WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) will bring the Native Edge Institutes (NEI) to the nation’s capital on December 17, 2019. Made possible through funding from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), NEIs are one-day training events designed for established and aspiring business owners, with a strong focus on government and small business contracting and procurement. NEIs also feature expert speakers and representatives from both government and corporate contracting offices. The event is taking place at the offices of the American Petroleum Institute.
“Thanks to MBDA, the National Center is excited to return to Washington, DC and bring our incredible Native Edge Institutes programming to the nation’s capital,” said Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center. “Whether you’re just getting started in business or an established pro, NEI DC has something for you. We hope you join us for this fantastic programming with top-notch speakers and networking opportunities.”
NEIS are one-day, in-person training events that provide both established and aspiring businessowners 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, accessing capital via Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and navigating the SBA and Bureau of Indian affairs will also be featured prominently at the events.
Previous Native Edge Institutes have taken place across the U.S., including New Mexico, Washington, Nevada, Oklahoma, Alaska, Florida, North Carolina, New York, and Maine, with more scheduled in the coming months.
The Native Edge Institutes were inspired by the National Center’s Native Edge portal, which is the online ecosystem that gives users access to the Indian Country economy. The Native Edge allows users to find and post jobs, network with fellow users, and access much of the session material from the National Center’s programming. The Native Edge is also designed to be a tool for corporate supplier diversity officers to find and hire qualified Native-owned contractors and employees.
For a full schedule of National Center events, including NEIs,
please click here.
When: December 17th, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: American Petroleum Institute 200 Massachusetts Ave NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20001
Cost: $49 per person
