activities · 17
what they do
direct service · 9
- "Buy Native" Matchmaking ProgramOperates a "Buy Native" Matchmaking program that facilitates one-on-one meetings between small businesses and buyers from federal, state, local governments, and Fortune 500 corporations.
- APEX Accelerator Program Indigenous Economic Development SupportOperates the APEX Accelerator program which provides government contract training and advice to Native American owned businesses, resulting in significant contract awards and job creation.
- Business Consulting and Training Indigenous Economic Development SupportProvides general business training, consulting, and matchmaking services to Native American-owned businesses, assisting them in navigating federal, state, and local contracting opportunities.
- Native American 40 Under 40 Awards Professional and Organizational Achievement AwardsAnnually recognizes Native American citizens under 40 for outstanding leadership, initiative, dedication, and significant contributions in business and their community through the 40 Under 40 awards, based on community nominations.
- Native American 40 Under 40 Awards Professional and Organizational Achievement AwardsAnnually recognizes outstanding leadership and community contributions of Native American citizens under 40 through the 40 Under 40 awards program.
- Native American 40 Under 40 Awards Professional and Organizational Achievement AwardsAnnually recognizes Native American citizens under 40 for outstanding leadership and community contributions through the 40 Under 40 awards, which have been running for 17 years and are based on nominations from their communities.
- Publication of NC Magazine and Native Edge Podcast Original Podcast and Media ProductionPublishes an annual NC Magazine and a biweekly Native Edge Podcast to share stories and information relevant to Indian Country.
- Reservation Economic Summit (RES) Indigenous Economic Development SupportHosts the annual Reservation Economic Summit, the largest gathering focused on the Indigenous economy globally, providing networking, business development sessions, and consulting opportunities.
- Reservation Economic Summit (RES) Indigenous Economic Development SupportHosts the annual Reservation Economic Summit (RES), described as the largest gathering focused on the Indigenous economy globally, which offers networking, business development sessions, one-on-one consulting, and an American Indian Artisan Market for Native American artists.
advocacy · 3
- Policy Advocacy for Economic Development Indigenous Economic Development SupportEngages in advocacy efforts to influence policies and legislation that support economic development for Tribal Nations, including the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act.
- Policy Advocacy for Native Economic Development Indigenous Economic Development SupportEngages in advocacy at the federal level to enhance support for Tribal Nations' economic development, including releasing comprehensive briefs with other Native organizations outlining policy actions, developing policy priorities for Native and tribally owned businesses, and submitting testimony on legislation like the 8(a) program.
- Policy Advocacy for Native Economic Development Indigenous Economic Development SupportEngages in advocacy at the federal level to promote economic development for Tribal Nations and Native-owned businesses. This includes releasing comprehensive briefs with other Native organizations outlining policy actions, monitoring policy changes, developing policy priorities, submitting testimony for hearings, and advocating for specific legislation like the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act.
research · 3
- Research and Assessment of Policy Impacts on Indian Country Community Listening SessionsConducts research and assessments, such as holding listening sessions and surveys, to gather perspectives on and synthesize findings regarding the impacts of administration actions on Tribal Nations and Indian Country.
- Research and Assessment of Policy Impacts on Indian Country Community Listening SessionsConducts research, including listening sessions and surveys, to gather perspectives on the impacts of administrative actions on Tribal Nations and synthesizes findings into comprehensive assessments, such as identifying 15 key actions by the Trump Administration impacting Indian Country.
- Research on Policy Impacts Community Listening SessionsConducts research and assessments on the impacts of federal policies on Indian Country, including listening sessions and surveys to gather insights from Tribal Nations.
capacity building · 2
- Business Consulting and Technical Assistance for Native American Businesses Indigenous Economic Development SupportProvides professional business consulting services and technical assistance to Native American-owned businesses and tribal enterprises, covering areas such as marketing, selling to government agencies and prime contractors, contracting suitability, registrations, certifications, bid opportunity identification, and export consulting. This support is offered to businesses from 61 Tribes in 33 States within the Eastern, Southwest, and Navajo BIA Regions.
- Government Contract Training and Support (APEX Accelerator) Indigenous Economic Development SupportOperates an APEX Accelerator program that provides government contract training and advice to Native American-owned businesses, helping them secure contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal, state, and local government agencies, and prime contractors. An example includes assisting Go Weh Yaza, LLC in securing a $3.1 million contract.
strategies · 7
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advocacy and Policy Alignment for Economic Sovereignty economic_development_advocacyThe organization advocates for policies and initiatives that strengthen federal support for Tribal economic development and align Indian Country's economic priorities with broader administration goals. This includes working to modernize tax codes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, increase rural economic investments, and enhance local control to promote economic sovereignty and benefit both Native people and the wider American economy.
- Advocating for Policy and Systemic Support for Native Economic Sovereignty policy_advocacy_and_alignmentThe organization advocates for policies and systemic changes that strengthen federal support for Tribal economic development, align Native economic priorities with broader administration goals, and promote local control. This includes engaging with leaders and officials to create a national platform for American Indian enterprise.
- Community Empowerment through Collaboration and Recognition community_empowerment_through_recognitionThe organization believes that progress is achieved through collaboration, innovation, and shared visions. It aims to create opportunities for communities to thrive by recognizing individuals who uplift others and by bringing together diverse stakeholders, including tribal leaders, government representatives, and top CEOs, on a national platform to foster American Indian enterprise.
- Community Empowerment through Collaboration and Recognition community_empowerment_through_recognitionThe organization believes that progress in Native communities is achieved through collaboration, innovation, and shared visions. It aims to create opportunities for communities to thrive by recognizing individuals who uplift others and by bringing together diverse stakeholders, including tribal leaders, government representatives, and business leaders, on a national platform to foster American Indian enterprise.
- Economic Empowerment through Business Development and Support economic_empowerment_through_entrepreneurshipThe organization fosters economic development and prosperity for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities by providing comprehensive support to Native-owned businesses. This includes offering technical assistance, guidance through complex processes like government contracting, and training to help businesses open, grow, and expand, thereby creating jobs and strengthening reservation economies.
- Empowering Native Businesses through Technical Assistance and Guidance technical_assistance_and_guidanceThe organization provides technical assistance, guidance, and support services to Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian businesses and tribes to help them establish, grow, and expand, particularly in areas like tourism and government contracting. This approach aims to navigate complex processes and build capacity for economic prosperity.
- Fostering Economic Development and Employment in Native Communities economic_development_and_employmentThe organization works to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment in Native communities by creating pathways to prosperity for Native-owned businesses, connecting them with opportunities, and facilitating their participation in various industries, including defense. This involves developing the private sector, employing Native labor, and establishing business relationships.
named programs · 8
what they call their work
40 Under 40 Awards
Recognizes Native American citizens under the age of 40 for outstanding leadership, initiative, and dedication, and significant contributions to their professions and communities.
APEX Accelerator
Provides professional business consulting services and technical assistance to Native American-owned businesses regarding marketing and selling to federal, state, local, and tribal governments and large prime contractors. Services include suitability for contracting, registrations, certifications (SDB, 8(a), HUBzone), procurement history research, bid identification, marketing, and networking.
Arizona MBDA Export Center
Offers export consulting, plan development, financing and insurance, compliance assistance, market and industry reports, and facilitates participation in trade missions for Native businesses.
NC Magazine
An annual publication that tells Indian Country's story.
Native Edge Institutes
Provides general business training and consulting for Indigenous entrepreneurs and tribally owned enterprises.
Native Edge Podcast
A biweekly podcast that tells Indian Country's story.
Native Edge Tourism Training and Technical Assistance Center
Provides training and technical assistance related to tourism for Native businesses.
Reservation Economic Summit (RES)
An annual gathering focused on the Indigenous economy, featuring business matchmaking and networking events.
relationships · 18
who they work with
- Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Partner — Proud supporter of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
- Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Partner — Proud supporter of The National Center, believing in its mission to advance tribal economies.
- Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Partner — Supports The National Center and its mission to advance tribal economies.
- Defense Logistics Agency Government — Awarded a grant to UIDA Consulting Group (UCG) in 2000 to operate APEX Accelerator.
- Department of Defense Funder — Funded in part through a cooperative agreement.
- Department of Defense Funder — Funds the APEX Accelerator program through a cooperative agreement.
- Department of Defense Government — Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
- Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) Partner — Program is under the management of the DoD OSBP.
- Go Weh Yaza, LLC Partner — Client of the National Center APEX Accelerator, receiving government contract training and advice.
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Partner — Hosts an APEX Accelerator office in Albuquerque, NM.
- Lockheed Martin Partner — Major DoD prime contractor supporting the APEX Accelerator's efforts.
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Facility Partner — Hosts the main APEX Accelerator office in Marietta, GA.
- Lockheed Martin RMS Facility Partner — Hosts an APEX Accelerator office in Liverpool, NY.
- Northrop Grumman Partner — Major DoD prime contractor supporting the APEX Accelerator's efforts.
- SCIA Government — Submitted testimony for SCIA's hearing on the 8(a) program.
- Trump Administration Government — Engaged with and assessed the impacts of the Trump Administration's actions on Tribal Nations.
- Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Offices Partner — Hosts an APEX Accelerator office in Marksville, LA.
- United Tribes Technical College Partner — Awarded a $3.1 million three-year contract to Go Weh Yaza, LLC, a client of the National Center.