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INITIATIVES THAT
EMPOWER
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS.
Beyond the Boots: A Veteran & Service Member Initiative
ONABEN is proud to offer a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to empower veterans and service members in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams. Drawing from our extensive experience in serving underserved Tribal and rural communities, we have adapted best practices to meet the unique needs of returning veterans and active duty service members. We firmly believe that entrepreneurship is a vital pathway to success for individuals with the drive and dedication to launch their own businesses. As advocates and dedicated resource providers for veteran- and service-owned businesses, we stay true to our core organizational values.
RealChange Youth Empowerment Initiative:
ONABEN is committed to investing in the future by empowering today’s youth. Through the RealChange Youth Empowerment Initiative, we offer financial literacy training, create tailored educational materials, and host youth entrepreneurship camps, which culminate in a business showcase and market event. This program aims to provide young people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive as the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
Artist and Culture Accelerators:
ONABEN’s Arts and Culture Accelerator program, initially funded by the Small Business Administration’s Accelerator Fund, is designed to support artists in expanding their markets and driving positive socio-economic development. The creative industries, including the production and promotion of art, are powerful tools for economic growth in both rural and urban Native communities. Our accelerator program offers artist-entrepreneur training, brand development for regional and local markets, and marketing and website development services to help artists succeed.
Girl Talk
The Women and Girl Empowerment Initiative, known as Girl Talk, was created to provide women and girls with a platform to uplift and support one another. Each month, we host workshops that foster an entrepreneurial spirit, connect participants with local resources, and organize volunteer events to encourage community engagement. The core of Girl Talk is the belief that empowering women and girls is crucial, regardless of culture, color, or political beliefs. This program serves as a space to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Bridge to Success:
Originally funded by the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs, ONABEN’s Bridge to Success program is dedicated to building the capacity of Indigenous and minority-owned businesses to secure contracts with federal government agencies, tribal entities, and minority supplier development programs. We offer both in-person and online training and technical assistance to help these businesses navigate and succeed in government contracting.
Entrepreneurship Training:
Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of ONABEN’s approach. Through our Indianpreneurship curriculum and accompanying training programs, we provide customized entrepreneurial education and capacity-building support. Our focus is on fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and empowering individuals to start their own businesses. By collaborating with community partners, we deliver tailored assistance to Native entrepreneurs, helping to strengthen local economies and promote sustainable business development.
Financial Wellness:
Financial wellness training focuses on providing individuals with the tools and knowledge to manage their personal finances, improve their credit health, and build financial readiness for entrepreneurship. The training covers key topics such as budgeting, saving, debt management, understanding credit reports and scores, and financial planning for business ventures. Participants learn how to make informed decisions about their finances, reduce stress, and develop strategies for improving credit, while also preparing for the financial demands of starting and running a business. By offering personalized guidance, this training empowers individuals to achieve long-term financial stability, improve credit standing, and confidently pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, whether that means securing business loans, managing cash flow, or planning for business growth.
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