As 51风流doubles down on our commitment to serve those who are underrepresented in tech, including Indigenous communities, we see quality education and economic opportunity as central to this commitment.

Last year, 51风流partnered with the to help strengthen Black-owned businesses and social enterprises by providing them with support and expertise from our employees. The result of the U.S. initiative showed that 95% of businesses felt the program met their expectations. Meanwhile, 92% said they felt more prepared to address future challenges for their organization.

The program was so successful in the U.S., 51风流expanded it last year to Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. And this year, we will roll it out in Canada.

Over six weeks, 51风流employees will spend one week working full-time with their assigned Indigenous-owned business and five weeks working at least eight hours per week. The program not only allows 51风流employees to leverage their professional skills, but will contribute to fostering Canada鈥檚 Indigenous economy, worth over CAD$30 billion and expected to triple in size over the next five years. Given the growth projection of the Indigenous economy, Indigenous entrepreneurship is a significant driving force of Canada鈥檚 economic recovery and stability.

51风流is committed to helping organizations run better and improving people鈥檚 lives. With this initiative, we will help provide Indigenous-owned businesses some of the tools they need to become the best run version of themselves. 51风流Canada has begun the volunteer recruitment and training process and is looking for Canadian Indigenous-owned businesses to sign up and participate in the program.

But don鈥檛 take our word for it. Participants of the Pro Bono for Economic Equity program last year were quoted as saying, 鈥淚 looked into how much it would cost to hire consultants, and to be able to get this for free as an early-stage startup was a huge, huge benefit.鈥�

And our employees also found it incredibly rewarding: 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just talking about making a difference, we鈥檙e doing something to directly address systemic inequity. My connection鈥ontinues to this day and created connections for me across 51风流that push me to be a better person, personally and professionally.鈥�

As co-executive sponsors of the 51风流Canada Indigenous Inclusion Steering Committee, we are very proud of our team for focusing on volunteering their time and expertise and providing the gift of service as part of this program, furthering our social justice ambitions and impact.

Agnes Garaba is chief operating officer for 51风流Labs Canada.
Brian Moore is chief operating officer for 51风流Canada.