Overview
NAYA’s Native Business Accelerator aims to build prosperity in Portland, Oregon’s Native American community by creating self-determined enterprises.
The Native Business Accelerator is a relational cohort style program that seeks to uplift and empower small businesses through targeted training, skill development, and tools tailored to each cohort’s needs.
In addition to acquiring knowledge with scaling small businesses, the cohort is provided with one-to-one coaching, technical support, relationship building with peers, and access and access to NAYA’s growing small business community.
Eligibility criteria
- You have an existing business in operation for at least 1 year*
- Your business is registered with the State of Oregon
- Your business has positive net sales averaging at least $1000/month*
- You can commit to 80% or higher attendance
- You have the ability and the means to attend workshops on regular basis (every other week)
- You can commit to 5+ hours a week for workshops, assignments, and 1:1 coaching
- Graduate of NAYA’s Basics of Business course, a plus but not necessary*
*If you feel that you don’t meet these criteria, do not fret, we will assess each application individually!
Application process
- Please fill out and submit the Native Business Accelerator Application. All information provided will be treated confidential.
- Your online application will be reviewed by NAYA’s Microenterprise team to determine if your business is a good fit for the Native Business Accelerator.
- If your business is a good fit, you will be invited to participate in an interview with our program coordinator.
- Interviews will take place in January with final decisions communicated on or by January 31, 2024.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 7, 2024
- Interviews/Cohort Selection: January 2024
- Cohort Begins: February 2024*
- Cohort Ends: June/July 2024*
*The cohort will meet every other week from February through June. The exact start date and workshop schedule will be determined once the cohort is established.
For more information, visit the NAYA Marketplace website, or CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Just starting out with a business idea or are seeking foundation? Check out NAYA’s Basics of Business class.