This virtual training introduced participants who are entering or considering an economic development planning process to its core components. Participants learned about the key   internal and external actors, the process’s timeline and duration, the data required, and critical outcomes. 

This session discussed strategic planning for indigenous tourism development, an intro to ATNI-EDC and Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development, and highlighted tourism projects across Indian Country such as: 

• The Wind River Development Fund 

• NC Growth - Native Edge Tourism Technical Assistance Center

• Akwesasne Travel of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

This first section of the track underscores the foundational elements of economic development plan implementation, including a qualified workforce/labor pool, an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the primary infrastructure necessary to support economic activities. 

This session featured the presentation of two unique funding mechanisms for supporting community economic development in tribal and Native communities, including Section 105(l) leases and Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSCBI), as well as an introduction to some useful tools and Resources the EDA offers for underserved communities

The discussion centered around how project leaders identified a need for the facilities in their communities, how they secured funding, and the impacts the health centers will have and are having on community economic development. Experts also discussed how the 105(l)-lease program can help fund and support Native health centers.

The August CoP session featured a panel of grant experts who discussed strategies for writing successful grants and attracting other capital, common mistakes and other barriers to the grant writing process, and opportunities to reduce or eliminate barriers.

As tribes work on projects to grow and improve their communities, it is essential that all the various sectors of community economic development are involved in the conversation together through a holistic planning process.