BASF and StitchCrew have launched Indigenous Beauty Bootcamp, a program that will provide hands-on coaching from experienced industry professionals in the personal care space and access to non-dilutive capital to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuk (Inuit)-owned brands in Canada while aligning with BASF’s progressive Aboriginal relations strategy.

About the Program

Participants will learn from various partners and contributors, including BASF, Brenntag, the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB), StitchCrew and Seneca Polytechnic, to refine their business plans and continue bringing innovative and inclusive beauty products to the Canadian market.
 
Selected participants will receive three non-dilutive grants from BASF (the equivalent to $10,000 based on the exchange rates at the time the transfer is processed), and the opportunity to have three research student groups from the Cosmetic Science program at Seneca Polytechnic contribute to the development process to manufacture and market a new product. Runner-ups will be awarded with a one-year membership to CCAB.
 
“The Indigenous Beauty Bootcamp is one of the ways BASF is learning from and working with Indigenous communities,” said Apala Mukherjee, President of BASF Canada. “This program exemplifies BASF’s collaborative multi-stakeholder approach, leveraging partnerships in Canada to foster innovation and empower entrepreneurs.”
 
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with BASF to support Indigenous-owned brands expanding inclusion in the personal care space,” said Erika Lucas, Co-Founder of StitchCrew.

Application Process

The Indigenous Beauty Bootcamp application process will open on September 26, 2023, and close on October 24, 2023, at 11:59 EST. To be considered, applicants must self-identify as being First Nation, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit); and/or disclose if they are Registered or have Treaty Indian status; and/or report membership in a First Nation or Indian band. Applicants must be 18 years or older, reside in Canada, and have a physical product available to sell.