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INDIGENIZE TENWEST

The Indigenize TENWEST initiative, in partnership with the Indigenous Community Collaborative and aligned with Startup Tucson’s Rooted in Arizona Indigenous Loan Program, is committed to empowering Native American communities in Arizona. The initiative is designed to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by showcasing the expertise of Native American entrepreneurs and providing resources to support their growth and success.  

 

Goals:

  • Increase Native American representation in Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

  • Empower Indigenous entrepreneurs with tools, resources, and networks to grow their businesses.  

  • Highlight Indigenous innovation and knowledge as integral to the future of the economy.  

  • Establish lasting partnerships between Indigenous communities 

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The initiative hopes to accomplish these goals through the following components:

INDIGENOUS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

To foster a reciprocal relationship with the Tribal Nations of Arizona. Startup Tucson is offering Indigenous Attendees a discounted or complimentary pass to the TENWEST Conference. Priority will be given to first-time attendees, small business owners, community leaders, and Indigenous Entrepreneurs. 

NOTABLE SPEAKERS & SESSIONS

To provide training tailored to the needs of Native-owned businesses, speaker and session invitations have been extended to Indigenous speakers and panelists to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by Indigenous Communities, Entrepreneurs, and Businesses. A session featuring Indigenous speakers or organizations will be included in each day of the conference.

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Sessions include:

  • 3/26 TRENDS Day: Indigenous Innovation: Honoring Values, Empowering Impact through Culture, Creativity, and Technology

  • 3/27 Entrepreneurship Day: Cultural Wisdom in Business: Navigating Identity & Values as Indigenous Women Founders

  • 3/28 Creative Day: Indigenous Identity through Creative Storytelling

  • 3/29 Special Activation as part of the Wellness Summit

NOTABLE EVENT

March 25 - TENWEST Mega Mixer 

To foster meaningful connections between Indigenous communities and the TENWEST community, we are creating opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders to fully engage in the TENWEST Connects experience. This initiative will build relationships, amplify Indigenous representation, and create pathways for economic collaboration.

 

This year, the Mega Mixer will spotlight Indigenous participation at the TENWEST Festival, celebrating the impact of Native American entrepreneurs and creatives. The event will feature a Tribal Nation Meetup within the larger event footprint, fostering connections among Tribal Nation leaders, community members, and innovators alongside new and returning partner organizations.

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We are proud to showcase DJ Tribal Touch and The Originativ Project, bringing Native artists to the forefront with powerful expressions of culture, creativity, and innovation.

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Agenda:

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