The National Center’s Business Development and Training Program Returning to Nation’s Capital Virtually Event will be broadcast virtually free of charge
October 22, 2020 Washington, D.C. — Today, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) announced Native Edge Institute (NEI): Washington, D.C., taking place on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), NEI D.C. will be broadcast virtually and free of charge to all who register. NEIs are one-day, in-person or virtual training events that provide both established and aspiring business-owners critical business training. NEIs also connect participants to existing resources available in their region, to go along with one-on-one business counseling/coaching and matchmaking services. Access to the National Center’s unique N2N (Native to Native) business network will be made available to all attendees, as well as the National Center’s in-region procurement and technical assistance training, federal program and procurement coaching and accessing capital via Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Here are just some of the presentations you can expect at NEI D.C.:
- Economic Diversification: The Economic Coalition Building Relationships and Resources of the Hotel Partnership Panel
- Federal Roundtable: Contract Policy Updates and Program Processes
- Fueling Small Business Opportunities: Harnessing Economic Strength and Assets
- Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC): Program Services Overview
- Overview of Small Business Federal Contracting, Set-Aside Programs, Updates, New Rules and Regulations
- Access to Capital: Seed Capital, Angel Investors, Venture Capital, and Growth Equity
“The National Center is excited to bring our premiere business trainings through our Native Edge Institutes back to the nation’s capital,” said National Center President and CEO Chris James. “NEIs are designed for all types and levels of businesses – those started yesterday, those transitioning into new sectors, businesses new to government contracting, and much more. We hope that you’ll join us for NEI D.C. and high-caliber networking, expert speakers, and the small business know-how to help you succeed.” Native Edge Institute – Washington, DC
Pre-Recorded at The Residence Inn Capitol, 333 E St. SW, Washington, DC 20024
Tuesday November 17, 2020
9:00 AM MST – 1:20 PM MST an/or 11:00 AM EST – 3:20 PM EST
Please note beginning times are approximate in hour/minute/seconds as this was videotaped and pre-recorded
9:00 AM MST / 11:00 AM EST
Introduction: Chad Marchand, Vice-President, NCAIED
Welcome Remarks
Chief G. Ann Richardson, Rappahannock Tribe Inc., Virginia
Derrick Watchman, President, Board of Directors, NCAIED
Efrain Gonzalez, Associate Director for Business Development, Minority Business Development
Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce
Charlie Galbraith, Secretary, Board of Directors, NCAIED
9:13 AM MST
Economic Diversification: Building Relationships and Resources, Featuring the Four Fires Hotel Partnership and other tribal economic development ventures
The partnership serves as an economic model, benefiting other tribes interested in working together to strengthen efforts and diversify their economy and represents one of the largest business investment collaboration for American Indian tribes in history. And hear from other tribes to hear what they are doing within their community to strengthen economic development.
Introduction: Amber Childs, Business Development Specialist NCAIED
Moderator: Lillian Sparks Robinson, Treasurer, NCAIED and President/Owner of Wopila Consulting
- Kip Ritchie, BOD NCAIED and Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin, WI
- Cristina Danforth, Oneida Nation Treasurer, Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, WI
9:59 AM MST
Federal Roundtable Contract Policy Updates and Program Processes
This session will feature briefings by the senior leadership responsible for Native American small business programs. The panel will review the agencies’ mission, forecasts, and policy updates and program processes so you can position your entity for success. Additionally, key policy initiatives and legislation impacting federal acquisition programs will be discussed.
Introduction: Yvette Fielder, Program Manager, NCAIED
- MBDA – Efrain Gonzalez, Associate Director for Business Development, MBDA Department of Commerce (confirmed)
- USDA – Jeff Harris, Office of Tribal Relations
- SBA – Shawn Pensoneau, Office of NA Affairs
10:46 PM MST
Fueling Small Business Opportunities: Harnessing Economic Strengths & Assets
This session will discuss ways the small business owner can learn how to harness and grow their business through networking, leadership and harnessing their economic strengths & assets, to assist you to reach your goals.
Introduction: Chad Marchland Vice President, NCAIED
- Dennis Smith, MBDA Program Manager, Washington D.C.
10:51 AM MST
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers: Program Services Overview-PTAC’s
This session you will learn about how the PTACs provide local, in-person counseling and training services for you, the small business owner. They are designed to provide technical assistance to businesses that want to sell products and services to federal, state, and/or local governments, you will learn about various ways on how to best market yourself and how to get involved with Government Contracting for your small business, the various programs and services will be discussed.
Introduction: Yvette Fielder, Program Manager, NCAIED
- Crystal Pierce, Procurement Specialist, NCAIED PTAC
· Venessa Kadiri, M.A.,Procurement Technical Assistance Specialist, DC Procurement Technical Assistance Center, DC Department of Small and Local Business Development
11:21 AM MST
Overview of Small Business Federal Contracting, Set-aside Programs, Updates, New Rules & Regulations
This session will train nascent federal contractors regarding the benefits of participating in various small business contracting and set-aside programs. We will review eligibility criteria, affiliation concerns, program benefits, and discussions on how to maintain eligibility. Small Business Contracting Programs to be discussed include the 8(a) Business Development, HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Women Owned Small Businesses. And review the New Rules and Regulations.
Introduction: Yvette Fielder, Program Manager, NCAIED or Chad Marchand, VP NCAIED
- John Shoraka, GovContractPros
12:50 PM MST
Access to Capital: Seed Capital, Angel Investors, Venture Capital, and Growth Equity The Division of Capital Investment manages the Indian Loan Guaranty, Insurance, and Interest Subsidy Program which breaks through the conventional barriers to financing for tribes and individual Indians. The loan program helps facilitate loan financing for borrowers that would not be able to do so otherwise. The Division helps secure reasonable interest rates and reduces risks for all parties involved. We bring lenders and borrowers together so that all may prosper.
Introduction: Yvette Fielder, Program Manager, NCAIED
· David B. Johnson, Acting Division Chief, Department of Interior, Division of Capital Investment
1:14 PM MST
Closing Remarks
Introduction: Yvette Fielder, Program Manager, NCAIED
Walt “Red Hawk” Brown, Chief, Cheroenhaka Nottoway Tribe
