In less than two weeks, First Nations leaders from across the province will descend on Prince George to take part in Aboriginal Business Match (ABM) 2012.

The sold out event, which runs from Feb. 13 to 16 2012, at the Prince George Civic Centre, will welcome Chiefs and economic development officers from 117 First Nations and Tribal Councils to meet with executives from close to 100 corporations looking to grow partnerships and business opportunities now available in B.C.

What makes ABM 2012 unique among First Nations economic development events is its innovative format and focus on deal making and relationship building.

Based on detailed profiles developed by all delegates, participants select appointments with each other based on matching business interests. There are already more than 3,100 face to face meetings scheduled at this year鈥檚 event and that number will rise to more than 4,600 by the end of the four day event.

鈥淎BM 2012 will allow First Nations and Tribal Councils to raise awareness and find resources for their projects, access new markets and investigate partnership and other business opportunities,鈥� said Keith Henry, chief economic officer of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C. and ABM steering committee chair.

鈥淭his event is designed so that each representative can make the most of their time in Prince George, and meet the people and organizations they need to help move the economy forward in their communities,鈥� he said.

鈥淭he Government of Canada is pleased to partner with Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia on this important event, which brings Aboriginal leaders from across B.C. in contact with decision makers from over 100 national and international companies,鈥� said John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

鈥淎boriginal Business Match 2012 supports the Government of Canada鈥檚 goal of strengthening economic development in First Nations communities and the Aboriginal business sector,鈥� he added.

There is a full slate of insider workshops on everything from structuring successful partnerships and negotiating impact agreements, to accessing benefit capital financing and the emerging development opportunities in sectors such as forestry, mining, clean energy, and tourism.