Grant will be used to grow and expand the National Center’s procurement and technical assistance services
March 6, 2018LAS VEGAS, NV – The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (the National Center) announced it has been awarded a competitive grant from the KeyBank Foundation to support Native American businesses nationwide. KeyBank Foundation is the non-profit charitable organization funded by KeyCorp. The funds, which amount to $300,000 over two years, will be used to create a new program called National Center Technical Assistance and Procurement program, or NCTAP. The announcement was made during the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in Las Vegas, which is the largest economic development event in Indian Country taking place this week at the Mirage Hotel and Casino. “Native American-owned businesses provide high-quality products and services used by corporations and government agencies alike,” CEO Chris James said. “KeyBank Foundation’s grant will significantly expand and grow the National Center’s programs and expand services to concentrated markets and new sectors. I thank the KeyBank Foundation for their continued support of the National Center, as well as American Indian and Alaska Native communities. They are a true corporate leader and I look forward to sharing the success stories and the grant’s impact to our communities and business owners alike.” NCTAP will be open to tribal governments, tribally owned businesses, tribal corporations, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native American entrepreneurs nationwide. The funding will also enhance the National Center’s existing Procurement and Technical Assistance Centers and Native Edge Institutes. NCTAP will focus on both public and private sector procurement opportunities, technical assistance, and training as well as success coaching support for businesses in their growth stage of development.
“We are proud to support the National Center for American Indian Economic Development. Promoting and expanding the economic self-sufficiency of Native America remains a priority to build sustainable economies and invest in the quality of life in our communities,” said William M (Mike) Letting, EVP, National Executive, Agribusiness & Native American Financial Services. “We stand with the National Center and its innovative and groundbreaking programs as they are a critical part of accomplishing this goal.”
“KeyBank’s purpose is to help clients and communities thrive,” said Margot Copeland, Chair & CEO, KeyBank Foundation. “The KeyBank Foundation is focused on transformative philanthropy that supports our neighbors and communities. Our partnership with the National Center for American Indian Economic Development will help support economic benefits that improve our communities.”About The National Center: The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With over 40 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and their enterprises with business and economic development – we have evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization in the nation. Our motto is: “We Mean Business For Indian Country” as we are actively engaged in helping Tribal Nations and Native business people realize their business goals and are dedicated to putting the whole of Indian Country to work to better the lives of American Indian people- both now… and for generations to come.
CONTACT: Lewis Lowe, 706-302-8404 lewisl@strategies360.com
