​Description

​Join us for the AIBE Annual Conference and explore the vibrant Native American business ecosystem across New Mexico. This event will bring together tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, community members, and allies to share insights, celebrate successes, and create new pathways for economic growth grounded in Native values and traditions. The day will consist of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities where we will explore topics such as Native agriculture, the outdoor recreation industry, the Native Arts industry and how we can grow support systems that foster sustainable development within Native-owned enterprises.

​Agenda

• ​8:00 AM – Registration + Breakfast

• ​9:00 AM – Keynote Speaker - Ronald J. Solimon

• ​9:45 AM – Panel 1: The Native Business Resource Ecosystem

• ​10:45 AM – Breakout Sessions:

  • ​Breakout 1A: Agriculture & Food Systems

    • ​Janice Lucero - Cotton Blossom Gardens

  • ​Breakout 1B: The Business of Outdoor Recreation

    • ​Vidal Gonzales - The Uncivilized Outdoorsman

• ​11:45 AM – AIBE Member Recognition

• ​12:00 PM – Lunch

• ​12:30 PM – Pitch Competition
  Six Native-owned businesses pitch — 6 minutes each

• ​1:45 PM – Guest Speaker

• ​2:15 PM – Panel 2: Access to Capital – From small to BIG

• ​3:00 PM – Breakout Sessions:

  • ​Breakout 2A: Storytelling: Crafting a Narrative That Builds Your Brand, Connects & Drives Business

    • ​Kim Baca - KB Consulting

  • ​Breakout 2B: Creative Arts: Res 2 Runway

    • ​Jolonzo Goldtooth - JG Indie

• ​4:00 PM – Closing Ceremony

• ​4:30 PM – Event Concludes