My business would be that bridge, making it so the professionals of the future have a way to start businesses now. Tribal nations are sovereign and must have businesses to continue flourishing. -Parrish Pipestem

My name is Parrish Pipestem and my dream is to invest in young, native entrepreneurs. First, I will be investing in the business that I’ve been running for several months now, reselling clothes and shoes. I will purchase a computer program to help streamline this process and increase profit. The money generated from this business will feed directly into the second part of my business, which is an investment firm that is focused on young native people.

The equity and honor system approach I will be taking will make it so I can help those that may not be able to legally acquire a loan, while still having great ideas. It has been studied that the way kids think isn’t a lesser way than adults, but rather it is a different way of thinking. This must be taken advantage of, especially in the world of business with unique ideas coming out on top. This demographic is the most underrepresented, without means of financial aid.

My business would be that bridge, making it so the professionals of the future have a way to start businesses now. Tribal nations are sovereign and must have businesses to continue flourishing. This should not be diminished by making entrepreneurship something youth are unaware of.

I am beyond thankful for this opportunity that Dreamstarter for American Indian Youth has given me, and I can not wait to carry out my dream.