Our History
The National Center began as the Urban Indian Development Association in 1969, at a tumultuous time in America’s history. Amid the chaos, this group of Native American businessmen in Los Angeles came together with a singular goal: to create job opportunities for young Native Americans.
What began as UIDA has evolved over the years, but that early vision set the stage for what would become a pioneering force in Native American business development.
Take a stroll through our timeline to learn more.
- 1973: UIDA becomes the first grantee for an Indian development center.
- 1974: UIDA launches a small business loan program with support from Bank of America.
- 1981: Indian in Progress Business Awards (INPRO) begin.
- 1985: The Defense Logistics Agency funds what would eventually become The National Center APEX Accelerator.
- 1987: UIDA organizes the first Reservation Economic Summit.
- 1989: UIDA rebranded as the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.
- 1990: The National Center purchases its current Mesa, AZ office.
- 2001: RES relocates to Las Vegas.
- 2009: The National Center launches the Native American 40 Under 40 program. • 2012: Regional RES conferences begin.
- 2016: Board Chairman Derrick Watchman testifies before Congress on the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act.
- 2018: Launch of Native Edge Institutes.
- 2020: The National Center quickly adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting much of its operations to a virtual format and creating a guide and database for tribal PPE procurement.
- 2022: Arizona MBDA Export Center opens; first Export Center run by a Native American non-profit.
2024: At 4,600 registrants, RES 2024 sets attendance records.
