Native Business Center

?A Pecya (Hello Everyone) and welcome! Sister Sky Inc. is thrilled to announce the launch of the Native Business Center website, Indian Country’s premier hub for all native business news!  The Native Business Center is passionate about linking native-owned small business with training, technical assistance, up-to-date small business information and resources specifically for Native American business owners.

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Upcoming Trainings

Up-to-date information regarding current business trainings for you to grow and thrive. Our team will help you register for free virtual small business trainings such as Sister Sky Inc.’c Native SBA Empowerment Workshops.

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Funding & Grant Resources

We provide direct links to grants and funding resources for your small business. Information about small business financial guidance and support is just a click away!

Small Business Flex Fund

The Small Business Flex Fund is a simple, low-interest & flexible loan for Washington’s smallest businesses and non-profits. It was created to meet the unique challenges of small businesses and non-profits when trying to get access to funding to sustain or grow. The Fund has an easy application process, low interest rates, longer payback timelines, lenders inclined to approve, and experts dedicated to your business success. Please reach out to us here at Sister Sky to help you determine your eligibility and assist you with the application process.

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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The Small Business Administration’s “Shuttered Venue Operators Grant” is open now for applications. Eligible entities include: Live venue operators or promoters, Theatrical producers, Live performing arts organization operators, Museum operators, Motion picture theater operators (including owners), and Talent representatives. Reach out to us if you have questions or need assistance.

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Native Business Spotlight

This fun section is dedicated to shining a light on Native entrepreneurs doing amazing things!

Native Wax with Connie Danger

Native Wax with Connie Danger This edition of the Native Business Spotlight features Native Wax, a Native woman-owned business owned by Connie Danger, a member of the Upper Skagit Tribe. Connie is an Esthetician with 11 years of experience who received her education and training at the Gary Manual Aveda Institute in Seattle, WA. COVID-19 […]

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Start Up Stories : Monica Simeon—Sister Sky

On today’s show, I am joined by Monica Simeon, co-founder of Sister Sky INC. Monica and her sister, Marina Turningrobe, began Sister Sky as a home-based hobby business. As we discuss Sister Sky’s startup story, we also explore early transitions in business startup, managing early growth, and using trade shows to advantage

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Camp Crier

In many Native American traditions, those who reported news were called Camp Criers. Camp Criers would walk, run or ride from person to person or home to home until everyone was informed.

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State Launches Small Business Flex Fund on June 30th

We are proud to be the technical assistance provider to the American Indian and Alaska Native communities for this new fund launched by Washington State Department of Commerce! The Small Business Flex Fund is a simple, low-interest & flexible loan for Washington’s smallest businesses and non-profits. It was created to meet the unique challenges of […]

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State to launch new round of Working Washington small business grants on March 29

Newest grant round focuses on brick-and-mortar businesses most directly impacted by COVID-19 public health measures The Washington State Department of Commerce opened applications for Working Washington Grants: Round 4 on March 29. Business owners can find information about the program and a link to the application portal at commercegrants.com. This is the fourth round of the […]

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FIVE Helpful Tips when applying to Round 3 of the Working Washington Small Business grant!

The application for the new round of Working Washington business grants is now open. Businesses can apply for up to $20,000 to offset costs or expenses due to COVID-19. The grants are targeted primarily for small businesses with $5 million or less in annual revenue that have had to close or significantly curtail operations as […]

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Sister Sky Inc. Provides Suicide Prevention Training for Indian Health Service

Native American-owned Small Business Chosen to Provide Culturally Customized Suicide Prevention Training for 17,000 IHS Employees Spokane, WA: Suicide is an urgent public health concern across the United States, but its severity for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and for AI/AN young people, is unimaginably devastating. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death […]

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Washington State Department Launches Grant for Disadvantages Community Business Owners

Funding and Resources for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic SPOKANE, WA. (October 6, 2020) – Washington State’s Department of Commerce announced the launch of the Small Business Resiliency grant program! $5 million in grants will be awarded to small business owners in disadvantaged communities across Washington State. Sister Sky Inc. is the preferred contractor […]

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Northwest Native Development Fund Receives $1,083,300 Award From U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund

Native Business Center congratulates the Northwest Native Development Fund (NNDF). This is exciting news for Indian Country!  Good job NNDF! September 25, 2020 Coulee Dam Washington – The Northwest Native Development Fund (NNDF) learned yesterday that they will become the recipient of a $1,083,300 award for the expansion of services and to increase the volume of […]

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State Seeks to Address Economic Inequality by Increasing Culturally and Linguistically Relevant Help for Small Businesses Owners

Commerce partners with 20 community-based organizations statewide to provide technical assistance and other resources to underserved small businesses affected by COVID-19 September 24, 2020 OLYMPIA, WA –Small business owners now have more places to seek culturally and linguistically relevant help for dealing with COVID-19, thanks to expansion of the Small Business Resiliency Assistance program announced today by […]

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Passage of Native American Business Incubators Act is an Important Step for Native Entrepreneurship

This is what Indian Country has been waiting for! Native Business Center is very ecstatic for this news we received, stay tuned for updates! Bill now headed to President’s desk for signature into law  September 23, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) cheered House passage of S. 294, the ‘Native […]

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Washington State Small Business Grant Program

Funding and Resources for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID Pandemic SPOKANE, WA. (September 11th, 2020) – The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a second round of available funds in your county for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the Working Washington Small Business emergency grant program. Sister Sky Inc. has been contracted by […]

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