RENO, Nev. — The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development will hold a two-day virtual conference focused on economic diversification through small business development.
The sessions, scheduled for 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PST on Dec. 16 and 17, will offer business training in a range of topics to help Native-owned businesses thrive, including strategies for recovering from the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we all know, this past year has not been an easy one for businesses of all sizes, especially for Native-owned businesses,” National Center President and CEO Chris James said in a statement.
The National Center is a Mesa, Ariz.-based nonprofit that works with tribes and Native entrepreneurs to expand their economic opportunities.
James said the Native Edge Institute programming will help company owners “find inroads into federal contracting, new paths to capital, and incorporate resiliency into your long-term planning.”
Free registration is required to attend the virtual sessions. Attendees are encouraged to sign up for the unique programming on both days.
The National Center’s Native Edge Institute programming offers in-person or virtual training for startups and existing business owners and helps connect them to resources in their area. The programs also include various business coaching and matchmaking services, according to a statement.
Attendees can expect training on procurement opportunities, federal programs and the role that community development financial institutions play in providing capital in Indian Country. Cherokee, N.C.-based Sequoyah Fund also will discuss its REAL Entrepreneurship Program. Other sessions will touch on opportunities for Native veterans in starting businesses and pursuing seed capital, angel investors, venture capital and growth equity funding.
“I’m excited to bring our NEIs back to the west — even if virtually — through NEI Reno,” James said in a statement.
More information is available on the National Center’s website.
