Happy 2nd Anniversary, Native Business! Celebrating Impact, Growth & Community

Two years ago, Gary and Carmen Davis established Native Business as the voice of business in Indian Country. Since day one, our goal has been to empower, inform and inspire Native business and entrepreneurship. We’ve executed on our commitment and will continue to deliver breaking news and critical business insights direct to you via NativeBusinessMag.com, the Native Business App, Native Business Podcast, Native Business Summit and more.

Our multi-media and event business has elevated the profile of thousands of Tribally owned enterprises and Native American-owned businesses, building bridges to greater opportunity. Native Business has examined issues of relevance to Indian Country, bringing solutions and pivotal conversations to the forefront. We have united Tribal leaders, business executives, corporate representatives, entrepreneurs and professionals, across sectors and industries, both within and outside of Indian Country. In essence, we’ve made a lasting mark on the media landscape while also transcending the media space to create community centered around the common agenda of advancing business and economic development throughout Indian Country. Together, we are enhancing Tribal self-reliance and sovereignty, while driving economic resilience and sustainable growth now and for generations to come. 

Today is the second anniversary of Native Business, and we’re reflecting on how we’ve prospered and not only filled a critical void, but excelled, as the first and only Native American-owned media company dedicated exclusively to business in Indian Country. We’re celebrating the positive impact we’ve made, honoring our growth and evolution, and expressing our gratitude to you — our readers, advertisers, partners, sponsors and community. Thank you. 

In just two years’ time, we launched a media business, grew our readership across print and online platforms, hosted the Native Business Summit drawing hundreds of attendees from across North America, introduced the Native Business Podcast, pivoted from print to grow our digital presence through the Native Business App, and more. 

Here’s a recap of how far we’ve come:

• NativeBusinessMag.com debuted in July 2018, becoming the only privately held Native American-owned and operated multimedia business in the United States. Entrepreneur Magazine quickly took notice with the article: “From Indian Country Comes Word: ‘Native Business’ Wants to Empower Native Entrepreneurship.” 
• In October 2018, we published our first print edition, a teaser issue of Native Business Magazine, featuring actor/producer Martin Sensmeier on the cover. We subsequently published 10 powerful and stunning issues of Native Business Magazine, distributed to Tribal Nations, Alaska Native Corporations, casinos, hotels, hospitals, schools, and every member of the U.S. Congress. Among the Tribal leaders and Native business visionaries to grace the covers of Native Business Magazine:
  • Former Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation Lacey Horn 
  • Doyon, Limited President and CEO Aaron M. Schutt 
  • Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc. 
  • Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis
  • Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer 
  • Former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker
  • Mark N. Fox, Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation
  • Puyallup Tribal Chairman David Z. Bean
  • Stephanie A. Bryan, Poarch Band Tribal Chair & CEO
  • Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite
  • Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, and his wife Cheryl Stevens
• In March 2019, the Native Business team flew to the Netherlands with a delegation from the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation to meet with the Dutch Ministry and operators of the most innovative agricultural technology in the world. We created the short film “Food Sovereignty,” highlighting the MHA Nation’s trip and plans to convert compressed natural gas from its numerous oil wells to power sustainable greenhouses, and debuted it at the inaugural Native Business Summit. The film is available for streaming on Native Business’ YouTube channel. 
• In May 2019, we hosted our first-ever Native Business Summit, drawing hundreds of Tribal stakeholders and Native entrepreneurs from across Indian Country to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That same month, we unveiled the Native Business Top 50 Entrepreneurs, recognizing business visionaries and leaders from across Indian Country. (The 2nd Annual Native Business Summit is being pushed out one month due to concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, and more information is forthcoming.)
• The Native Business Podcast launched at the inaugural Native Business Summit, recorded in front of a live audience. In July 2019, the Native Business Podcast debuted on 15 platforms. Subscribe to the Native Business Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
• In September 2019, we released our list of the Top 30 CEOs in Indian Country in our print “Leadership” issue.  
• Since our July 2nd, 2018 launch, Gary and Carmen Davis have also represented business in Indian Country on multiple corporate and federal stages.
• In December 2019, we debuted the Native Business App, expanding our digital footprint and audience. The Native Business App is available across iOS and Android platforms. The seamless interface and optional notifications empower your easy access to breaking news, features and Native Business podcasts. 
• As Native Business reported in April 2020, it was intentional to establish our presence and credibility through print media, while simultaneously expanding our digital footprint on various platforms. Native Business’ move to digital distribution via the Native Business App and increased investment in our digital platforms, including our website and the Native Business Podcast, have empowered our continuous delivery of business news to Indian Country, unencumbered by the coronavirus pandemic. 

As we look toward the horizon and double-down on our commitment to you and Indian Country, we do so with integrity, passion and resolve to continue to move the needle forward for Native business and entrepreneurship. Our substantial progress in two years’ time is an indication of our capacity to continuously adapt, innovate, expand and amplify our impact for the greater good of Indian Country. 

Here’s to two incredible years of Native Business, and many more ahead. Onward!