You can have the best salespeople in the world, but they need to have leads to call. Learn how to uplevel your lead-generation game and position your organization as a thought leader with easy-to-use tools to create best-in-class virtual events.

Get more from your virtual events by using AI to create blogs and posts based on your AI-generated summaries.

Hear from a customer that has become an expert at sourcing new leads online using a virtual strategy.

Launched this fall, the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series is a new platform to explore innovation, entrepreneurship, and groundbreaking ideas shaping our future. Specially curated to foster the exchange of ideas, promote collaboration across disciplines, and to inspire meaningful connections, the series welcomes everyone, including students, faculty, alumni and the greater community.

This fall, two additional lectures are scheduled, each taking place from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, followed by a reception. Both events will be held at the Centennial Engineering Center at UNM.

"Indigenous-Based Circular Economic Ecosystems Through Art, Emerging Technology, Language & Culture Revitalization and Success Consciousness"  

Akilah Martinez (Glittering World Girl) is an award-winning Diné artist, creative technologist, and cultural bearer from the Navajo Nation. She is dedicated to developing an Indigenous-based circular economic ecosystem that revolves around language and culture revitalization through video art, XR technology, and success consciousness.

A perspective shift that explores the close relationship between self-determination, technology, new economic structures, and abundance consciousness that centers kinship, resource autonomy, and community empowerment.

When: Wednesday, November 20, at 5:30pm

Where: Lecture: Civil Media Lab, 3rd Floor, Centennial Engineering Center, UNM

 Dinner Reception to follow: Stamm Commons, 1st floor, Hearty Plant-Based Cuisine

Imagine a workday where AI shrinks your to do list, allowing you to quickly digest meeting recordings, spend less time taking notes, and get instant email drafts to help tame your inbox. Embrace a new, more efficient way to work that empowers you to grow your business and work on what matters most.

Join us for an insightful webinar where we will explore how growing businesses can maximize their day using AI to enhance communication and productivity. Discover practical ways to streamline your workflow, see demos, ask Zoom experts questions, and learn how an AI-first collaboration platform can help you business save time and work smarter. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore how you can start using Zoom’s AI Companion today

Hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of Comptroller of the Currency.

The Arizona Small Business Forum will highlight Arizona’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) lending program available to increase access to capital for small businesses and the small business resources available through the City of Phoenix. 

Presenters, including the SBA and Change Labs, will highlight their current and new product offerings and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) selected by the State, will share how CDFIs are deploying the Arizona Loan Guarantee Program to assist small businesses.

The event includes continental breakfast and lunch.  No cost to attend.

The event will end with a tour of the Burton Barr Central Library featuring community development resources, including StartUp PHX, PHX Works, and the College Depot and highlighting future community development lending, investment, and service opportunities. 

Attendees for this event are representatives from regulated financial institutions, Community Developed Financial Institutions, community-based nonprofits, and government agencies. Click here to register

Contracts are a vital part of running a successful business. Join Start Small Think Big and Bloomberg for an informative workshop on business contract basics. This session will guide you through essential contract concepts, helping you navigate negotiations and protect your business interests.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

- Contract Negotiation & Entry: How to effectively negotiate and enter into contracts.

- Key Legal Provisions: A review of common contract clauses, such as non-compete and non-disclosure agreements.

- Roles & Responsibilities: Understanding the obligations of each party in a contract.

- Contract Management Tips: Strategies for successfully managing your business contracts.

- Contract Breach & Enforcement: What happens when a contract is breached and how to enforce your rights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights into managing contracts effectively and safeguarding your business.

➜ Explore More Free Events for small businesses: https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/events-for-small-businesses

➜ Sign Up for Free Legal and/or Finance Services: https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/get-free-small-business-services

Thank you to LIIF for their sponsorship of this event!

This in-person workshop, led by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff, is designed to help you establish a strong business presence and dive into effective marketing and sales strategies. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this session will equip you with tools and insights to reach and engage your target audience.

Join in learning the Love Languages of Business, presented for the first time ever by Sean Banks of Cache Consulting. 

A business strategist, Sean collaborates with solopreneurs to build strategies that help drive their business in the direction of their five to ten year vision.

|n this 30-minute webinar (followed by a 15-minute Q&A) Sean will discuss the 3 languages necessary to create, build, and manage our business relationships from a place of authenticity.

Coach: Marsha Greyeyes
Specialty: Bookkeeping and expense tracking, financial management, working with an account, business budgets

Coach Marsha will be on-hand to help you apply for small business loans and grants available to Native entrepreneurs and artists as well as help you think about building or pivoting your business. To see a full list of funding opportunities, see our list of resources.

Ready to take the pain out of scheduling and streamline your workflow? Whether you’re managing a team or juggling customer appointments, you won’t want to miss this exclusive session!

We’re partnering with Dan Moyle, a seasoned HubSpot advisor and marketing efficiency expert from Impulse Creative, to show you how to save time, reduce email back-and-forths, and ensure you never miss another opportunity. Whether you're in sales, marketing, or customer success, Dan will guide you through HubSpot’s scheduling tools with clear, practical strategies designed for real-world success.

In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to:

• Eliminate Scheduling Frustrations: Simplify the booking process with personalized scheduling links that work for both you and your clients. Plus learn how to manage your calendar with working hours and links for specific needs.

• Collaborate Seamlessly: Set up group and round-robin scheduling to make sure the right team members are in the right meetings at the right time—without hassle.

• Enhance Your Brand: Customize your scheduling pages to reflect your brand and optimize your availability, improving the overall experience for your clients.

• Automate Updates: Sync meetings with HubSpot’s CRM so your data stays accurate and up to date automatically.

• Get Paid for Meetings: Whether you’re a consultant charging for your time, or setting up a paid training session, see how HubSpot Payments can help you get paid for your time.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how you handle scheduling and customer interactions. Walk away with actionable tips and fresh insights that you can apply immediately to boost your team’s efficiency!

Join social media expert Sheyenne Sky from Hodza.MGMT in this 90-minute workshop designed to help you elevate your holiday sales strategy. You’ll learn how to craft impactful holiday promotions, boost your visibility, and attract more customers. Perfect for beginners and experienced marketers alike, the workshop will cover essential tactics for planning and managing seasonal content and increasing engagement to build a loyal customer base. The session wraps up with a Q&A, allowing you to address your specific social media challenges and gain expert advice to maximize your holiday sales potential. Get ready to feel confident and inspired as you head into the holiday rush!

For any questions, please contact us at hello@nativestartup.org. You can also watch our past workshops on the Change Labs YouTube Channel.

You're invited to our final Community Collective of the year, where we’ll explore The Power of Community: Innovative Approaches to Supporting Mental Health and Wellness within a Community Music School.

In Arizona, mental health is a critical issue. Our state is ranked 49th in the U.S. for mental health and access to care. To address this issue, one nonprofit organization is making bold moves.

Don’t miss this chance to learn more about how music and mental health come together to make a big difference in our state.

Our guest speakers are:
• Becky Bell Ballard, CEO, Rosie’s House
• Marvin Scott, Program & Community Engagement Director, Rosie’s House
• Ray Young, Senior Director of External Affairs, Terros Health
• Kimberly McWilliams, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Children’s Operations, Terros Health

Cash flow is key to your business's success! Join us for a free 1-hour webinar, presented by Pursuit, designed to help small business owners optimize their cash flow management. In this session, you’ll learn essential strategies to maintain steady cash flow, forecast your financial needs, and navigate economic challenges effectively.

You’ll discover:

- Cash Flow Optimization: Learn proven methods to ensure a healthy cash flow.

- Financial Forecasting: Techniques for anticipating your business’s financial requirements.

- Navigating Challenges: Strategies to overcome financial hurdles and stay ahead.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools you need to strengthen your business’s financial foundation. Take a step toward stability and growth by joining us!

➜ Explore More Free Events for small businesses: https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/events-for-small-businesses

➜ Sign Up for Free Legal and/or Finance Services: https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/get-free-small-business-services

Coach: Kristine Laughter
Specialty: business model design, loan applications, business financing & budgeting, opening a bank account, and starting a business in Kayenta

Coach Kristine will be on-hand to help you apply for small business loans and grants available to Native entrepreneurs and artists as well as help you think about building or pivoting your business. To see a full list of funding opportunities, see our list of resources.

Coach: Swarvoski Little
Specialty: fundraising, growing your business, business compliance, loan applications, building your business model

Coach Swarvoski will be on-hand to help you apply for small business loans and grants available to Native entrepreneurs and artists as well as help you think about building or pivoting your business. To see a full list of funding opportunities, see our list of resources.

offered by the AZ Commerce Authority:

The holidays are right around the corner. While many consumers have been shopping all year long, the Black Friday weekend is still projected to be the biggest shopping period of the year. In this webinar, you’ll learn how current events are affecting consumer shopping habits and tips to optimize your holiday email marketing.

click here to register

Take control of your small business finances with the help of Wave Accounting Software! In this 90-minute Zoom workshop, Marsha Greyeyes will guide you through the essential features of Wave, a free and user-friendly accounting platform perfect for small business owners, and entrepreneurs.

During the session, Marsha will show you how to simplify your bookkeeping process, track and categorize business expenses, and create and manage invoices with ease.

By the end of the workshop, you'll feel confident using Wave to streamline your financial processes and keep your business on track. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to take the stress out of managing their finances.

For any questions, please contact us at hello@nativestartup.org. You can also watch our past workshops on the Change Labs YouTube Channel.

Offered by the AZ Commerce Authority:

Join us for an insightful workshop designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to secure their financial future and that of their employees. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of various retirement plan options tailored to small businesses. Key Topics Covered: - 401(k) Plans: - Traditional vs. Roth 401(k) - Solo 401(k) for sole proprietors - Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA: - How SEP IRAs work - Contribution flexibility and limits Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA: - Key features and benefits - Contribution limits and employer matching - Multiple Employer Plan 401k: - What is a Multiple Employer Plan - Benefits of a Multiple Employer Plan vs Single Employer Plan By the end of this workshop, you'll have a clearer understanding of several retirement plan option, their advantages, and how to select the best plan to meet your business’s needs and objectives. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your current retirement offerings, this workshop will provide the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

click here to register

Matriarch Mixer is a networking event designed for Indigenous, women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Our goal is to bring together businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals from a variety of backgrounds, expertise, industries and scopes. RSVP is required and is limited to 1 per person. Reserve your spot here. Theme: Rez Rodeo, wear your cowgirl/rodeo gear. Don't Forget! Bring your business cards or stickers to enter into a raffle!

Ready to create professional and eye-catching business cards that truly represent your brand? Join Holly Patterson, our in-house Canva guru, for an engaging 90-minute, hands-on workshop where you’ll explore Canva’s easy-to-use design tools. Holly will guide you step-by-step through the process of designing custom business cards, choosing the right fonts and colors, and incorporating personal touches that make your cards stand out.

Whether you're a beginner or simply looking to refresh your business materials, this workshop will equip you with the skills to create a professional, ready-to-print card that leaves a lasting impression.

Participants can join virtually via Zoom or attend in-person at the Change Labs Tuba City E-ship Hub. Come prepared to get creative and elevate your brand!

For any questions, please contact us at hello@nativestartup.org. You can also watch our past workshops on the Change Labs YouTube Channel.

Join UofA’s Cooperative Extension, Change Labs, Hopi Credit Association, and more on Tuesday, Oct 22nd from 10am to 3pm for a “Small Business 101” workshop series for artisans and small business owners! Sophia Piestewa and Duane Humeyestewa are running two back-to-back workshops. Up second: “Setting the right price for your products.” Have you ever wondered if you’re charging too little for your art? For your food? Explore different methods you can use to price everything from jewelry to t-shifts to burritos in this informative workshop.

Registration Link: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9KqKuoxrm8wlw6q

Lunch is provided with your registration!

Join UofA’s Cooperative Extension, Change Labs, Hopi Credit Association, and more on Tuesday, Oct 22nd from 10am to 3pm for a “Small Business 101” workshop series for artisans and small business owners! Sophia Piestewa and Duane Humeyestewa will be on-hand to run two back-to-back workshops. Up first: “What it means to be a sole-proprietor” Did you know that about 73% of all small businesses in the United States are sole-proprietors? If you sell anything — burritos, jewelry, car repair services, wood chopping services, you get it — you are technically part of that sole-proprietor statistic if you have not formally registered your business as a Corporation, LLC, etc. Learn more about what opportunities this presents!

Registration Link: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9KqKuoxrm8wlw6q

Coach: Holly Patterson
Specialty: brand development, market analysis, social media development, marketing tools, registering a business in New Mexico

Coach Holly will be on-hand to help you apply for small business loans and grants available to Native entrepreneurs and artists as well as help you think about building or pivoting your business. To see a full list of funding opportunities, see our list of resources.

Join us for a day of creativity, culture, and community! We’re curating a vibrant market featuring local artisans, artists, designers, food trucks, and more. Don’t miss this chance to discover unique products and see how entrepreneurs empower our communities!

Presented by Change Labs and RVSO78!
October 19, 1pm-7pm at the Tuba City E-ship Hub

Are you an artisan, jeweler, designer, or food truck looking to showcase your work? Secure a booth at the Pop-up Market by contacting Sophia Piestewa at sophia@nativestartup.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Heading to Tuba City for Western Navajo Fair?

Stop by Change Labs (next door to the Chapter) to celebrate an Open House event with us! We’ll have snacks & drinks on-hand, our Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative team will be there with information on the $1M loans we have available, and our E-ship Hub team will be there to welcome you. Mark your calendars!

Offered by the AZ Commerce Authority:

Discover how automated workflow tools are reshaping business efficiency and profitability by providing a flexible alternative to traditional software. These tools offer a streamlined system of record for companies, enabling quick onboarding without the complexity, debugging, or high setup costs. Learn how to integrate seamlessly with your existing tool stack — including platforms like Shopify, ShipStation, Xero, and Quickbooks — to enhance real-time decision-making and operational performance.

Click here to register

Coach: Kristine Laughter
Specialty: business model design, loan applications, business financing & budgeting, opening a bank account, and starting a business in Kayenta

Coach Kristine will be on-hand to help you apply for small business loans and grants available to Native entrepreneurs and artists as well as help you think about building or pivoting your business. To see a full list of funding opportunities, see our list of resources.

Grab your tote bag and head to our E-ship Hub to stock up on seasonal produce, Native crafts, boba, medicines, and other end-of-summer goods. The Farmer’s Market will run from 8am - 12pm MDT.

Coach: Swarvoski Little
Specialty: fundraising, growing your business, business compliance, loan applications, building your business model

Coach Swarvoski will be on-hand to help you apply for small business loans and grants available to Native entrepreneurs and artists as well as help you think about building or pivoting your business. To see a full list of funding opportunities, see our list of resources.