(Lapwai, ID) The Nez Perce Tribe’s Small Business Program, ‘Itamn’ áawit, is pleased to announce the successful outcomes of its 2nd Annual Business Pitch Competition and the Nez Perce Tribe Business Directory Graduation, held on August 21, 2024, as part of the Nimiipuu Community Development Fund’s (NCDF) Nation Building Conference. Two months later, the positive impact of the event continues to ripple through the Native business community, driving growth and opportunity.
The event kicked off with a business graduation ceremony, the relaunch of the 2025 Nez Perce Tribe Business Directory, and concluded with the high-energy pitch competition. Entrepreneurs also benefited from networking opportunities, professional headshots by Young01Photography, and event photography by Indigenous Creatives, both Native-owned businesses.
A total of 14 businesses, including 9 start-ups and 5 existing businesses, competed for a share of $9,591 in prize funds, with $8,000 raised through the NCDF and on-site crowdfunding raised an additional $1,591. This competition provided Native entrepreneurs with a unique platform to present their innovative ideas and secure essential funding to elevate their enterprises.
Start-Up Business Category Winners:
- 1st Place: Aqua Greene, Greene Coffins – $2,500
- 2nd Place & Fan Favorite: Taneasa Shippentower, True Beauty – $1,795.50
- 3rd Place: Richard Axtell, Indigenous Sound – $500
Existing Business Category Winners:
- 1st Place & Fan Favorite: Lydia Skahan, Wiyeepi’im: Empowering Cultural Preservation Through Art & Education – $3,295.50
- 2nd Place: Mary Jane Oatman, Tribal Partnerships Logistics – $1,000
- 3rd Place: Thea Skalicky, Skalicky’s Sweet Sensations Bakery – $500
Generous contributions during the crowdfunding at Business Pitch included donations from Freedom Financial Strategies Orlando Garcia, Nez Perce Tourism & Traditions Gift Shop, Indigenous Ventures Capital, Ol Style Fireworks, Ann McCormack, Solo Greene, James R. Spencer, and Kermit Mankiller. The funds were split equally between the Fan Favorite winners.
Reflecting on the competition, Stacia Morfin, Director of ‘Itamn’ áawit, said, “This event showcases the innovation and resilience of Native entrepreneurs. By providing financial support and a platform to share their vision, we are paving the way for sustainable economic growth and the preservation of cultural values through Native-owned businesses. We are honored to have been invited to be a part of Nimiipuu Fund’s Nation Building Conference.”
Highlighting her own journey, Lydia Skahan, winner of the Existing Business Category and Fan Favorite, shared, “The support I received from the Business Pitch Competition allowed me to invest in developing a new website through Squarespace, which will honor not only my work but also that of my 7-year-old son, Red Bear, who is following his entrepreneurial path. Additionally, I was able to purchase craft supplies for upcoming fashion shows and a workshop in November that will focus on passing down traditional knowledge through art and education.”
‘Itamn’ áawit, funded by the Idaho Hispanic Foundation Capital Readiness Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBGD) Technical Assistance-Small Business Program, is dedicated to fostering the growth of Native businesses and advancing the economic development of the Nez Perce Tribe.
Empowering Native Entrepreneurs with Tradition and Innovation: ‘Itamn’ áawit Mission Statement
At ‘Itamn’ áawit, our mission is to be the driving force behind the success of Native small businesses. We are dedicated to empowering Native entrepreneurs by providing essential resources, support, and opportunities that honor and embody the entrepreneurial spirit of our ancestors, a legacy carried forward since time immemorial. Through our commitment, we strive to foster resilience, growth, and sustainable development within Native communities, echoing the strength and innovation of our heritage.