Native Edge: Tribal Economic Accelerator - Objectives: 1.NCAIED will equip at least 300 tribal leaders, economic development officers, and legal staff with the knowledge and tools to strengthen local procurement. 2.Over the 36-month project period, the Native-to-Native Business Accelerator will provide intensive, one-on-one technical assistance to at least 75 Native-owned businesses. 3.Over 36 months, create direct economic opportunities by hosting an annual Native-to-Native Matchmaking Event at RES to connect at least 25 prepared businesses with tribal procurement officers each year, and implementing an intensive pilot program with 4 tribal communities to create a replicable model for local economic growth. Summary: The Native Edge: Tribal Economic Accelerator is a 3-year initiative by NCAIED to address economic challenges in Native communities. The project tackles a two-sided market issue: tribal governments need modern procurement systems to purchase from local and Native-owned businesses, while these businesses need specialized capabilities to work with tribal governments. This situation results in significant economic losses for tribal communities. The solution involves building a Native-to-Native marketplace through integrated support on both sides. The project will develop a Tribal Procurement Policy Toolkit and provide training through virtual sessions and workshops at the annual Reservation Economic Summit. Additionally, the Native-to-Native Business Accelerator will offer 700+ hours of one-on-one counseling to prepare businesses for tribal contracts. The initiative includes annual matchmaking events and a pilot program with four tribal communities, creating a model that other tribes can replicate to strengthen their local economies.
