IndigeHub

An Indigenous Co-working Space, Start-up Incubator and Entrepreneurial Think Tank.

Native American reservations face unique conditions and business challenges. Income, employment, and educational attainment in these areas are considerably lower than national averages. In addition to poverty and jobless rates, reservation economies are hindered by deficient business and technological infrastructure (broadband saturation hovers around 8%) and a lack of spaces in which to conduct business outside of the home. These conditions make it extremely difficult for entrepreneurs to compete in the global market due to a digital and educational divide that is exacerbated by the physical isolation of tribal communities. IndigeHub was created in response to the story of a small business owner attempting to email an application for his business. This individual spent several days searching for a computer and scanner, eventually arriving at the Department of Economic Development only to be told he was not allowed to use the equipment because he was not an employee. 

We are proposing to encourage, champion and stimulate entrepreneurship through a permanent co-working space that translates the community’s interests into focused training and collaborative forums. Co-working offers a cost-effective way to informally collaborate on business problems by creating a network of entrepreneurs and professionals. IndigeHub provides the space and education to inspire and support entrepreneurial growth. We offer hourly, daily and monthly memberships with access to business infrastructure as well as workshops and training, providing the community with the basic business tools and education needed to ensure success.

To fulfill our vision, IndigeHub requires two phases of development. Phase One – Pilot Space, and Phase Two – Permanent Space. Phase One has been underway for 1 year, building a core group of members/tenants, mentors and community supporters. Our pilot space offers an example of services including fixed desks, computers, printing, Wi-Fi internet access, meeting space, communal space, workshops and seminars. IndigeHub is poised to enter Phase Two. Phase Two will see the opening of a stand alone building that will support high end office space, a kitchen, a conference room and a classroom.

IndigeHub provides the space for community change by creating a hub for diverse creative, social and environmentally conscious enterprise rooted in indigenous values to collectively build a stronger, more resilient community through self-sufficiency. Millions of dollars in revenue are lost to bordering towns each year. IndigeHub understands that entrepreneurs play an important role in building economies. Small businesses can reinvest up to 55% of revenue into the local economy. Because these businesses are owned by people within the community, they are less likely to leave and are more invested in their future prosperity.

But the unique land status of tribes has resulted in a complex set of rules that may affect economic activities. For example, it can take several years for a businesses owner to secure a Business Site Lease and build a commercial structure on Navajoland. Our mission is to provide internet access and business technologies and support to rural Indigenous communities by creating entrepreneurial “hubs”, wether mobile or permanent. To do this, we require community support, partnerships and funding.

Although co-working spaces are popular in larger cities, IndigeHub is the only co-working space currently functioning on the Navajo reservation. A coworking space is a place where you can go daily, sit down at a desk, and access internet, computers and software. It offers an office-style environment that fosters all the autonomy an entrepreneur could want without any of the overhead. According to a study featured on Office Vibe, a coworking office environment made 64% of entrepreneurs more productive, 68% of entrepreneurs more focused, and 90% of entrepreneurs more confident. 

IndigeHub holds the potential to open up opportunities for entrepreneurs in a rural setting by providing access to computer and internet technologies as well as education on the latest applications. This would remove the feeling of exclusion from the outside world that many rural entrepreneurs feel whilst retaining traditional and community values. This will require improvements in current infrastructure and comprehensive access to broadband. but the good news is members will help drive these changes themselves by fostering a local economy that reinvests in it’s infrastructure including broadband. 

Monthly memberships eliminate upfront business costs, ongoing costs, and long term leases. Entrepreneurs need only pay for what they need on an hourly, daily or monthly basis. 

IndigeHub serves Window Rock, St. Michaels, Ft Defiance and Tse Bonito, providing community members with access to internet, software applications, personal and business finance classes, digital marketing and so much more! Our pilot space has functioned not only to educate the community and build interest in the concept of co-working but also to build a platform on which to launch our permanent space.

Small businesses founded by entrepreneurs account for almost all new job creation in the US. IndigeHub acts as a thriving ‘hub” of innovation that provides entrepreneurs with access to programs to support them from idea to scaling.

IndigeHub is working to build partnerships with Native Nations across the country. Our goal is to connect community members through co-working space “hubs”. This model will allow us to share our mentor resources while providing access to business infrastructure and support. 2019 will see “hub” spaces developed in Moenkopi and Cameron, AZ.

IndigeHub believes that by providing a place to unite the Tribal Nations we can work as a whole to create a platform for current and future generations to work towards a better economic future while maintaining our rich culture. 

Events

The First Annual Culinary Bootcamp, a three day culinary training that culminated in a 3 course dinner for 30 prepared by students with produce provided by Ndée Bikíyaa (The People’s Farm) has been one of our most successful events.

Food industry entrepreneurial efforts can strengthen a broader local economic ecosystem by engaging local farmers, hunters, herbalists and a population that can benefit from healthier, traditional and modern-traditional culinary arts. Food businesses are unique in that they reinvest up to 69.1% of their revenue into the local economy (according to a study by Civic Economics).    

Mentions 

https://www.saltlakemagazine.com/seeds-new-native-american-cuisine-provo/

https://www.ksl.com/article/45320000/utah-native-finds-acclaim-running-navajo-themed-restaurants

Solve is an organization who’s values in providing equitable access to marginalized communities closely aligns with IndigeHub's mission. 

Networking is a vital component in building resources to sustain a projects longevity. Working with Solve and MIT would create many opportunities for partnerships with IndigeHub. 

Native Women Entrepreneurs Of Arizona - Work to align activities with mission statement and advocate for Native women entrepreneurs in AZ.

Local First Arizona - Working to build Local First Navajoland, a program which  will compile economic data on businesses on the Navajo Nation and educate communities on the impact of buying local.

Partnership With Native Americans - Building curriculum for the T3 Train the Trainer program that includes cooking traditional foods.

Native Entrepreneur In Residence - Speaker and mentor for Native entrepreneurs.

Ke' Infoshop -Supporter, Funder. Ke’ Infoshop supports grassroots activism regarding Native issues both political and cultural.

We would love to partner with any organization addressing broadband connectivity in Indian country.

We would like to work specifically with Change Labs, an organization who’s tireless efforts are sculpting the digital landscape on Navajoland.