Join SCORE’s free online webinar, 2026 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends & Markets, to discover the latest business trends, emerging startup ideas, and shifting consumer behaviors shaping the year ahead. This session offers practical insights on how small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can adapt, innovate, and position their products or services for success in 2026 — including key trends like demographic shifts, powerful Gen Z consumer influence, recession-resilient concepts, and effective customer outreach strategies.

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) will be holding an outreach day at the Tuba City E-ship Hub, to support artists applying to the Santa Fe Indian Market 2026.

Artists can receive guidance on preparing their SWAIA application, including reviewing required materials and getting questions answered about the application process.

Please bring:
• CIB
• GRT information
• Three recent images of your work

Assistance with photos may be available.

For more information about the market, visit swaia.org

Join Red Feather for a FREE, hands-on home repair and weatherization workshop designed for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency and make essential repairs. This full-day training will cover practical skills such as insulating your home, sealing gaps and cracks, and understanding basic energy-saving techniques you can apply right away.

Participants will receive free breakfast and lunch, plus a home repair kit valued at $300, filled with roof repair tools to take home.

Topics include:

• Home insulation basics

• Energy efficiency tips

• Sealing gaps and cracks

• Practical DIY repair guidance

Registration is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit redfeather.org/education to register. A team member will confirm your registration.

Questions? Email redfeatherworkshops@gmail.com.

Thinking about business ownership but not sure where to start? This live 2-hour Business Ownership Summit breaks down the best franchise and business models for 2026—and how people are actually funding them.

Join Beau Eckstein, Business Ownership Coach and SBA Loan Advisor, to learn how to choose the right business, understand funding options, and avoid common mistakes that keep people stuck.

You’ll learn:

• Which business and franchise models are thriving in 2026

• How to match a business to your budget, time, and goals

• How SBA loans and other funding options work

• Real examples of businesses people are buying today

You’ll walk away with a clear plan and next steps to move forward with confidence into business ownership in 2026.

Across Indian Country, more tribes are supporting their citizens in starting and growing small businesses. Through hundreds of workshops, the IDRS Acorn Project has seen that while many aspiring entrepreneurs have the drive to succeed, one key question often stands in the way: What kind of business should I start?

This 1-hour webinar is designed to help you answer that question. Participants will explore how successful Native entrepreneurs identify business ideas rooted in their skills, interests, cultural and natural resources, and community needs. The session also introduces practical techniques to strengthen creative thinking and sharpen observation, analysis, and innovation skills.

Whether you are still exploring ideas or ready to take your first step into entrepreneurship, this webinar will help you uncover business opportunities that align with who you are and the values of your community.

Feeling overwhelmed by long hours and endless to-do lists? This free, 60-minute live Productivity Workshop will show you 3 simple steps to boost productivity, reclaim your time, and build habits that actually last—without working longer hours or hustling harder.

You’ll learn how to get more done in less time, eliminate the biggest productivity drain, and stay on track with your goals. Plus, join a live Q&A for practical, real-world strategies you can use right away.

Start 2026 feeling focused, in control, and confident in how you run your business.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a business but feel unsure where to begin, this webinar is for you. When income feels unstable and job security is uncertain, having a clear and realistic path into entrepreneurship matters.

This session is designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who want to build a business with intention—not chase trends or risky ideas.

You’ll learn how to identify a business idea that:

• Fits your interests and strengths

• Solves real problems people already pay for

• Creates income beyond trading hours for dollars

• Has long-term growth and sustainability

Perfect for anyone feeling uncertain about their 9–5, exploring a side business, or questioning whether their current business idea is the right one.

Join this free virtual orientation to prepare for IdeaFunding 2026, Southern Arizona’s early-stage pitch competition. Hosted by Startup Tucson, this session covers competition tracks, the application process, and practical tips for building a strong, compelling pitch deck. Ideal for founders planning to apply or anyone looking to sharpen their pitch skills.

Curious about the NSBCI and what it could mean for your business or nonprofit? Join Change Labs for a virtual Q&A over Zoom where we’ll break down the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI)—a new opportunity designed to provide funding and support for Navajo-owned small businesses.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• What the NSBCI is and how it works

• The types of loans and funding available

• Who qualifies and how to apply

• Ways NSBCI can help you launch or grow your business on Navajo land

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this workshop will give you the knowledge and tools to take advantage of this important opportunity. Come with your questions—we’re ready to answer them!

Join United States Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday, January 7, from noon to 1 p.m. ET for the USPTO Hour with the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED). 

OED regulates individuals who practice before the USPTO in patent and trademark matters. In this basics course, we’ll discuss the process of becoming registered to represent others in patent matters, the practitioner disciplinary process, and new developments in patent and trademark practice. 

Speakers include: 

• Kimberly C. Kelleher, Acting OED Director

• Jennifer Harchick, Acting Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property Services

• Ronald Jaicks, Senior Counsel, Disciplinary Investigations

Looking for practical ways to better manage your business finances? Check out this free on-demand session from Square, available to watch anytime. Just use the link to sign up, and Square will email you a link to watch the video whenever it fits your schedule.

In this session, Square experts break down the biggest myths about cash flow and show how real sellers use Square Banking to stay on top of their money — even when margins are tight. You’ll also see a live demo of how to manage cash flow using Square’s connected tools.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why separating personal and business finances matters (especially at tax time)

• How to start saving before you feel “ready”

• Ways to manage your money in real time with tools built for your business

• How to see your full cash flow picture with Square’s connected tools

This demo is completely free and available on demand.
Register and get the video link sent straight to your inbox!

Join GovContractPros for a virtual webinar focused on the evolving 8(a) audit and compliance landscape. This session will cover key updates, common compliance challenges, and best practices to help small businesses stay audit-ready and informed.

Hear from industry leaders and experts supporting small and Native-owned businesses in federal contracting.

Featured Speakers
John Shoraka, Chairman, GovContractPros
Trevor Skelly, CEO, GovContractPros
Anna Sanders, Director of Certifications & Eligibility, GovContractPros
Chris James, President & CEO, NCAIED
George Williams, Program Manager, APEX Accelerator

Ideal for 8(a) program participants and small business owners navigating federal compliance requirements.

Join this free online webinar designed for women leaders who want to build supportive, mentally healthy work environments in today’s workplace. Learn strategies to recognize mental health challenges, foster open communication and resilience, and lead your team with empathy while balancing productivity and wellness.

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM (EST)
Location: Online webinar – free to attend

This session is ideal for female professionals, managers, and anyone seeking practical tools to support mental wellness and empathetic leadership in their organization.

More Info & Registration: Visit the Eventbrite page or contact the Michigan Chamber/MI ATHENA team via Eventbrite.

Sharpen your interview skills and boost your confidence in this practical, interactive online webinar designed to help you succeed in job interviews. You’ll learn how interviewers evaluate candidates, how to structure strong responses using tools like the STAR method, and how to highlight your experience and achievements for real impact.

Date & Time: December 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM (PST)
Location: Online (free webinar)

What You’ll Learn:
• How to approach behavioural and competency-based questions
• Techniques to present your best self with confidence
• Practical tools to prepare for any interview situation

This one-hour session is perfect for job seekers, career changers, and anyone looking to improve interview performance.

More Info & Registration: Visit the Eventbrite page or contact the organizer via Eventbrite.

This two-hour virtual workshop supports Native business owners and entrepreneurs in finding balance between the demands of running a business and caring for their overall well-being. Participants will explore culturally aligned wellness practices that promote mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical vitality.

Through guided discussions and practical exercises, this session will help entrepreneurs reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and strengthen the purpose behind their work.

Perfect for: Native entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone seeking tools to maintain balance while growing their business.

Join us for an evening of holiday cheer at the Change Labs Holiday Bazaar! Enjoy delicious food from local vendors, music, hot cocoa, and light snacks — all while shopping for unique gifts from local artisans and entrepreneurs.

For questions, contact Sophia at sophia@changelabs.org or call (602) 726-2228 ext. 0.

Come support local businesses and celebrate the season with us!

Curious about the NSBCI and what it could mean for your business or nonprofit? Join Change Labs for a live Q&A where we’ll break down the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI)—a new opportunity designed to provide funding and support for Navajo-owned small businesses.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• What the NSBCI is and how it works

• The types of loans and funding available

• Who qualifies and how to apply

• Ways NSBCI can help you launch or grow your business on Navajo land

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this workshop will give you the knowledge and tools to take advantage of this important opportunity. Come with your questions—we’re ready to answer them!

Join us at the Tuba City E-ship Hub for a cozy co-working session designed to help you dream, plan, and map out the year ahead — together. Bring your planner, your favorite pens and stickers… or just bring yourself. Whether you’re brand new to goal-setting or excited to share your 2026 vision with fellow entrepreneurs, this space is for you.

Your Hosts

Crystal Dugi: Artist and wellness advocate who uses creativity, structure, and planning to support emotional well-being. Crystal will share simple organizational tools, lists, and sticker systems to help add clarity and intention to your calendar.

Kelsey Lee: Planner enthusiast and believer in scheduling systems that support real-life habits. Kelsey will walk us through the power of vision boards and how they can help anchor your goals — she’s even bringing her own as an example.

What to Expect

• Co-working and community planning

• Vision board insights with Kelsey

• Organizational tools with Crystal

• A relaxed, supportive space to set your intentions for the new year

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GeGiHA1hV/

See you there!

Join OXDX for Native Holiday Market at the Tempe Center for the Arts — a festive gathering celebrating Indigenous creativity, culture, and community. Curated by the OXDX Clothing brand, this annual market highlights Arizona’s Indigenous artists, designers, jewelry makers, and small business operators.

Enjoy a unique holiday shopping experience featuring artisans selling handmade goods, food trucks serving local flavors, live performances, and more.

Whether you're shopping for gifts or just soaking in the community energy, come support local Indigenous makers and enjoy a day rich in culture and connection.

Want to be a vendor or learn more? Contact OXDX via their website for details.

Ready to open the door to federal opportunities? Check out the second workshop in a 4-part series dedicated to federal contracting. Join Diné Development Corporation (DDC), Change Labs, and the National Center APEX Accelerator for this hands-on session that will provide step-by-step guidance on getting your business ready and registered in the federal marketplace. Learn how to register with SAM.gov, build a standout Capabilities Statement, and unlock SBA small business certification. Bring your questions and your ambition!

Join online via Microsoft Teams or in-person at the DDC Headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ. Lunch provided for all in-person participants. Click here to register!

Join us for a 90-minute virtual workshop designed to help Indigenous small business owners and organizations reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. Through live demos and Q&A, participants will learn how to set up simple, effective automations using familiar tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Suite.

This session offers practical, easy-to-apply strategies that can be implemented right away, no complex software required.

What You’ll Learn:

• The “Why” of Automation: Learn how automation supports human connection by freeing up valuable time.

• Simple Tools, Real Impact: Set up automations for email (templates, rules, canned responses) and calendars (scheduling links, reminders).

• Actionable Takeaways: Receive a 10-step PDF guide to help identify and automate your most repetitive tasks.

About the Presenter:
Haley Garcia, founder of WRKWTH, Virtual Solutions is a Community Development Professional with experience in tribal governance, economic development, and nonprofit support. Her work focuses on helping Indigenous organizations and entrepreneurs streamline operations, strengthen efficiency, and use technology to serve their communities more effectively.

For any questions or support with registering for this workshop, please contact us at hello@nativestartup.org.

You can also watch our past workshops on the Change Labs YouTube Channel.

Imagine if Microsoft 365 Copilot could help you write grants like it’s been part of your team for years.

In this 30-minute session, learn how to build and deploy a Copilot Agent in SharePoint to support grant writing, donor communications, and more—no coding required.

You’ll discover:

• What Copilot Agents are and how they work

• How to build your first agent step-by-step

• A real-world example: Grant Writing Assistant

Walk away with practical tools and inspiration to start creating your own AI-powered agents. Register now!

Join Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for Nizhóní Tea Time with Girl Scouts, a fun, welcoming event where girls can connect, create, and celebrate community! This gathering offers a safe space for girls to be themselves, make new friends, and learn more about Girl Scouts.

Enjoy Navajo tea and blue corn refreshments, take part in kinship crafts, and explore cultural connections through engaging activities. This event is free to attend. Bring your grown-up(s) along!

RSVP with the link below. For questions, contact the Tribal Affairs Team at TribalAffairsTeam@girlscoutsaz.org or call 928-207-5716.

Matriarch Mixer proudly presents the 2nd Annual Native American Heritage Month celebration, themed “Homage: Honoring Those That Came Before Us.” This event pays tribute to the trailblazers and matriarchs who continue to inspire our communities through art, culture, and connection.

Experience Unheard Harmony’s Homage Mural by featured artist Danny Upshaw, along with an Earring Exchange, All Earring Showcase, and Immersive Photo Experience. Enjoy appetizers by Huarachi’s and an evening celebrating Indigenous creativity, community, and excellence.

Indigenous Excellence — Dress for an upscale evening. Rock your Indigenous fashion attire, biggest and boldest earrings, custom hat, or anything from your community that represents Indigenous Excellence.

RSVP with the link below. Come honor those who came before us and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Native matriarchs and makers.

Pitch Your Hustle is coming to Tuba City! This exciting event gives Native entrepreneurs the opportunity to take the stage, share their vision, and showcase their businesses in front of a live audience. Beyond the competition, Pitch Your Hustle is about building connections, celebrating innovation, and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.

Applications for submissions open on September 1, 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to pitch, a community member eager to support, or someone interested in learning more about Native-led business, this event is for you.

Learn more and register here: nativestartup.org/pitch

Experience the vibrant spirit of Indigenous culture at the 6th Annual Spotted Eagle Native American Festival, an exciting and one-of-a-kind event in Southern Arizona.

This festival showcases world-class Native American performers from various Tribes across the U.S. and Mexico. Enjoy stunning tribal dances in full regalia, traditional and contemporary Native music, and a celebration of community through art, food, and culture.

Explore vendor booths featuring authentic Native arts and crafts, and indulge in delicious food from local food trucks, including everyone’s favorite, Indian Fry Bread!

Proceeds from ticket sales support Native American student scholarships. Please note that an online service fee will be added to each ticket purchase.

For more information or questions contact dan.businessolutions@gmail.com

Curious about the NSBCI and what it could mean for your business or nonprofit? Join Change Labs for a in-person Q&A session where we’ll break down the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI)—a new opportunity designed to provide funding and support for Navajo-owned small businesses.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• What the NSBCI is and how it works

• The types of loans and funding available

• Who qualifies and how to apply

• Ways NSBCI can help you launch or grow your business on Navajo land

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this workshop will give you the knowledge and tools to take advantage of this important opportunity. Come with your questions—we’re ready to answer them!