Indianpreneur

There is a pervasive view shared by many – both Indian and non-Indian – that prior to colonization, Indian people survived in very primitive and simple hunter gatherer societies. This narrow and mistaken notion was another tool to justify the oppression of our peoples.

In reality, Indian people had an advanced and extensive trading economy. It was common for one Indian Nation to trade with another; trade routes crisscrossed what is now the United States, Canada, Mexico and points south. The center of those routes was near present-day St. Louis, Missouri. At this location a city grew, that in 1450, was larger than London, England.

It is now time for Indians to reject to the falsehoods of colonization and reclaim our proud heritage of being entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur is defined as one who starts and manages a business. We suggest that the word entrepreneur is inadequate. A much more appropriate word is “Indianpreneur”. An Indianpreneur is a modern-day warrior; a warrior, of course, owes a high duty to community, family and self. To be in business today is the equivalent of being in battle. Many challenges confront entrepreneurs but even more challenges confront the Indianpreneur. Our training class will guide you in the journey to become a modern-day warrior, an Indianpreneur.

Identifying Our Customers

To qualify for a loan from the AIEDF, an Indianpreneur needs to:

*Enrolled member of a federally-recognized tribe

*New startup businesses need to complete our BusienssDevelopment Class (this class helps to write a comprehensive business plan)

*Provide a business plan, financial projections, and complete an AIEDF loan application.