12 WORKSHOPS

6 MONTHS

The cohort meets every other week from March to August.

Exact dates and meeting time is dependent upon the final selected cohort’s availability.

Photo: White Buffalo Asdzáán

Core Curriculum

Overview of the program, program expectations, and cohort bonding.
Learn how to conduct a S.W.O.T. Analysis on your business. Helps you to look at and assess your business from an objective point of view.
Learn how to plan for the future of your business! What steps do you need to take next? Which goals should you pursue first? How do I do it? Your Strategic Growth Plan will help you find the answers to these and other questions.

Electives (Cohort Selection)

Gaining self-sufficiency and crafting deliverables for your business.
Learn simple and effective ways to make your website work for you!
SEO, digital marketing, social media.
Learn all about DIY bookkeeping/accounting practices and how to stay ready for tax season!
Overcome imposter syndrome. Learn how to reconcile indigenous ways of thinking with the realities of colonial capitalism.
Learn what goes into hiring and retaining employees.
Based on cohort interest! Topics can include: time management and organization, digital tools for business, how to leverage AI, DIY photography and much more!

Final

Each cohort member meets individually with their business coach to refine their business presentations for graduation, brainstorm, and troubleshoot work completed thus far.
This is the cohort’s final where their graduation is broadcast to the public and NAYA community to showcase their business for promotion, potential new sales, and experience.

You have an existing business in operation for at least 1 year*
Your business is registered with the State of Oregon
Your business has positive net sales averaging at least $1000/month*
You can commit to 80% or higher attendance
You have the ability and the means to attend Zoom video meetings on a regular basis (every other week)
You can commit to 5+ hours a week for workshops, assignments, and 1:1 coaching
Graduate of NAYA’s Basics of Business course, a plus but not necessary

*If you feel that you don’t meet these criteria, do not fret, we will assess each application individually!

** If you don't have the ability or the means to attend Zoom video meetings on a regular basis - this is okay, we will work with you to ensure you are setup for success prior to the start of the cohort.

Please fill out and submit the application below. All information provided will be treated as confidential.
Your online application will be reviewed by NAYA's Microenterprise team to determine if your business is a good fit for the Native Business Accelerator.
If your business is a good fit, you will be invited to participate in an interview with our program coordinator.
Interviews will take place in February with final decisions communicated on or by February 14, 2025.

Apply Today!

Application Deadline: January 17, 2025

Interviews: February 2025

Cohort Begins: March 2025

Cohort Ends: August 2025

FAQ’S

$0. This program is offered free of charge to NAYA clients!
The program consists of 12 workshops spread over a 6-month period from March through August.
The cohort meets during the 12 workshop sessions. Sessions are scheduled every other week between March and August.
Basics of Business is a 10 week course that meets once a week. This course focuses on members who are in the ‘pre-biz’ (concept and planning) stage of their business. The Basics of Business course helps to build a foundation for ‘green’ entrepreneurs.
The Native Business Accelerator is a great fit for businesses in operation with positive net sales. The NBA consists of 12 workshops with industry specialists, assignments, and 1:1 business coaching with a time commitment of 5+ hours per week from February to June.
(If you’re not sure where you fit - feel free to fill out the Microenterprise Inquiry Form)
Between cohort meetings, assignments, and 1:1 coaching (as needed), you’re looking at 5+ hours per week.