Build your idea. Gain the knowledge. Find your peers.
Each year we choose 20 high-potential Native entrepreneurs to join our incubator.
Do you have an idea for a business or nonprofit? We’ll help you make it happen.
Our incubator provides you with the training, skills, and tools to launch a business or nonprofit on Native land. We also offer $2,000 in professional services including brand development, professional photography, or legal support. Graduates are eligible for a $10,o00 Kinship Lending loan to grow their business. All selected entrepreneurs receive hands-on mentorship and access to the Change Labs alumni and peer network for life.
Applications to the 2023 incubator program are closed
Keep an eye on this page for updates on business incubation programming in 2024. And in the meantime, check out our Kickstart Week program for Native entrepreneurs with new business ideas!
Here’s what you’ll get from our program.
Peer Community
Starting a business or nonprofit is an emotional journey. Build a strong peer community that you can rely on for inspiration and support. Our alumni run successful organizations and create economic opportunities in their communities—85% are still in business today.
Funding
Upon graduation, you are eligible to apply for a $10,000 loan to seed your idea and continue to receive monthly coaching to grow your idea. This unique opportunity is only available to graduates of the Change Labs incubator program.
Hands-on Training
Engage in 6 virtual classes with like-minded peers. Your cohort will meet weekly with activities each week. The program is 6 months long. Each class covers topics ranging from business model development to budget building to social media marketing.
Coaching
Founders meet with a professional coach once a month to address their specific needs in financials, marketing, operations, and every aspect of starting a successful business or nonprofit. Our coaches are experts in their fields, providing guidance and mentorship to new entrepreneurs.
Native Network Building
Throughout your time in the incubator, you will be exposed to potential mentors, including local change makers and service providers such as accountants, lawyers, and designers, who can help you on your entrepreneurial journey after graduation.
Workspace
Need a space to work, connect to the Internet, or have a meeting? Looking for a small storefront? Change Labs aims to provide a co-working space with internet access, meeting rooms, and retail opportunities so that you can conduct your business in a professional setting.
You also receive a $2,000 value in services to spend on your startup.
Photography
Change Labs works with talented and professional Native photographers to provide our community with the images you need to build and expand your digital and print marketing materials.
Brand Development
We partner with a network of creative Native graphic designers who can help you create or improve a logo and artwork needed to build your brand identity and boost your professional presentation.
Legal & Accounting Support
Get connected to Native attorneys and accountants who can provide assistance with setting up your legal identity, contracts, or advise on your bookkeeping system.
Meet the alumni of our program.
They are change makers, artisans, non-profit leaders, and entrepreneurs creating a strong Native economy.
