FNBDA

First Nation Development Corporations Microcredit Program

FNBDA is partnering with SFU Beedie School of Business, Executive Education to develop a six-course micro-credential series built for BC-based First Nation Development Corporations (FNDCs) — designed for staff, board members, leaders, and community members working in or around First Nation economic development.

Each course takes approximately 15-20 hours to complete and can be delivered online, in hybrid cohorts, or in person, depending on learner and community needs. The series is designed to build practical capacity across the full lifecycle of an FNDC — from foundational understanding through governance, financial stewardship, partnerships and deal readiness, and applied strategy.

The Six-Course Series

Course 1: An Introduction to First Nation Development Corporations (Published — ready for delivery)

Introduces the purpose, role, and structure of FNDCs, including how they support community prosperity, self-determination, governance, and long-term economic development.

Course 2: Success Strategies for First Nation Development Corporations (In development)

Explores what makes FNDCs effective — mandate clarity, leadership, trust, role clarity, organizational maturity, strategic priorities, and common patterns behind success and failure.

Course 3: Building and Operating a First Nation Development Corporation (In development)

Covers how FNDCs are built, governed, and operated, including governance systems, board and CEO roles, Council and community alignment, policies, planning, accountability, and operational readiness.

Course 4: Financial Stewardship and Accountability in First Nation Development Corporations (In development)

Builds financial understanding for FNDC contexts — budgeting, reporting, reinvestment, transparency, financial governance, and accountability to the Nation, community, and partners.

Course 5: Partnerships, Negotiation, and Deal Readiness (In development)

Explores what makes FNDCs effective — mandate clarity, leadership, trust, role clarity, organizational maturity, strategic priorities, and common patterns behind success and failure.

Course 6: Strategy, Sustainability, and Data (Future capstone — funding priority)

Explores what makes FNDCs effective — mandate clarity, leadership, trust, role clarity, organizational maturity, strategic priorities, and common patterns behind success and failure.

Get Started

Course 1 is published and ready for delivery. Scan the QR code below or click here to complete an Expression of Interest.

Looking Ahead

FNBDA is working with SFU Beedie School of Business to ladder these courses for credit into its Indigenous-focused graduate business programs, and intends to explore supported offerings for external audiences such as industry and government as the program develops.