Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year 2025

Your thoughts on winning the CanadianSME National Business Award

Winning the CanadianSME National Business Award is meaningful because it recognizes more than business growth. It recognizes the people, purpose and community behind Red Rebel Armour. Our journey has included setbacks, hard lessons and moments when giving up would have been easier. This award reminds me that our stories, ideas and leadership belong in every business space. It also gives us a platform to show what Indigenous entrepreneurship can look like when culture, creativity and social impact work together. I am grateful to our team, customers, family and community for believing in the vision and helping us keep moving forward.

A special message or advice to small business owners

My advice to small business owners is to stay close to the reason you started. Revenue matters, but purpose will carry you through seasons when progress feels slow. Do not be afraid to change the plan, ask for help or admit what is not working. Learn your numbers, listen to customers and protect your energy. Most importantly, do not let setbacks convince you that you do not belong. Some of the hardest moments in my journey became the lessons that helped me lead better. Keep showing up, keep learning and build something that creates value beyond yourself and your success.

Sean Rayland-Boubar

CEO & Founder of Red Rebel Armour Inc.

Sean Rayland-Boubar is the founder and CEO of Red Rebel Armour, an Indigenous-owned streetwear and social enterprise based in Winnipeg. A member of Sagkeeng First Nation, he established the company to create clothing that celebrates Indigenous identity, culture, and resilience. Red Rebel Armour produces its apparel in-house while creating employment opportunities for relatives returning home from incarceration. Sean’s journey from street involvement to becoming an award-winning entrepreneur has shaped the company’s mission and leadership. Through business, storytelling, and mentorship, he is committed to helping the next generation build new paths and create brighter futures.

CanadianSME

With an aim to contribute to the development of Canada’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s), Cmarketing Inc is a potential marketing agency and a boutique business management company progressing rapidly in its scope. By acknowledging a firm reliance of the Canadian economy over its SMEs, the agency has resolved to launch a magazine, the pure focus of which will be the furtherance of Canadian SMEs, and to assist their progress with the scheduled token of enlightenment via the magazine’s pertinent content.

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