From The Ground Up: Annual Native FORGE Conference Showcases Financial and Business Resources for Native American Entrepreneurs
Amber Buker, Founder & CEO of Totem, digital banking by and for Indigenous people.
Amber Buker, J.D. CEO and Co-Founder of Totem, took center stage as the keynote speaker for the 2023 Native FORGE Conference in Tucson, AZ. Totem is a digital banking platform designed by and for Indigenous people. She shed light on many challenges Native Americans face within the current financial services sector. Buker underscored the need for innovative solutions when so many tribal members are "credit invisible," making accessing financial resources through the traditional system extremely challenging, if not impossible.
As only the second Indigenous woman to secure a multimillion-dollar venture capital round, Buker's compelling personal story resonated with attendees. Buker shared her journey as a founder and insights about the resiliency and resources needed to launch and develop a successful business.
For this year’s Native FORGE Conference, the theme was “From the Ground Up” highlighting the spirit of grassroots learning, growth, and building a solid foundation to serve future generations. Held in partnership with the University of Arizona Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement, entrepreneurs from the newest cohort from the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe were joined by past cohort members from the San Carlos Apache Tribe as well as entrepreneurs from the Tohono O'odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe at the conference. Gathering together in downtown Tucson at FORGE at Roy Place, the event provided valuable entrepreneurial resources as part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration University Center program to bolster Indigenous entrepreneurship.
The conference started with a warm welcome dinner, sponsored by University of Arizona NPTAO (Native Peoples Technical Assistance Office), in the historic El Charro cellar. Established in 1922, continuously operated by the same family, and expanding to dozens of locations, El Charro Café embodies entrepreneurial spirit. The evening set the tone for the conference, launching connection and community building in an inspiring location.
Native FORGE entrepreneurs participated in workshops led by FORGE Founding Executive Director Brian Ellerman, Native FORGE Senior Coordinator Aleshia Howell, and FORGE Mentors in Residence including John Achoukian, Tyler McCusker and Flora Tromelin. Remarks and additional resources were also provided by dedicated Native FORGE Mentor in Residence Rafel Tapia Jr. As the lead Mentor in Residence for the program, Tapia will meet with all entrepreneurs routinely via virtual and on-site visits throughout the year. Entrepreneurs were provided with coaching and resources to define and clearly communicate their business value propositions as a first step to meeting critical business goals. Entrepreneurs took part in elevator pitch practice sessions and attended a facilitated discussion on what information investors look for. Additionally, they had the opportunity to tour the NAATE offices at Old Main, gaining valuable insights into the resources offered by the University of Arizona, presented by Senior Vice President for Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement Levi Esquerra.
Many Native FORGE entrepreneurs extended their stay to participate in the Startup Tucson TENWEST Impact Festival. Sponsored by FORGE and UA Venture Capital, Native FORGE conference attendees were provided complimentary passes for the weeklong festival, which included networking events and pitch competitions. This additional platform allowed them to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, engage with potential investors, and explore local and national programs supporting entrepreneurial endeavors.
Some entrepreneurs attending the conference included:
Tudor Montague of Spirit Mountain Roasting Company, a community-oriented, small-batch specialty coffee roaster located on the Fort Yuma rese. The community includes the pipa, people of the Quechan nation, and the coffee supply chain from seed to cup. Spirit Mountain Roasting Co engages in direct and fair trade with indigenous & women coffee farmers whenever possible.
Gregg Gilbert of Constructive Building Solutions, Inc. (CBS) is a small Native-owned construction company providing professional contracting services. He is working to expand the company’s commercial, military, government, and residential structures and remodeling construction services.
Jon and Sage Koteen of Koteen's Barbershop specializes in men's grooming and grooming products and aims to supply a community gathering space.
Davison "Beejay" Ward Jr. of Sewn by Beejay makes custom handcrafted quilts uniquely designed with a traditional and artistic touch and is working to secure enough funding to provide additional jobs for local community members at his business to meet the demand.
Tristan Sneezy of Apache Fuel and Public Management provides landscape and essential maintenance services to tribal departments. He is working on securing a bond/insurance to participate as a vendor for the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other government entities.
The teams at FORGE and NAATE will continue supporting Native FORGE entrepreneurs in their ventures throughout the year by providing resources and advice on business development and raising capital. Entrepreneurs are provided one-on-one mentorship and onboarded into the program with resources including laptops, wifi hotspots, a free online curriculum covering venture basics, and additional University of Arizona resources.
Now in its second year, the Native FORGE conference and program continues to harness the power of collaboration and education to help foster economic development within Native American communities.