MBDA Business Center Spotlight: Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico Native American Economic Summit

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico, along with the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, hosted the 8^th Annual New Mexico Native American Economic Summit, May 20-22 in Albuquerque, N.M.

The intent of the summit was to promote the development of a healthy, self-sufficient American Indian Economy, both on and off the reservation.  The mission was both simple and powerful:  “To help Native People achieve successful economic development initiatives while incorporating, strengthening and building upon tribal values,” said Ted Pedro, Director, Santa Fe MBDA Business Center.

Pedro said the Summit was designed as the “place to meet” and introduce Native American businesses and its leaders in order to synergize and strategize with peers and new contacts.

“At the end of the summit we feel the attendees were better informed on where they can seek and request assistance and funding for initiatives that will benefit our local economies,” said Pedro. “This event encouraged our attendees to tap into the numerous resources that are available to both entrepreneurs, companies and tribal entities, from all walks of business life at the local, state tribal and federal levels.”