This spring, the Running Strong for American Indian Youth® Microenterprise Development Program held business workshops in Oklahoma, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and the Crow Nation in Montana. Developed by Josh Smith, the program supports Native entrepreneurs by offering hands-on training in business planning, marketing, and financial strategy, with an emphasis on community impact.
Workshop participants created detailed business plans outlining their company mission, structure, and how their work benefits their tribal communities. A digital marketing masterclass led by Michele Meza of Luksi Coaching & Consulting introduced attendees to current digital trends, marketing strategies, and tools to scale their businesses. Entrepreneurs explored various business models, identified target audiences, and used SMART goal frameworks to set measurable, attainable objectives.
For these Native American entrepreneurs, they also learned that their business plan should incorporate how their business will positively impact their tribal community.
Salesmanship training developed by Nicholas Scholz emphasized the distinctions between marketing, sales, and go-to-market strategies. Attendees learned that while marketing builds interest and awareness, sales is the crucial final step in securing revenue. At the Crow Nation workshop, participants also worked on branding and business identity, storytelling through photos and logos, and practiced mobile content creation using social media and smartphone tools.
Several success stories emerged from the program. Whitney Virden, owner of Roots + Blooms in Oklahoma, shared how her microloan allowed her to expand her business, invest in new equipment, and enter a new market. She presented a session based on her successful experience with the microloan program on “Pricing for Profit,” encouraging entrepreneurs to focus on sustainability and profitability over sheer revenue. Her business also created community benefits, offering design training to Osage immersion teachers and youth internships.
Another standout participant, Calvin Red Owl, founded the White Owl Sanctuary on Pine Ridge to care for injured and abandoned animals. To support the shelter, he launched a Cuban food truck, generating excitement both locally and among out-of-state supporters. His venture exemplifies how microenterprise can align with community service and cultural values.
