Join us at the Change Labs Tuba City E-ship Hub for a live watch party of the 2026 Presidential Forum on the Economy, a nonpartisan community forum hosted by Change Labs.

Hear directly from participating Navajo Nation presidential candidates on the issues shaping the future of our communities and economy.

The Tuba City watch party will feature a live broadcast of the main forum taking place at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, giving local community members an opportunity to gather, watch, and engage with the conversation close to home.

Enjoy the event alongside local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and community members while supporting local food and drink vendors.

Food & Drink Available From:

• Lolly's Lemonade and More
• Bebe's Boba Shop
• Monster Eats

Free & Open to the Public

Friday, July 17, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM MDT
Change Labs Tuba City E-ship Hub
64 Main Street
Tuba City, AZ 86045

Join us at the Change Labs Shiprock E-ship Hub for a live watch party of the 2026 Presidential Forum on the Economy, a nonpartisan community forum hosted by Change Labs.

Hear directly from participating Navajo Nation presidential candidates on the issues shaping the future of our communities and economy.

The Shiprock watch party will feature a live broadcast of the main forum taking place at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, giving local community members an opportunity to gather, watch, and engage with the conversation close to home.

Enjoy the event alongside local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and community members while supporting local food and drink vendors.

Food & Drink Available From:

• Kaye's Bakery
• Asdzáá Boba Lady

Free & Open to the Public

Friday, July 17, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM MDT
Change Labs Shiprock E-ship Hub
Tsé Bitʼaʼí Shopping Center, Suite 10, Shiprock, NM

Join Change Labs for the 2026 Presidential Forum on the Navajo Economy, a non-partisan platform elevating entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and sustainable growth during the 2026 election cycle.

Navajo Nation presidential candidates will be asked to respond to key issues facing the Navajo Nation economy and the future of our communities.

The main forum will be hosted in person at the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort and is free and open to the public. Community members may attend in person, watch live on the Change Labs YouTube channel, or join a watch party at the Change Labs Tuba City or Shiprock E-ship Hub.

Facilitated in Diné Bizaad and English by Master of Ceremonies Geri Hongeva, this forum is designed to elevate conversation around the economic future of the Navajo Nation.

Pick the experience that's best for you and join the conversation!

Curious about the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative and what it could mean for your business or nonprofit? Join Change Labs for an in-person session where we’ll go step-by-step through the NSBCI application and break down the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI).

In this Q&A, you will:

• Learn what the NSBCI is and how it works

• Learn types of loans and funding available

• Learn who qualifies and what business expenses qualify

• Go through the loan application step-by-step

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this workshop will give you the knowledge and tools to take advantage of this important opportunity. Come with your questions—we’re ready to answer them!

Healthy cash flow is one of the foundations of a sustainable business.

Join Change Labs for a practical virtual workshop focused on understanding how money moves through a business and why cash flow matters for long-term success. Participants will learn how to manage incoming and outgoing cash, identify potential financial gaps, and strengthen their ability to cover business expenses consistently.

Through real-world examples and simple financial exercises, attendees will gain greater confidence in understanding their cash flow patterns and preparing for the financial responsibilities that come with business growth and borrowing capital.

This workshop is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage business owners, established businesses seeking stronger financial organization, Kinship and NSBCI borrowers, and entrepreneurs preparing for future capital opportunities.

Facilitated by Duane Humeyestewa, NSBCI Technical Assistance Coordinator and Change Labs Business Coach.

Thursday, July 9, 2026
12:00 PM MDT (Navajo Nation Time)
11:00 AM Arizona MST (Hopi Time)

Virtual via Zoom

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and connect—this is a welcoming space to build your confidence with business finances. Best of all, this workshop is free and open to the community.

Pitch Your Hustle is a live Native business pitch competition hosted by Change Labs, where entrepreneurs compete for a share of $20,000 in cash prizes.

To participate, entrepreneurs must first apply online and submit a 3-minute pitch video for review. The Change Labs team will select up to eight finalists to pitch live in front of judges and a public audience on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Shiprock E-ship Hub.

Pitch Your Hustle is open to Native-owned businesses, side hustles, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs serving Indigenous communities across the Four Corners region. Finalists must be able to attend and pitch in person.

Applications close May 22, 2026, at 11:00 PM MDT. Learn more and apply at Change Labs Pitch Your Hustle.

The Building Blocks of Business (5 Core Pillars Every Entrepreneur Needs to Build a Sustainable Business

Join Change Labs for a free virtual workshop designed for entrepreneurs, side hustlers, artists, vendors, and small business owners looking to build a stronger and more sustainable business.

In this practical session, participants will explore five core building blocks that support long-term business growth, including understanding customers, strengthening operations, managing revenue, and preparing for future opportunities.

Whether you’re starting a new idea or growing an existing business, this workshop will help simplify important business concepts and provide tools that can support greater confidence, sustainability, and loan readiness.

This session is especially helpful for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs and first-time business owners

• Artists, makers, vendors, and service providers

• Kinship and NSBCI borrowers and applicants

• Entrepreneurs seeking stronger business systems

Facilitators:

Joe Bia — Change Labs Lending Coach & Loan Portfolio Manager

Duane Humeyestewa — NSBCI Technical Assistance Coordinator & Change Labs Business Coach

Virtual workshop hosted on Zoom. Free and open to the community.

Learn what it takes to turn your invention into a market-ready product during this free virtual workshop hosted by the USPTO. “Successful Inventing 2026: Manufacture” will cover manufacturing basics, production costs, packaging, shipping, and scaling your product for success. Perfect for inventors, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking to better understand the manufacturing process.

For questions about the event, contact the Western Regional Outreach Office at western@uspto.gov. 

Looking for personalized support to address pain, mobility challenges, or physical recovery? Join us for a special Pop-Up Physical Therapy Clinic at the Tuba City E-Ship Hub with Dr. Lynnette Gilmore, PT, DPT. This unique opportunity brings high-quality physical therapy services directly to our community, helping bridge the gap between rural health needs and specialized care.

Each participant will receive a comprehensive 30-minute physical therapy evaluation and treatment session tailored to their individual needs. Space is limited to just four appointments, so early registration is encouraged.
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Daylight Savings Time)
Cost: $40 per session
Available Appointment Times: 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 10:30 AM

Reserve your spot online and take a proactive step toward improving your health and well-being.

Your website should do more than simply exist — it should actively support and grow your business. In this engaging 90-minute hybrid workshop, Vanessa Bowen will guide participants through practical strategies to transform their website into a powerful business tool that builds authority, captures leads, and supports customer engagement around the clock.

By exploring the intersection of User Experience (UX) and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), participants will learn how thoughtful website design can guide visitors from “just browsing” to becoming paying customers. This workshop will combine presentation, discussion, and hands-on activities to help entrepreneurs better understand how to create websites that are both functional and impactful.

Participants will leave with actionable insights on improving their online presence, creating clearer customer journeys, and making their website work smarter for their business.

About the Presenter

Vanessa Bowen (they/them) is a Diné (Navajo) computer scientist, product designer, and the principal of Bowen Creative LLC. Their work blends Indigenous wisdom with innovative design practices to create equitable and impactful digital experiences. Passionate about amplifying Indigenous voices through art, design, and technology, Vanessa focuses on building solutions that support community growth, accessibility, and meaningful social change.

For any questions or support with registering for this workshop, please contact us at hello@nativestartup.org.

You can also watch our past workshops on the Change Labs YouTube Channel.

Curious about the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative and what it could mean for your business or nonprofit? Join Change Labs for a virtual Zoom session where we’ll go step-by-step through the new NSBCI application and break down the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI).

In this Q&A, you will:

• Learn what the NSBCI is and how it works

• Learn types of loans and funding available

• Learn who qualifies and what business expenses qualify

• Go through the loan application step-by-step

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this workshop will give you the knowledge and tools to take advantage of this important opportunity. Come with your questions—we’re ready to answer them!

Join us for a free workshop on Navajo Nation vs New Mexico Registration: What you need to know.

Who is this for? Business owners who are actively preparing to apply for small business loan. Entrepreneurs who completed Workshop 2 (Business Plan) and are ready for next steps .

How can I attend? In-person or Virtually (Zoom Registration) 

If you're building a business on or near the Navajo Nation, you may be asking yourself: Do I register with the state of New Mexico, with the Navajo Nation, or both? The answer depends on where you operate, who your customers are, and what kind of business you're running - and getting it right from the start can save you time, money, and headaches. 

This virtual workshop breaks down both registration processes side by side, explains the key differences in taxation and licensing, and gives you a clear picture of what applies to your specific situation. No legal jargon - just practical, straightforward guidance built for this community. 

Date: May 28th (Thursday) at 12pm MDT 

Location: Shiprock Change Labs E-ship Hub
Format: In-person (virtual option is also available)
Cost: Free

Join the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the virtual panel discussion "Licensing your IP: The why, when, and how to get started," on Wednesday, May 27, from 1-1:55 p.m. MT / 3-3:55 p.m. ET. This session will focus on why licensing may be an option for your intellectual property and the value it can provide for your business. 

What you can expect

• How licensing works

• What to know about working with a Tech Transfer Office  

• Why a business would choose to license  

For questions about the event, contact the Northwest Frontier Community Engagement Office at northwestfrontier@uspto.gov.

Join us for a free in-person workshop on Design to Print: Building Marketing Collateral in Canva & Getting it Right Before You Print.

Who is this for? Small business owners who create their own marketing materials. Entrepreneurs who use Canva but want to use it better and more intentionally.
How can I attend? In-person or virtual (see below for registration)

Your marketing materials are often the first impression your business makes and they need to look the part. But you don't need to be a designer or spend thousands of dollars to create collateral that looks polished and professional. You just need the right tools, a few key principles, and a clear checklist before you hit "order." In this workshop we'll walk through how to build branded marketing materials in Canva from scratch, then cover everything you need to know before you send anything to a printer, so you don't end up with blurry flyers, cutoff text, or wasted money on a print run that doesn't look right. 

In this workshop, we’ll walk through a straightforward process for calculating how much your business actually needs, where that number comes from, and how to present it clearly to walk into any lending conversation prepared.

Join us for a free in-person workshop on Your Business Plan is Your Blueprint: Writing it with loan intent. 

Who is this for?Entrepreneurs who are preparing to apply for a small business loan or business owners who have never written a formal business plan but ready to scale with funding.
How can I attend? In-person

A business plan isn't just a document you create once and forget. It's your roadmap, your pitch, and your proof, especially when you're sitting across from a lender. But most business owners either skip writing one or don't know how to structure it in a way that actually opens doors. 

In this workshop, we'll walk through every key section of a business plan with one clear purpose in mind: making it loan-ready. You'll learn what lenders actually look for, what gets applications flagged or rejected, and how to tell your business story in a way that builds confidence and credibility.

A business idea becomes more powerful when it is organized into a clear plan of action.

Join Change Labs for the final session in this three-part loan-readiness workshop series led by Duane Humeyestewa. This working session will help entrepreneurs connect all parts of the Business Model Canvas into a more complete and actionable business framework.

Participants will look at how operations, partnerships, resources, customer relationships, and financial sustainability work together to support long-term business growth.

This session will focus on three key parts of the Business Model Canvas:

• Key Activities: What your business needs to do to operate and deliver value

• Key Partners: Who helps your business function, grow, or reach customers

• Cost Structure: What it costs to run and sustain your business

This final session will also introduce how the Business Model Canvas can support next steps like business planning, financial projections, operational planning, and loan-readiness preparation.

This session is a great fit for entrepreneurs who are ready to organize their business model, business owners looking for more structure and direction, and Kinship or NSBCI borrowers or potential borrowers preparing for financing and long-term growth.

By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to move from business ideas into a more structured and sustainable business strategy.

A business idea becomes stronger when you understand your customers, your income, and the resources needed to keep moving forward.

Join Change Labs for the second session in this loan-readiness workshop series led by Duane Humeyestewa. This working session will continue exploring the Business Model Canvas and help entrepreneurs move from ideas into clearer strategy and intentional business development.

This session will focus on three key parts of the Business Model Canvas:

• Customer Relationships: How your business connects with and keeps customers

• Revenue Streams: How your business makes money

• Key Resources: What your business needs to operate and grow

Participants will work through practical exercises to better understand their customers, strengthen their value, identify income opportunities, and spot gaps in their current business model.

This session is a great fit for entrepreneurs building or refining a business idea, business owners who want more clarity around customers and income streams, and Kinship or NSBCI borrowers or potential borrowers preparing for future growth or funding.

These concepts also connect directly to lender expectations, sustainability, and long-term growth.

A strong business starts with a clear foundation.

Join Change Labs for the first session in a loan-readiness workshop series led by Duane Humeyestewa. This introductory working session will help entrepreneurs understand the Business Model Canvas, a practical tool for organizing, testing, and strengthening a business idea.

This session is a great fit for anyone with a business idea, new entrepreneurs trying to organize their next steps, existing business owners who want to revisit their foundation, and Kinship or NSBCI borrowers or potential borrowers preparing for future growth or funding.

Together, we’ll focus on the first three building blocks of the Business Model Canvas:

• Customer Segments: Who your business serves

• Value Proposition: What value your business provides

• Channels: How customers find, access, and connect with your business

These concepts also help entrepreneurs prepare for future business planning and loan-readiness conversations.

Whether you are just getting started or want to strengthen the foundation of your business, this working session will help you take a clearer next step.

Join us for a free in-person workshop on How Much Do I Need?: Determining Your Loan Amount. 

Who is this for? Business owners who are actively preparing to apply for a small business loan. Entrepreneurs who completed Workshop 2 (Business Plan) and are ready for next steps.
How can I attend? In-person or virtual (see below for registration)

One of the biggest mistakes business owners make when applying for a loan is asking for the wrong amount — either too little to actually cover their needs or too much without the documentation to back it up. Both can hurt your application before it even gets reviewed.

In this workshop, we’ll walk through a straightforward process for calculating how much your business actually needs, where that number comes from, and how to present it clearly to walk into any lending conversation prepared.

Join us for Diné Reboot, a community event celebrating the launch of Diné Bizaad, a new Navajo dictionary app. The event will feature food vendors, meet & greet with the app designer (Albert Haskie), and a short workshop with Albert for Native innovators who want to learn what it takes to design and launch a business on the Navajo Nation. This event is free to the public!

Help us get a headcount for our food vendors. Let us know if you plan to attend by clicking the RSVP button:

Curious about how to pitch your business? Join us via zoom for a group workshop led by Coach Holly, designed for anyone interested in learning what it takes to confidently share their business idea. This session is a great opportunity to get a preview of the next Pitch Your Hustle event, ask questions, and start preparing your pitch in a supportive group setting. Whether you're just getting started or want to strengthen your delivery, we encourage you to attend and take the first step toward putting your hustle out there!

Join the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a free virtual workshop designed to help innovators understand how to license their product or idea. This session will cover key topics like whether to license or manufacture, how royalties work, what companies look for in inventors, and how to approach and negotiate licensing opportunities. Perfect for early-stage entrepreneurs and creatives looking to bring their ideas to market.

Join us for a free in-person workshop on Market Day Ready: Preparing for In-person Markets. 

Who is this for? Product-based business owners prepariing for their first market, pop-up, or fair. Crafters, makers, food vendors and artisans ready to sell in-person.
How can I attend? In-person or virtual (see below for registration)

Securing a vendor spot is just the beginning. What separates the booths people walk past from past from the ones they stop at, and buy from, comes down to preparation, presentation, and strategy. Whether you’ve never set up a booth before or you’ve done a few markets and want to level up, this workshop will give you a clear plan of action.

We’ll cover everything from booth setup and customer engagement to pricing, payments, and what to do after the market is over to keep those customers coming back.

Join the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) for AZBizCon, a statewide event designed to connect entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders with the tools and resources needed to grow and thrive.

AZBizCon brings together small business professionals for a full day of networking, educational breakout sessions, and an interactive expo featuring exhibitors and experts who support small business success. Attendees can expect engaging discussions, practical insights, and opportunities to build meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders.

What to Expect

• Morning breakout sessions led by industry experts

• Access to a large expo featuring business resources and exhibitors

• Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and business leaders

• Practical insights on topics impacting Arizona small businesses

Hosted by the Arizona Small Business Association, AZBizCon is part of ASBA’s signature events focused on helping small businesses network, learn, and grow.

Pricing your products or services can feel like a guessing game, and negotiating with confidence can be even more challenging. Join Austin Economic Development for an interactive virtual workshop is designed to help business owners better understand the mindset behind pricing and how to communicate value effectively.

In this session, you’ll explore the psychology that influences how customers perceive price and how small shifts in your approach can lead to stronger sales and better outcomes. You’ll also gain practical negotiation techniques that help you stand firm in your pricing while building trust with your customers.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this workshop will give you tools to price with intention and negotiate with confidence.

Are you ready to make smarter financial decisions and increase your business profitability with confidence? Join this practical and insightful webinar hosted by the Arizona Small Business Development Center, designed to help entrepreneurs better understand their numbers and turn that knowledge into action.

Successful business owners don’t rely on guesswork, they understand how pricing, operations, and market positioning impact their bottom line. In this session, you’ll learn how to develop that same financial intuition and make decisions that drive growth and sustainability.

Led by experienced business advisor Jeanette Pigeon, this webinar will walk you through five simple, powerful steps to help you take control of your finances and improve your overall business performance.

In this webinar, you will learn how to:

• Strengthen your understanding of business finances and profitability

• Make confident, data-informed decisions for your business

• Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress

• Evaluate how pricing and operations impact your bottom line

• Build habits that support long-term financial success

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this session will give you the tools and clarity to make your business more profitable and sustainable.

Join the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation for a virtual workshop focused on Native American intellectual and cultural property rights.

This session will explore how federal statutes protect Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, and how Tribal Nations are creating their own laws to govern cultural property and Traditional Knowledge.

Ben Calabaza (Kewa Pueblo) will share insights on intellectual property rights and the role of Native artists, art, design, and community responsibility.

Dr. Trevor Reed (Hopi) will guide artists through intellectual property protection and its connection to Native American rights.