Case Study
Iskwew Air
Quick Hits
Goal:
To launch their operations out of YVR while navigating the challenges presented by COVID-19, and the effect it had on tourism.
Results:
Goals achieved. Iskwew Air has launched and expanded its operations, which was made possible through significant grant funding and capital injection.
Tandem Team:
Tania Lo, Co-CEO of Tandem Innovation Group and CFO at Iskwew Air
Tandem Services:
Foundational Accounting, Financial Modelling, Strategic Growth Support, Capital Raising, Investor Relations, People & Culture
Milestones:
In June 2024, Iskwew Air received $1.75M from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners and were able to a third aircraft to their fleet. We welcome Baby Bison to Iskwew Air!
“I am inspired by the vision of Tandem Innovation Group Inc. This amazing team supports all my ventures – Iskwew Air, elibird aero, and Indigenous LIFT Collective. They had a huge role in landing the recent equity investment from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.”
Teara Fraser, Lead Executive
Iskwew Air
About the Company
Iskwew Air is an Indigenous-owned airline that offers scheduled flights between YVR South and Qualicum Beach Airport and charter services to communities around the province of British Columbia.
Why We Love Them
We love Iskwew Air’s commitment to actively reclaiming Indigenous space, culture, and identity in industries where they have historically been shut out, and reshaping our economy as a result.
Scope of Work
In 2020, when Tandem co-CEO Tania Lo met Iskwew Air’s Lead Executive, Teara Fraser, she’d recently received certification from Transport Canada to commence operations; however, this became a challenge when COVID-19 grounded tourism to a halt.
Being resilient, the company made their services available to remote communities needing access to supplies and grew an important cargo line of business as tourist travel slowly rebounded.
Tania stepped in to support Teara, and for 4 years she and the Tandem team showed up again and again to support with whatever was needed that the Iskwew team didn’t have the capacity or expertise for yet as a new company. This included foundational accounting support to manage grants, financing applications, and administration and claims.
Tania Lo, Co-CEO of Tandem Innovation Group and CFO at Iskwew Air
Outcomes
Tania’s gift is working with founders to tell their business operating story through their financials, with authenticity. She shared this gift with Teara, who was then able to present to investors, confident that her business model and vision would be understood. In June 2024, Iskwew Air announced their collaboration with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, who committed $1.75M to help expand operations over the coming year.
What We Learned
The Power of Financial Storytelling
Clear and authentic financial stories create trust and confidence with investors.
The Value of Collaborative Support
Success starts with strong relationships. Only when these foundations are set can we unlock new opportunities.
Resilience Fuels Growth
Being adaptive to changing circumstances and leveraging community can be a life saver in unpredictable times.
What's Next
Iskwew Air is excited to expand its team and operations in the coming year and act on their vision to connect people with each other and to the land. Going forward, more of our team has joined on to support Teara with this continuing resilience, including People & Culture.
