On behalf of the Oregon Native American Chamber, soon to become the NW Native Chamber, I want to welcome you to the ONE Program, or Native Enterprise course. This is the first step to becoming the Native entrepreneur you were meant to be. This course provides an overview of the steps and considerations of starting and successfully operating a small business. To honor our shared cultures, each face you see and each voice you hear in this course is a Native one. And we understand that your presence in this course is an act of decolonization and we honor the work you have done to get here. At ONAC, we don’t want to develop mini-capitalists, but Native Entrepreneurs who develop their business with intention while giving back to their communities. We commit to walking the journey with you while knocking down the barriers we encounter.
Native peoples were the first on this continent to become masters at their undertakings, from creating gorgeous art and useful tools to developing wide-ranging markets and mastering extensive trade routes throughout Turtle Island. An expansive history of trade and travel between communities existed long before capitalism became the dominant culture. As with everything in our present-day lives, we carry on the values and practices of our people, while standing on the shoulders of our ancestors. Even if you weren’t raised in a traditional manner or are not connected to your tribe at present, we recognize your indigenous nature and your desire for improvement.
One last thing: As you progress through this course, keep in mind that you are the hopes and dreams of your ancestors since time immemorial.
- Community Guideline Development: Seeds for Change
- Native Entrepreneurship: The Visionary Business Magazine
- Brand: Forbes Article
- Mission Statement Development: Hubspot Resource
- Business Plan Forms: Entrepreneur.com