Embedding Native Values into your Business through Sustainability and Sustainable Procurement
COHORT OVERVIEW
Welcome to Embedding Native Values into Your Business through Sustainability and Sustainable Procurement. This program is an EPA-funded partnership between the Northwest Native Chamber, Portland State University, and the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council.
Over the course of this program, you’ll explore how sustainability and procurement practices can reflect and strengthen Native values. Together, we’ll look at practical ways to design, refine, and implement sustainability efforts that fit your business and community context.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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- Review the Kick-off recording to meet the program team, receive a grant and curriculum overview, and step-by-step instructions on how to access the learning modules.
- 3 self-paced recorded learning modules that help businesses develop an understanding of how sustainability and sustainable procurement can enhance your business in alignment with Native values.
- 2 pre-recorded coaching workshops to apply this foundational knowledge to your business – identifying the work to be done and prioritizing next steps to set a course for realizing the benefits to your business, employees, the environment and our communities.
- Optional office hours on April 7 and April 14, 2026
- Stipend provided to participants who complete the self-paced modules and submit completed Sustainability Program One-Pager to Rica Perez ricperez@pdx.edu NO LATER THAN April 20, 2026. No extensions will be offered.
- For any questions or concerns please contact:
- Rica Perez (ricperez@pdx.edu) for questions about the grant.
- Kyman Benton (kbenton@nwnc.org) for questions about the online platform or VODs.
PROGRAM VISION
We aim to assist up to 100 small and medium-sized businesses in the states of Oregon and Washington. Our goal is to provide additional “tools in the toolbox” via curriculum, workshops, networking, and additional resources to interested Native and Tribally-owned and/or serving organizations who are starting or currently progressing in their journey of developing, refining, and implementing sustainability and sustainable procurement practices into their businesses.