rather than a technology product company. Its offerings include a membership program providing business visibility, networking, and resources; the Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace (a public directory launched in pilot April 2025); the annual Indian Summer Golf Tournament (15th edition in 2026); the Indigenous Women's Leadership Circle; TOPONA Tea & Bannock networking gatherings; the Aksis Connects monthly newsletter; and community board resources. The organization also offers golf tournament sponsorship packages. The portfolio is service-oriented and event-driven, not software or platform-based.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Aksis Connects: A monthly newsletter providing updates, member spotlights, and community news for Aksis members and the Indigenous business community.
• Indian Summer Golf Tournament
• TOPONA - The Original Peoples of North America Gathering
• Indigenous Women's Leadership Circle

Products and services

• AKSIS Membership Program Association membership providing visibility through the Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace, networking opportunities, mentorship, advocacy, procurement and contract guidance, professional development through programs like the Indigenous Women's Leadership Circle, and access to community events for Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals in the greater Edmonton region.
• AKSIS Indian Summer Golf Tournament Annual 18-hole golf tournament bringing together Indigenous entrepreneurs, professionals, and allies for networking, community building, and celebration. Includes breakfast, lunch, BBQ dinner, contests, and prizes, with individual and team-of-4 registrations and tiered sponsorship packages.
• Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace Digital directory and marketplace showcasing Indigenous businesses and professionals across the Edmonton region, providing visibility, advertising opportunities, and community connection. Available publicly in pilot since April 2025; transitioning to an exclusive member benefit in 2026.
• Indigenous Women's Leadership Circle Monthly leadership circle supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs and professionals through mentorship, collaboration, guidance, and visibility opportunities, hosted under the Indigenous Business Resource Centre.
• TOPONA Tea & Bannock Gatherings

Quantifiable outcome

• 87,000+ Indigenous people in the greater Edmonton region represent a large addressable community for the association’s services.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• City of Spruce GrovecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2025AKSIS leadership met with Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Aker and City Manager Dean Screpnek to discuss Indigenous economic participation in the region. The meeting reflected a shared understanding that Indigenous economic development is relational rather than transactional, requiring long-term commitment and trust. The discussion explored sustainable regional approaches to Indigenous economic inclusion grounded in reciprocity.
• TELUScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTELUS is a major sponsor of the AKSIS Indian Summer Golf Tournament and a visible supporter of Indigenous communities. TELUS branding appears prominently on the AKSIS website as a sponsor alongside other corporate partners. The partnership demonstrates TELUS's commitment to Indigenous economic reconciliation through community investment.
• Edmonton International Airport (EIA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerEIA is listed among AKSIS's key sponsors and partners on the website. The partnership supports AKSIS events and programming while positioning EIA as a supporter of Indigenous business development in the Edmonton region.
• Urban MatterscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUrban Matters, a community development organization, is listed as a sponsor and partner of AKSIS. The partnership reflects shared goals around inclusive economic development in the Edmonton region.
• Cougar Creek Golf ResortcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCougar Creek Golf Resort is the venue partner for the Annual AKSIS Indian Summer Golf Tournament. The partnership enables the annual 18-hole golf event that is a key community-building and fundraising activity for the association.
• BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBDC is listed as a 2026 golf tournament sponsor, supporting the AKSIS Indian Summer Golf Tournament. BDC's support reflects its mandate to support Canadian entrepreneurs including Indigenous business owners.
• River Cree Resort and CasinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerRiver Cree Resort and Casino is listed as a 2026 golf tournament sponsor. As an Indigenous-owned resort, the partnership aligns with AKSIS's mission and strengthens connections within the Indigenous business community.
• BrandzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrandz is listed as a 2026 golf tournament sponsor, contributing to the event's success through sponsorship.
• NaokaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaoka is listed as a 2026 golf tournament sponsor, supporting AKSIS community events.
• WingateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWingate is listed as a 2026 golf tournament sponsor, contributing financial and promotional support for the event.
• Crosstown Chrysler Dodge Jeep RamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCrosstown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is an active AKSIS member offering preferred pricing to all AKSIS members. The dealership has been a community member for over 65 years and sponsors community initiatives including the Enoch Staff Golf Tournament. Their involvement includes displaying two teepees on their lot as a sign of respect for traditional territories.
• NorQuest CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorQuest College's Business Faculty, led by Julia Johnson, partnered with AKSIS to deliver a Small Business Marketing Plan Session for members, supporting Indigenous entrepreneur education and capacity building.
• Indigenous Business Resource CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn internal AKSIS initiative that houses programs like the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle and educational workshops. It serves as a hub for member capacity building and business development support.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA): National network of Indigenous Financial Institutions providing capital and business services to Indigenous entrepreneurs. Comparable as a membership-based Indigenous business organization with a similar mandate of building Indigenous economic prosperity through advisory and funding support.
• AFOA Canada (Aboriginal Financial Officers Association): National Indigenous-focused professional association for financial officers and managers, offering membership, professional development, and a leadership circle. Highly comparable to AKSIS as an Indigenous professional and business association with similar member services and event programming.
• Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO): National Indigenous organization focused on economic development officers and professionals. Directly comparable as an Indigenous professional association offering membership, training, networking events, and a leadership-oriented mandate similar to AKSIS's leadership circles and professional development programs.
• Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC): National organization focused on procurement opportunities for Indigenous and minority-owned businesses, with a certification directory model. Directly comparable to AKSIS's Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace offering and its mandate to connect Indigenous businesses to contracts and procurement.
• Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC): National Indigenous membership association supporting Indigenous-owned tourism businesses through marketing, training, and advocacy. Comparable as an Indigenous-focused industry association with membership, events, corporate partnerships, and a directory-style offering.

Regional players

• Edmonton Chamber of Commerce: Regional general business association serving the Edmonton business community with networking events, advocacy, and member services. Comparable as a regional business membership association in the same geography, but not Indigenous-focused and therefore not a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB): National Indigenous business membership organization offering networking, procurement, and certification programs. CCIB is a broader incumbent that operates across Canada, whereas AKSIS is regionally focused on Edmonton, but both serve Indigenous businesses and professionals with membership-driven models.
• Alberta Chamber of Commerce: Provincial umbrella business association representing Alberta's regional chambers. Comparable as a broader business association with policy advocacy and member services, but operates at provincial scale and is not Indigenous-specific.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/aksisyeg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aksisyeg
• Instagraminstagram.com/aksisedmonton
• Xx.com/aksisyeg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AKSIS