Established in 1985, the NAU Center for American Indian Economic Development (CAIED) provides training, technical assistance and consulting services, business outreach, grant evaluations, host tribal forums/summits/conferences, and financial literacy education. NAU CAIED serves the twenty-two tribes of Arizona from working with tribal leaders to tribal entrepreneurs to working with tribal youth.
CAIED has a commitment to helping create initiatives and entrepreneurial endeavors among tribal communities. Thus, the Business Plan Competition was created. The Business Plan Competition seeks to train and support the next generation of Native entrepreneurs and business owners. The importance of developing business ideas and plans is by positioning Native communities at the forefront of economic sovereignty. In conjunction with the 2025 Navajo Nation Economic Summit and in partnership with the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development since 2018, CAIED is again teaming up with the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development to host the Business Plan Competition.
• Must be enrolled member of the Navajo Nation
• Top finishers are required to attend the Navajo Nation Summit Award Ceremony on April 23rd (Complimentary Registration Included)
• Must be 18 Years or Older
• Business Plan Due April 4, 2025
• You will be required to pitch your business idea on April 17th at the nearest RBDO office (virtual options available upon request).
