American Indian Business Roundtable
PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
within the American Indian Community
The American Indian business community faces unique challenges in starting and growing their businesses, including limited access to capital and resources. To address these challenges, Mni Sota Fund and the Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Native American Affairs, organized an American Indian Business Roundtable. The event brought together entrepreneurs, government officials, and community leaders in support of American Indian entrepreneurship and promoting economic development within our community.
Mni Sota Fund played a pivotal role in the roundtable by inviting businesses that have directly benefited from their support in entrepreneurship through business development, technical assistance, and business lending services. The Executive Director of Mni Sota Fund, Kit Fordham, led the effort to bring these businesses to the table. The roundtable was co-hosted by SBA's Office of Native American Affairs, Jackson Brossy, and the Minnesota Office of Small Business Administration’s Brian McDonald. Additionally, Mark Cooper participated in the event, providing a perspective from the APEX Accelerator Program with the State of Minnesota.
The roundtable was held in community, at the Division of Indian Work located in South Minneapolis and was attended by several American Indian-owned businesses, including Solar Bear's Bob Blake, Powwow Grounds' Bob Rice, Bear Claw Hardwood Flooring's John Boyd, Delina White founder of I am Anishinaabe and accompanied by Gerald White, Avari Beauty's Kari Tribble, Jon Crappel co-founder of NATIV3, and Bald Eagle Erectors' Dave Bice. Also in attendance were Beth Gruber, Director of Planning and Community Engagement at Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, and Derek Dorr of Makwa Global.
Jackson Brossy, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and has attended both Stanford University and Harvard University, is currently serving as the Assistant Administrator for the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA), and was accompanied by Genevieve Borgeson, Special Assistant in the Office of Native American Affairs. Brian McDonald is the District Director of the SBA's Minnesota District Office, and was accompanied by Twila Kennedy, Deputy District Director of the US Small Business Administration.
As the Assistant Administrator, Jackson Brossy provides senior executive oversight, management, and leadership while championing Native American entrepreneurship. Brossy has a vast background in economic development and has held various roles in advancing economic opportunities for American Indian communities.
Brossy's work within the SBA highlights the significance of providing support and resources to American Indian entrepreneurs, particularly in the areas of access to capital and mentorship. His extensive experience in economic development and leadership make him a valuable asset to the American Indian small businesses he serves. Brossy's dedication to empowering Native American communities and his expertise in small business development continue to drive economic growth within our communities.
Brian McDonald, who has over 20 years of experience in economic development, business consulting, and government relations, currently serves as the District Director of the Minnesota Office of Small Business Administration. Throughout his career, McDonald has held significant positions with organizations such as the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (Mn DEED), the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. In May 2020, McDonald was appointed to lead the SBA's Minnesota district, where he is responsible for overseeing the delivery of SBA programs and services to small businesses in Minnesota. His extensive professional background and expertise in economic development make him an invaluable resource to the small business community in Minnesota.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Now is the opportune moment to strengthen American Indian businesses throughout Minnesota by investing in Indian Country.
At the roundtable, American Indian business owners had the chance to introduce themselves and become familiar with the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs and the Minnesota Office of Small Business Administration. The event provided a platform for entrepreneurs to share their experiences related to entrepreneurship, including the challenges and opportunities they face. The discussion also focused on identifying strategies for improving access to capital, utilizing available resources, and the importance of mentorship and networking.
Overall, the roundtable was a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs and community leaders to collaborate in support of American Indian entrepreneurship and learn more about the resources available through the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs. The insights gained from the discussion will help advance this work by prioritizing the needs of American Indian entrepreneurs in economic development initiatives. By providing targeted support and working collaboratively, we can create a more inclusive and equitable economy that benefits everyone. It is crucial to continue these efforts and ensure that American Indian entrepreneurs have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in an American Indian Ecosystem.
What is an American Indian Ecosystem
An American Indian Ecosystem could be defined as a network of interconnected organizations and businesses that collaborate and share resources to promote economic growth and sustainability. It includes government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, each bringing their unique perspective, resources, and expertise. By working together, we can establish a supportive environment that fosters innovation within the realm of economic development. The success of the ecosystem relies on the cooperation and collaboration of all participants who share a commitment to continually evolving innovation within economic development.
Mni Sota Fund is eager to witness the progress and continuation of efforts that have the potential to make a significant impact on the American Indian business community in the years to come.
Mni Sota Fund
Located in South Minneapolis, Mni Sota Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, home ownership, and financial wellness among the American Indian community in the state. Our organization achieves this goal by providing training, technical assistance, and facilitating access to capital.
Office of Native American Affairs
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) is a division of the SBA that aims to ensure American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have access to the necessary resources and tools to create, develop, and expand small businesses. The ONAA provides assistance to Native American entrepreneurs through SBA programs that offer entrepreneurial development, lending, and procurement opportunities. The ONAA also establishes working relationships with Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to target SBA programs related to entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital access to revitalize Native businesses and drive economic development in Indian Country
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a United States government agency that was created in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns. The SBA provides a variety of programs and services to support small businesses, including access to capital, counseling and training, federal contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance. The SBA also advocates for small businesses and entrepreneurs by reviewing Congressional legislation and testifying on their behalf. The agency's mission is to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed in the American economy.
APEX Accelerators
APEX Accelerator is an organization that has been helping businesses in Minnesota since 1991. They provide counseling and procurement technical assistance to businesses interested in selling their products and services to the government. APEX Accelerator's mission is to stimulate job creation, growth, and business retention by helping businesses secure government contracts. They assist businesses in navigating the complicated process of obtaining government contracts through market identification, registration assistance, contracting regulations/compliance assistance, and ongoing technical support.
