The US economy has experienced tremendous blows over a significant period of time. It has been tough for all industries, but the resilience of the people has kept the country afloat. Small businesses play a very important role in the economy of the country since it has been creating employment opportunities for the working class. More importantly, it has kept the American-Indian community alive and even allowed them to rise above economic challenges. What better way to celebrate this positive feat than to recognize the Native Americans through the Native American Heritage Month?
Former US President William J. Clinton declared November 1996 as National American Indian Heritage Month. This serves as a commemoration of the resilience and vital presence of the American-Indians throughout the history of the United States. They have survived and conquered against the pitfalls of recession and are now making a mark in the economy through their business endeavors Truly, Indianpreneurship has made it big.
So what has been going on with the American-Indian community? They have successfully resorted to strengthening small businesses by focusing on highly prospective clients and partnering to beat tough competitors.
One of the most successful American-Indian entrepreneurs is Brad Scott, President and CEO of Cetan Corporation. This is an IT solutions company that experienced 2,275% growth in a matter of three years.
Another remarkable American-Indian entrepreneur is the founder of Cascade Design Professionals, Incorporated Herb Fricke. This was a 13-man firm (back then) that partnered with other Native entrepreneurs to beat more experiences players in the field. He said that the kind of network that you have will make or break your business, especially in the times of recession. He also emphasized that the Indian community’s closeness allows small businesses to collaborate with each other, thus helping one another to keep their businesses running up to this very day.
Perhaps another reason for the success and evident progress of the Native American community is the support it gets from the Office of Native American Affairs. This unit is responsible for the development of lending and procurement programs for the Native American community’s small businesses. Their office is located in the Small Business Administration’s head office at Washington, D.C.
The bigger picture is this: The Native American community if striving hard to keep their community intact and progressive and at the same time boosting the economic potential of the American people by offering education on Indianeurship. Not only are they trying to make their presence felt in the business sector, but they are also trying to preserve a legacy of hope and nationalism.
This post is courtesy a contributing writer to CEO Blog Nation.
Sources:
http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2960
http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/naihm.html
http://www.inc.com/ss/2011-inc-5000-top-10-american-indian-entrepreneurs#2
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/10/native_american_entrepreneurs.html