The National Center Brings ‘Economic Resilience in the Face of COVID-19’ Native Edge Institute to Chicago

Upcoming Native Edge Institute Available virtually at no cost

June 18, 2020

CHICAGO, IL — Today, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) announced Native Edge Institute: ‘Economic Resilience in the Face of COVID-19: How to Maneuver and Build Your Business During an Economic Downturn’ in Chicago, Illinois, “Virtual,” to accommodate for social distancing. NEI Chicago is funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). NEIs are signature National Center events that provide both established and aspiring business owners critical business training. While they typically take place in person, the National Center is committed to ensuring that attendees of this virtual NEI receive the same level of quality information they would in person. In Chicago, the National Center will  bring together a small group to share their expertise with their presentations webcast for free to the public.  Economic Resilience in the Face of COVID-19: How to Maneuver and Build Your Business During an Economic Downturn

• Thursday, July 16, 2020 — Chicago, Illinois

• 8:30 AM CDT Session: Register Here

• 1:30 PM CDT Session: Register Here

“The National Center is excited to continue our top-notch business trainings through the Native Edge Institutes,” said National Center President and CEO Chris James, “This upcoming event in Chicago continues our series of NEIs focused on resiliency during tumultuous times. These trainings have something for every type of business owner; the established business looking to get into e-commerce, the startup in its early stages, and established businesses that want to learn more about the new business landscape. We hope that you’ll join us for  high-caliber networking, expert speakers, government contracting pros, and the small business know-how to help you succeed.” NEI Chicago will be the third in The National Center’s new series of Native Edge Institutes: ‘Economic Resilience in the Face of COVID-19: How to Maneuver and Build your Business During an Economic Downturn.’ NEI Spokane will take place on June 24, 2020, and NEI Connecticut follows on July 9, 2020. Can’t log on for NEI Chicago? Register for NEI Spokane here or NEI Connecticut here. Make sure to check the National Center’s website as we add more NEIs to our calendar.

NEIs are one-day, in-person or virtual training events that provide both established and aspiring business-owners critical business training. NEIs also connect participants to existing resources available in their region, to go along with one-on-one business counseling/coaching and matchmaking services. Access to the National Center’s unique N2N (Native to Native) business network will be made available to all attendees, as well as the National Center’s in-region procurement and technical assistance training. Federal program and procurement coaching and accessing capital via Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

The National Center will soon announce additional NEIs that will take place throughout the summer. NEI Chicago Agenda:

Option A-Morning Session 8:30 AM – 11:45 AM CDT: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/531568099603418639

• 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Welcome Remarks

• 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM: COVID-19 Recovery Updates: Opportunities to Incorporate Economic Resilience into Economic Planning Efforts

• 9:45 AM – 10: 45 AM: Fueling Small Business Opportunities: Harnessing Economic Strengths, Assets, and Agricultural Rural Development Grants in the Great Lakes Economic Region.

• 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM: Access to Capital: Seed Capital, Angel Investors, Venture Capital, and Growth Equity

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM CDT Break

Option B-Afternoon session 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDT: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7160332388441711631

• 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Overview of Small Business Federal Contracting, Set-aside Programs, Updates, New Rules & Regulations

• 2:15 – 3:00 PM: Illinois PTAC Program Overview and Services

• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Veteran and Minority Business Enterprises in the Great Lakes Region Certification Processes and Opportunities

• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Thriving Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem.

• 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks