Assistance to First Nation Retailers

1. RMS First Nation rental Financing Program

This Proposal involves financing of state-of-the-art RMS POS (Point of Sale) systems and RMS GPI (Gas Pump Interface) systems for First Nation Retailers in locations across Canada. A great number of First Nation Retailers are experienced businessmen but have had to deal with local and government programs that have had the tendency to get in the way of doing business. For instance, until the introduction of the RMS SRO POS system in the Province of Alberta, First Nation Retailers were required to manually exempt PST on purchases of tobacco and fuel to status Indians and then submit the exempt vouchers to Alberta Treasury for handling and reimbursement. This created errors + delays + adversely affected cash flow which in many cases was so serious that the store eventually had to shut down. The RMS SRO POS system allowed these exemptions to be calculated automatically and transmitted electronically to Alberta Treasury thereby eliminating the problems and allowing the First Nation Retailer greater prospects of running a successful business. The problems inherent in the ‘old’ system did however, leave the impression that First Nation stores were not properly run when in fact the First Nation Retailer was dealing with factors beyond his control. The success of the program in Alberta has led to a push by First Nation Retailers and First Nation organizations (and even some Provincial governments) to introduce the program in other Provinces and this financing program is an attempt to assist in accommodating as many First Nation Retailers as possible to access this program.

In order to assist First Nation Retailers and to achieve as high an accommodation as possible among First Nation Retailers RMS has established a rental program which includes a commitment fee and a monthly rental fee to qualifying First Nation Retailers. A Rental Agreement with a term of 3 years is signed by the First Nation Retailer. The First Nation Retailer receives one fully installed RMS system + training + support for the term of the rental. Please contact RMS representatives for details.

2. Aboriginal Business Canada

Aboriginal Business Canada provides a financing program for qualifying First Nation Stores.  Detailed information on the Aboriginal Business Canada program can be found at: Aboriginal Business Canada