Change Labs Incubator selects 12 Native Businesses for 2021 Spring Cohort

After a year of uncertainty for many businesses and entrepreneurs, Change Labs welcomes 12 new Native entrepreneurs who are ready to make a difference in their communities amid a pandemic. 

The competitive Change Labs 2021 Business Incubator is made up of Native change makers with ideas ranging from fitness and fashion to construction and technology. Each entrepreneur is working to continue improving and strengthening their community through unique and diverse opportunities. From the first Native woman owned publishing company to the non-profit bringing clean drinking water to the Navajo Nation, each applicant is stepping up to make sure their communities and tribes thrive. 

“Despite the setbacks of COVID-19, we have the opportunity to build our own economies that are based on our values and our traditional knowledge," says Jessica Stago, co-founder of Change Labs and the Director of Business Incubation. "The business owners and change makers we selected for this cohort want to do well for the community they serve and our team is excited to help them to complete that mission.”

The chosen applicants represent communities across Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Their goals and aspirations reach on and off Indian Country.

"This is a critical time for new and existing business owners," says Trish Rensink, the lead coach for the Change Labs Business Incubator. "Each of the business owners we selected have demonstrated a commitment to their idea and is bringing a unique perspective and unique service to their community."

Meet the 2021 cohort ready to join and make their mark as one of the many Native-led businesses on Indian Country. 

Fashion and Fitness 

Denise McClellan, Navajo Expressions Arts and Crafts

As a high energy Zumba instructor who is also an experienced arts vendor, business and fitness professional, McClellan has created a business to encompass all her passions. Along with business partners, Carl and Colton McClellan, the trio want to promote healing through art, jewelry and clothing. Their business goal is to bring a holistic and cultural approach to help individuals in self discovery as well as working with and representing other Native American artists. Navajo Expressions Arts and Crafts is focused on building up the local economy. 

Moriah Arthur, Masani's Beauty

Through Masani's Beauty, Arthur celebrates elders and indigenous design by creating traditional clothing using contemporary sewing and upcycled materials. 

Claudia Jackson, Audical Cycles LLC

At Audical Cycles, Jackson provides bike maintenance and repairs to ensure outdoor enthusiasts are safe to take to the reservation dirt trails and roads. Through her work, Jackson wants to help a growing outdoor community made up of locals and tourist continue their explorations of the Navajo Nation.

Creative and Unique

Amber McCrary, Abalone Mountain Press

The first Native women owned publishing company brings readers and listeners indigenous books, zines, as well as podcast interviews with Native American writers. 

Jaymus Perry, JP Designs LLC

Through custom motorcycle parts and artwork, Perry is bringing a one-of-a-kind product to clients as well as providing employment opportunities on the Navajo Nation. Through JP Designs, Perry creates after market, handmade motorcycle accessories for customers around the world. 

Energy, Environment and Technology

Erin Thomas, White Shell Resource Consultants LLC 

As a natural resource management consultant and contractor, White Shell Resource Consultants provides expertise in data analysis to environmental compliance and implementation. Staffed with Indigenous professionals, the company provides a cultural perspective on rangeland management, forestry, and pest management on tribal lands. 

Joseph Bia, Water Peak Partners

Water Peak Partners is a non-profit dedicated to providing homes lacking running water on the Navajo Nation with clean drinking water. 

Lance C. Benno, Nihi dah Nidii DaL LLC 

By developing an app geared toward public safety and addressing violence on the reservation, Benno joins a growing community focused on the protection and safety of indigenous women and girls. 

Kansas Begaye, Hozho Naasha Consulting

Hozho Naasha Consulting offers Virtual Executive Assistance services to businesses in need of online day-to-day support for virtual events or help in hosting strategic planning meetings. 

Construction and Automotive

Eddie Kaibetoney, Magic Auto Shop

Magic Auto Shop provides "Zip Lube," a traveling oil change service that comes to the customer. Designed for convenience — customers can schedule an appointment to have their oil changed without leaving home or work.

Branson Gorman, Rising Sons

At Rising Sons, Gorman provides maintenance and repairs for homes on the Navajo Nation.