ADAAWE is proud to announce the four entrepreneurs selected for our 2026–2027 Wejibàbandan Business Incubator Cohort!
Wejibàbandan—meaning “a place to dream” in Algonquin Anishinaabe—reflects our commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs as they bring their business visions to life. This intensive program provides participants with mentorship, training, a living wage, resources, and dedicated support to help them strengthen their businesses and build strong foundations for long-term success. Through hands-on learning, business development, community connection, and the support of the ADAAWE team, Wejibàbandan creates space for entrepreneurs to focus on their goals, develop their skills, and take their businesses to the next level.
Meet the 2026 Cohort:
Crystal Kohoko (Pikwakanagan) is the founder of Koho-Kompany Meats, a business rooted in Crystal’s experience in the meat and distribution industry. Koho-Kompany Meats provides meat products, including traditional meats, while also serving as a wholesale supplier. Drawing on the knowledge and experience she has gained in the industry, Crystal is now building something of her own and creating new opportunities for her business to grow. Through Wejibàbandan, she’ll have the opportunity to continue developing her entrepreneurial skills and explore what’s next for Koho-Kompany Meats.
Ronald St. Louis (Dokis First Nation) is the founder of Capital Bees, a business that grew from his long-standing passion for nature, sustainability, and homesteading. What began as a hobby and an introduction to beekeeping through a colleague eventually grew from two colonies into a thriving sideline business. Today, Capital Bees breeds and sells bees, produces honey and beeswax products such as lip balms and candles, and offers beekeeping workshops and a full-season course. After years of building the business alongside his career and family responsibilities, Ronald is ready to dedicate more time and energy to growing Capital Bees and turning his passion into a sustainable entrepreneurial future.
Shilo Cote (Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation) is the creator behind Quality Quills, where more than 20 years of crafting experience has shaped her passion for creating unique, one-of-a-kind earrings. Shilo works with porcupine quills alongside natural and meaningful materials such as precious stones, crystals, seal skin, antler, bone, shells, fox fur, copper, birch bark, and sweetgrass. Whenever possible, she harvests the natural materials herself, bringing a personal connection to the land into her work. For Shilo, crafting is a source of comfort, pride, relaxation, and cultural connection, and she is now exploring how to turn the passion she has nurtured for more than two decades into an even greater part of her livelihood.
Chanelle Barnaby (Natoaganeg/Eel Ground First Nation) is the founder of Fox & Feathers, an Indigenous-owned business specializing in beadwork and handcrafted fur accessories. Chanelle’s work brings together intricate beadwork, natural materials, and her own creative vision, with pieces ranging from beaded art to real-fur pom pom hats, scarves, headbands, ear muffs, hair accessories, and more. Her passion for creating is closely connected to her love of teaching and community. Through her work, Chanelle hopes to continue sharing creative knowledge with others while growing Fox & Feathers beyond local markets and into new opportunities through online sales, workshops, and community partnerships. With a vision to build something bigger, she is ready to take the next steps in her entrepreneurial journey.
Join us in welcoming these four incredible entrepreneurs to the 2026–2027 Wejibàbandan Business Incubator Cohort. Each brings a unique business, perspective, and story to the program, and we’re excited to support them as they learn, grow, and build toward what comes next.
This is just the beginning. Stay tuned throughout the coming months as we share more of the stories behind these entrepreneurs and the businesses they are building.
