History of the Organization

In 1969, a small group of seven American Indian community leaders visualized the alleviation of many American Indian problems by improved economic conditions. These dynamic individuals based in Los Angeles, California combined their efforts to start a grass roots economic development organization. Dedicated to assisting American Indian economic and enterprise development, their activities originally concentrated on urban populations of American Indians in California. Fittingly, they named the organization “UIDA” which stood for the Urban Indian Development Association.

Our early successes working with both government agencies and corporations led to expansion of services as well as innovative partnerships. An example of this is the “Council of Ten” that was formed by Joe Angello of Bank of America in the early 1970’s. This advisory council was the forerunner to the current National Resource Council. Council members supply time, resources and financial support to facilitate our mission.

UIDA underwent a name change in the late 1980’s. Working with several influential U.S. Senators The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development was born. The name change was reflective of the expanding scope of work and changing nature of our role in urban and reservation-based business development. During the same timeframe the organization moved from California to Arizona and now owns a 10,000 square foot building in Mesa, Arizona which currently serves as the corporate headquarters.

Throughout the years, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) has always evolved to meet the growing needs of the American Indian business community. One area that we continue to develop is our events. The National Center produces six signature events annually with the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) & American Indian Business Trade Fair being the premier event. RES is the largest and longest running American Indian business event in the nation.

After nearly four decades, NCAIED, a national 501(C)(3) non-profit American Indian economic and business development organization, commands a strong position in Indian Country. We are the oldest and largest American Indian specific economic and business development organization in the nation. Nine offices staffed with over 50 employees supply management and technical assistance to Indian businesses and tribes nationwide. Our 1,400 clients operate in a variety of industries providing products and/or services to the commercial and government markets.

Since our inception we have worked with approximately 80% of the tribes and assisted over 25,000 Indian Enterprises while training over 10,000 tribal members in various aspects of business development. In total, we have helped our clients obtain over $4.5 billion in contracts and financing.

Created by American Indians in 1969 and led by American Indians throughout its history, we were then – as we are now, the first national organization solely dedicated to developing American Indian economic self-sufficiency through business ownership. The tribal values and the vision of our elders that created this great organization continue today through our programs. Our work significantly contributes to leadership, small business and economic development for our constituency.

NCAIED Timeline