Resources for Native entrepreneurs

Funding for Native Entrepreneurs

 

Nonprofit & Business Loans

The Loan Fund offers business loans and lines of credit up to $500,000 throughout New Mexico. Call (505) 243-3196 or info@loanfund.org.

  • Application deadline: ongoing

DreamSpring increases access to business credit, offers loans, and provides training throughout New Mexico. Call (800) 508-7624 or info@dreamspring.org.

  • Application deadline: ongoing

LiftFund provides education and capital up to $500,000 to business owners and entrepreneurs in Southern New Mexico. Call (888) 215-2373 or info@liftfund.com.

  • Application deadline: ongoing

Arts Grants

CERF+ Emergency Assistance grants specifically for artists infected with COVID-19.

  • Application deadline: ongoing

Nonprofit & Business Grants

Wells Fargo Is accepting LOIs to its Invest Native grant program through April 24, 2024. The Invest Native initiative aims to impact work within Housing Access and Affordability, Small Business Growth, Financial Health, and Sustainability & Climate Resilience among Native American communities in Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The maximum grant size is $400,000.

↠ T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants offer up to $50,000 for community revitalization projects. The application is open quarterly

The Pollination Project. Accepting new applications from individuals, groups, and startup not-for-profit organizations based anywhere in the world. Your proposals must serve charitable community purposes and not personal gain. Your project’s total budget must be under $10,000 and you can request up to $1,000 in grant funding.

Akiptan's Native Youth Business Plan Contest Calling all Native American youth looking to start a Native Agriculture Business or to enhance a current business plan. Akiptan is proud to announce the Native Youth Maȟkhíčhaŋyaŋpi (the Lakota word for Agriculture) Business Plan Contest. Native American youth ages 16-18 years are invited to participate. The first place winner will receive $1500; second place will receive $1000; third place will receive $500

  • Application deadline: April 30, 2024 at 4 pm MST

 

 

Recovery for Native Businesses

 

Navajo Artisan & Business Relief Grants -

The Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development has been approved to administer the Artisan and Business Grant Program using funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This program is a continuation of the 2020 CARES Act Artisan and Business Grant Program and will prioritize those certified Navajo artisans and small business, who have not been previously awarded during the 2020 award period. The grant program is now re-opened to Navajo entrepreneurs and artisans who have not previously received grant funds. Click here to apply!

Transitioning your business online

Dibé Nitsaa Creative. Navajo Four Corners-based graphic design company.

Hundred Storms Creative. Navajo-owned, Tuba City-based branding and marketing agency.

Bowen Creative. An ABQ-based Native American creative firm.

Obsidian Websites. A PHX-based Native American design firm.

 

 

Tools & Information

Looking for Native vendors and service providers?

Change Labs created Rez Rising, the nation’s largest digital database of Native American entrepreneurs, because buying Native shouldn’t be hard.

Want to register your business on the Navajo Nation?

Want to register your business on the Navajo Nation? We’ve created Build Navajo, a step-by-step guide to business registration on the Navajo Nation.

 

 

Supporting the community

 

Supporting Native businesses

Rez Rising. Rez Rising is the nation’s largest database of Native American small businesses across the Southwest providing high-quality products and services.

ShopNavajo. An online marketplace assisting Native entrepreneurs test business ideas and products with online market testing.

IndigiExchange. An online marketplace where customers can connect with Indigenous artists across Indian Country.

Donate to Native-led 501(c)(3)s

Change Labs. A donation to Change Labs will help us lend money to small businesses in need of cash and also help with the recovery efforts on the Navajo and Hopi Nations.

AISES Together Towards Tomorrow Fund. Providing Native American/Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university a one-time scholarship of $500.

First People’s Fund. Providing training and resources to grassroots artists and culture bearers within their network.

 
 

Don’t see what you’re looking for?

The Change Labs YouTube channel is an archive of workshops and seminars addressing key business challenges for Native entrepreneurs.

 
 

Learn how to register your business on the Navajo Nation

Transition your business online

What does it take to start a business on the Navajo Nation?

Questions about resources?

Book a free 90-minute phone or video appointment with a Change Labs business coach. Every Monday from 11am to 5pm MST.