Change Labs Announces Second “Pitch Your Hustle” Event in Tuba City with $40,000 in Prizes
Tuba City, AZ — November 12, 2025 — Change Labs is excited to announce its second “Pitch Your Hustle” competition, taking place at the Change Labs E-Ship Hub in Tuba City. Earlier this year, Change Labs awarded $20,000 to Pitch Your Hustle winners at the premier Shiprock event. The second event will award $40,000 to winning entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of NAtive-owned businesses and creative ventures across the Southwest.
The competition features two categories: Creative Pitches, for entrepreneurs in the creative economy, and Business Pitches, for small business owners from a variety of industries. This year’s event also set a new record with nearly 90 applicants, highlighting the growing energy and creativity within the Native entrepreneurial community.
Creative Pitch Competitors:
Miranda Mullet – Kiyani
Crystal Dugi – Crystal Dág̨haa’ii
Jonessa Reid – Asdzaa Nessie
Amber McCrary – Amber McCrary, poet
Moriah Arthur – Masani’s Beauty LLC
Calandra Etsitty – Winston Paul Company
Tami Dugi – The Navajo Educator Creations
Business Pitch Competitors:
Samathan Molina – Lolly's
Amber Gene – The Matriarchal Marketing & Media
Lesile Robledo – Leslie's Hair Salon
Jarvission King – Laughing Goat Gardens, LLC
Adrian Laselute – Az Fitness
Troy Honahnie – Taalawsohu Consulting LLC
Chris Hoshnic – Diné Kids Film Club
“Pitch Your Hustle is more than a typical pitch competition. It’s a platform for Native entrepreneurs to gain visibility, mentorship, and the funding they need to grow their businesses,” said Holly Patterson of Change Labs, who also serves as the organizer of the Tuba City event. “The record number of applicants shows just how much talent exists in our community, and we are thrilled to support these incredible entrepreneurs as they share their ideas.”
Winners in both categories will receive prize money that can help them scale operations, invest in equipment, or bring creative projects to life.
Change Labs continues to support entrepreneurs across the Navajo Nation through loan readiness workshops, coaching sessions, and community programs, helping small businesses thrive on and off the reservation. The Tuba City Pitch Your Hustle will be hosted at the Change Labs Tuba City E-ship Hub on Saturday, November 15th from 12:00-2:00pm MT and promises to be an inspiring showcase of creativity, resilience, and innovation, highlighting the potential of local entrepreneurs to shape the economic future of the Navajo Nation.
