BRIDG was established in 2009 through a partnership with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to bring First Nations and Métis communities across Saskatchewan together with industry partners to facilitate the completion of investment transactions in the energy and resource sectors. To increase the success of these transactions, the program delivers business readiness training and development related to governance, legal, investment, and industry specific issues. The goal of BRIDG is to build investment infrastructure and knowledge within Aboriginal communities that transcends individual transactions and is the foundation upon which the wealth creation process can begin. To this end, as communities proceed through the program they will work toward the completion of specific investment opportunities with strategic industry partners, capital providers, and business professionals.

One of the strengths of the BRIDG program is that it is designed to work toward the completion of Business Ready activities while providing assistance with due diligence on potential investment transactions. BRIDG works with communities to:

• Establish effective governance principles including development of a business charter that outlines political and business roles and responsibilities and assist in identifying Board Members with relevant business experience to provide mentorship in the governance process
• Establish a Legal Entity that would be responsible for economic development and a plan of operations
• Identify and recruit a “Business Champion” to act as a CEO/General Manager and move forward business transactions
• Access due diligence and investment expertise from leading industry professionals
• Develop a long term strategic plan to generate wealth within the community