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- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
TUBA CITY, Ariz. — Native American business incubator Change Labs’ work to encourage entrepreneurship on the Navajo and Hopi Nations has put the organization in the international spotlight.
The Public Interest Registry, a Reston, Va.-based nonprofit that manages the .org internet domain, honored Change Labs last week with an Impact Award in the Championing Equity, Equality and Inclusion category.
In announcing the award, the organization called out Change Labs’ “measurable steps” to help grow the number of Native-owned small businesses by helping entrepreneurs and community members explore new ideas and develop them into workable business plans.
“Their work is a critical part of providing equity and opportunity to Native Americans seeking to achieve their dreams by becoming small business owners,” Jon Nevett, president and CEO of the Public Interest Registry, said in a statement.
Change Labs offers a host of services ranging from financial planning, leadership development and business plan coaching to assist entrepreneurs in taking an idea and transforming it into a new business. That includes various levels of hands-on entrepreneurial training and access to funding such as micro loans for startups and growing businesses, as well as business coaching and help with professional branding and communications.
“Change Labs is committed to offering as many resources as possible to Native Americans who want to make social change by owning their own small business,” Executive Director Heather Fleming (Diné) said in a statement.
Given its location between the rural Navajo and Hopi reservations, Change Labs also provides startups with a physical address, internet connectivity and desk space to get their companies off the ground.
“Supporting our Native communities through entrepreneurship is just one way that we can ensure the continued economic sovereignty of the Navajo and Hopi Nations,” Fleming stated.
As Tribal Business News previously reported, many people within Change Labs’ service area struggle to access traditional financial services and face a distinct digital divide that poses challenges for entrepreneurs to participate in the tech economy. The organization also works within its communities to address cultural barriers and help people realize the role small businesses plan in economic self-sustainability.
Public Internet Registry selected Impact Award winners from more than 500 applications. The organization announced the Impact Awards as part of its 10 Days of .ORG virtual event that’s intended to “place a spotlight on award-winning organizations and individuals making our communities a better place.”
Change Labs received a $5,000 donation as part of the awards.
