Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for creating economic opportunity and strengthening communities. In this episode of Small Business, Big Impact, host Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union, speaks with Mickayla Labbe and Mike Labbe, the founders of First Fish. Their nonprofit social enterprise connects Indigenous fishers in remote northern communities with customers across Canada, helping create jobs while promoting sustainable, wild-caught fisheries. What began as a visit to a northern community quickly evolved into a mission to build economic opportunity in regions often left out of traditional markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Social enterprises can create economic opportunity while staying commercially viable.
• Maintaining strong values like sustainability and fair pay can guide business growth.
• Flexibility and creative problem-solving are essential when building businesses in complex supply chains.
• Trust and long-term relationships are critical when working with communities historically excluded from traditional markets.