First Nations Development Institute
First Nations Development Institute is a nonprofit organization that assists Native American tribes, their communities, and Native nonprofits in economic development by providing technical assistance, training, policy, and grant awards.
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While the for-profit sector in Native communities may not fit traditional, mainstream economic models, it plays an important role in promoting economic change. Our role in this project was to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and barriers across Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin, and gain a general understanding of the for-profit sector within the 75 tribes of the Northwest Area Foundation’s eight-state region.
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Examine tribally owned enterprises in the region, including private businesses, workforce development programs, chambers of commerce, and business incubators.
Identify the ways Native communities are supporting individual entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial development and growth.
Determine the barriers and opportunities of private sector development.
Provide recommendations for mitigating challenges and exploring possibilities.
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The results showed that the for-profit sector on Indian reservations in the Northwest Area Foundation region represents a vibrant display of innovation, perseverance, and creativity. Though the sector is growing, it still faces several challenges. This report identified areas of investment that could enhance Native business opportunities and promote economic growth.
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Jan–Jun 2015
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Michael Brydge — Secondary data analysis, literature review, and report writing
Andrea Mader — Secondary data analysis, literature review, report writing, and graphic design
