Nimiipuu Community Development Fund

Local Link
2025-11-12 | ID
November 12, 2025
Redd on Salmon St., Portland, OR
Now in its sixth year, this event has been a platform for meaningful connections for 100+ wholesale buyers and chefs; regional farmers, ranchers, and fishers; distributors; and community food system organizations to gather and form supportive connections for their foodservice programs, businesses, and programming.

Indigenous Origins, Global Reach: Promoting Native American Products
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | ID
November 12, 2025 | 10:00-11:00 AM PST
Free Virtual Webinar
Join us for this webinar designed for Western U.S. exporters, particularly Native American growers, producers, processors, and food marketers, who are seeking to introduce or expand their products in international markets.

Heritage and Horizons: The Future of Native Business Ownership
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:30 | ID
November 18, 2025 | 12 PM PST
Free Virtual Webinar
Join the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) for this National Veteran Small Business Week edition of our Equity and Opportunity for All webinar series. We’ll feature new research on veteran business ownership, highlighting key trends, economic contributions, and the generational shifts shaping the future of veteran entrepreneurship. A panel of leading service providers and ecosystem partners will share strategies to expand opportunity, strengthen support systems, and harness the skills and resilience of the veteran community.

Native Artists: Free, Virtual Business Education Series
2025-11-18 13:30 - 14:30 | ID
Tuesdays, November 11 & 18, 2025 | 1:30 PM PST
Free Virtual Education Series
Liora Sponko tackles internal barriers on September 30th at 1:30 PM PST through “From Stuck to Unstoppable,” addressing psychological obstacles that compound structural ones. Other upcoming topics on Tuesdays this fall include topics like “Market Opportunities & Platform Selection”, “Marketing & Promotion,” and “Grants for Artists”.

Unlock the Power of Personality in Business and in Life
2025-11-19 10:00 - 11:30 | ID
November 19th, 2025 | 10 am PST
Free Virtual Webinar
The DISC Personality Class is your key to understanding yourself and the people around you! Whether it’s in business, relationships, or personal growth, DISC helps you communicate better, build stronger connections, reduce conflict, and grow your confidence.

Wills & Estate Planning Assistance
2025-11-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Lapwai, Lapwai
November 19 & December 17 @ 10 AM-3 PM
Free In-Person at BIA Office, Lapwai, ID
The Nez Perce Tribe Wills & Estate Intern, Amanda from the University of Idaho, will be available once a month through December 2025 at the BIA Office to assist tribal members with estate planning. To prepare, please complete the Estate Planning Questionnaire and bring a printed copy of your Individual Trust Interest (ITI) report, available at the BIA office. Appointments are preferred by email at willsintern@nezperce.org, or by phone at 208-621-4827 during the hours the intern is in the office.

Home Buyer Education
2025-12-02 17:00 - 2025-12-04 21:00 | Nez Perce Tribal Housing, 125 Veterans Drive, Lapwai, ID, 83540, United States
December 2-4, 2025 @ 5-9 PM
Free In-Person at Lapwai NPTHA Office
Enjoy dinner, door prizes, and a fun, engaging evening while learning everything you need to know about buying a home! Laugh, ask questions, and gain the tools to make your homeownership journey a success. RSVP by Thursday, November 13 by calling 208-843-2299 or emailing sonyas@nezperce.org.

Systems Save Time: Simple Admin Workflows for Solo Business Owners
2025-12-05 12:00 - 13:30 | ID
December 5, 2025 | 12 PM PST
Free Online Webinar
Systems Save Time is designed to support Indigenous small business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations in reclaiming their time and energy. It offers practical, easy-to-implement automation strategies using familiar tools like Google Workspace, no expensive software or advanced tech skills required.

Buy Nez Perce Shop Local Association Meeting
2025-12-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Clearwater River Casino Miyo’oxat Room, 17500 Nez Perce Rd, Lewiston, ID, 83501, United States
December 5, 2025 | 5-7 PM
Free In-Person at 17500 Nez Perce Road, Lapwai, ID
Join us in person to connect with local shop owners, share ideas, and support our community businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned member or just curious, everyone’s welcome to come hang out, chat, and help keep our shopping local vibe strong. Don’t miss out on this fun and friendly meetup!

Money Basics Class: Next Level & Goals
2025-12-09 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Nez Perce Tribal Housing, 125 Veterans Drive, Lapwai, ID, 83540, United States
November 18 & December 9-10, 2025 @ 5-8 PM
Free In-Person at Lapwai NPTHA Office
Take your money skills to the next level! This in-person class covers advanced budgeting, goal-setting, and practical strategies to help you achieve your financial dreams. All supplies and food are included. Participants must attend all three evenings to receive a certificate of completion. RSVP by Thursday, November 13 by calling 208-843-2299 or emailing sonyas@nezperce.org.

Native Nonprofits: Leadership, Grant Writing and Compliance
2025-12-11 - 2025-12-12 | ID
December 11-12, 2025
Free In-Person in Spokane, WA
Join us in Spokane for two days of connection and learning as part of Native Action Network’s ongoing Native Nonprofit Learning Series. An evening of networking for Native nonprofit professionals to build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen our community. Successful Grant Writing and Compliance Basics for Native Nonprofits with Pam James, Nancy Bacon & Jami Ishmeal.

Tending the Fire Within: Wellness Practices for Native Entrepreneurs
2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | ID
December 12, 2025 | 12 PM PST
Free Online Webinar
This two-hour workshop is designed to support Native business owners and entrepreneurs in finding a balance between the demands of running a business and prioritizing their well-being. The session will introduce culturally aligned wellness practices that promote mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical vitality, helping participants reconnect to themselves and their purpose.

CMMC Level 1: Process, Pitfalls, and Practical Steps to Success
2025-12-16 10:00 - 11:00 | ID
December 16, 2025 | 10 AM PST
Free Online Webinar
CMMC (Cyberseecurity Maturity Model Certification) Level 1 certification requirements are live as of November 10, 2025. Stratus Services will cover the CMMC Level 1 essential requirements, breaking down each control from preparation to assessment. The webinar will also highlight the most common mistakes that can derail compliance efforts so you can avoid them and streamline your path to certification. Stratus Services will also cover developments within the broader CMMC ecosystem.

Proposal Submission, Change Orders, and Contracting Essentials for Small Business Owners
2025-12-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Nez Perce Tribe Boards and Commissions Building, 210 A Street, Lapwai, Idaho
December 16, 2025 | 12 PM PST
Free In-Person or Online
oin us for a focused one-hour session designed to help small business owners gain clarity and confidence in proposal submission, change orders, and contracting essentials. This workshop will help business owners create competitive proposals, navigate contract requirements, manage change orders effectively, and build a smoother, more profitable contracting process.

Wills & Estate Planning Assistance
2025-12-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Lapwai, Lapwai
December 17 @ 10 AM-3 PM
Free In-Person at BIA Office, Lapwai, ID
The Nez Perce Tribe Wills & Estate Intern, Amanda from the University of Idaho, will be available once a month through December 2025 at the BIA Office to assist tribal members with estate planning. To prepare, please complete the Estate Planning Questionnaire and bring a printed copy of your Individual Trust Interest (ITI) report, available at the BIA office. Appointments are preferred by email at willsintern@nezperce.org, or by phone at 208-621-4827 during the hours the intern is in the office.

Buy Nez Perce, Shop Local: Holiday Market
2025-12-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center, 504 Main St S, Lapwai, ID, 83540, United States
Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center, Lapwai, ID
Celebrate the season by supporting local artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses at the Buy Nez Perce, Shop Local Holiday Market! With more than 40 Native and local vendors, this festive gathering offers unique holiday goods and handcrafted gifts—each purchase directly strengthening our local economy. Wild at Heart Photo Booth will also be there to capture your holiday memories!

The Holiday Market is part of the Buy Nez Perce, Shop Local initiative, a collaboration led by Nimiipuu Community Development Fund and the Nez Perce Tribe ’Itam’yanaawit Program (Way of Trade). Together, we’re working to uplift Native-owned businesses, expand local commerce, and showcase the talent and creativity of our community. Join us, shop with intention, and support the entrepreneurs who make our region vibrant!

SBA Funding for Small Manufacturers
2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:30 | ID
December 18, 2025 | 10 AM PST
Free Online Webinar
Join the SBA Seattle District and the SBA Office of Manufacturing and Trade to learn how SBA loan programs help small manufacturers access the capital they need to launch, grow, and expand. Learn how different SBA programs can support your funding needs for new equipment, real estate, working capital, lines of credit, and more.

Indianpreneurship: Cedar Growth
2025-12-19 | ID
December 19, 2025
Free Virtual Class
Turn your vision into reality with Indianpreneurship. It’s a business class created for Native entrepreneurs. Gain practical skills in business planning, financial management, marketing, and growth strategies, all taught through a culturally grounded lens.

Wills & Estate Planning Assistance
2026-01-05 10:30 - 2026-01-07 15:30 | ID
10:30AM – 3:30 PM
Free In-Person at BIA Office, Lapwai, ID
The Nez Perce Tribe Wills & Estate Intern, Amanda from the University of Idaho, will be at the BIA Office to assist tribal members with estate planning. To prepare, please complete the Estate Planning Questionnaireand bring a printed copy of your Individual Trust Interest (ITI) report, available at the BIA office. Appointments are preferred by email at willsintern@nezperce.org, or by phone at 208-621-4827 during the hours the intern is in the office.

Native Students Can Win $5,000 Scholarship, International Distribution in Pendleton Design Contest
2026-01-07 - 2026-01-15 | ID
Submissions for the sixth annual Tribal College Blanket Design Contest, hosted by American Indian College Fund and Pendleton Woolen Mills, are open from now until January 15, 2026. The contest seeks to elevate the work of prospective artists attending tribal colleges and universities, according to a press release. Native American and Alaska Native students attending a tribal college or university are eligible to submit up to two designs.

Heads & Hearts: Seeing the Landscape through Nez Perce Eyes
2026-01-10 - 2026-02-16 | ID
January 10-February 16, 2026
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, OR
This exhibition invites the visitor to practice “Two-Eyed Seeing”—experiencing a landscape from two cultural perspectives. Heads and Hearts is a collaboration between nimiipuu storytellers, linguists, and elders, along with geologists and nimiipuu photographers, all of whom generously shared their knowledge and love of the landscape.

Know Before You File: Business Taxes Made Practical
2026-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Nez Perce Tribal Housing, 125 Veterans Drive, Lapwai, ID, 83540, United States
Free In-Person! Friday, January 16, 2026 @ 12-1 PM
Nez Perce Tribal Housing Authority Classroom, Lapwai, ID
Understanding how your business is taxed is essential to filing accurately and planning ahead. This Lunch & Learn workshop breaks down key tax concepts in a clear, practical way—covering the differences between Schedule C filers, LLCs, and S-Corporations, what types of business income are taxable, and which expenses may be deductible. Participants will also learn how to estimate and set aside money for taxes each month to avoid surprises at filing time. Designed for entrepreneurs at all stages, this session provides straightforward guidance to help you make informed decisions, stay compliant, and build stronger financial habits for your business.

Indigenous Forest Management and Fire Risk Assessment for Tourism and Recreation Planning
2026-01-20 09:00 - 10:00 | ID
January 20, 2026 | 9 AM PST
FREE Virtual Webinar
In this webinar, American Indigenous Tourism will be exploring a unique tool developed by American Indigenous Tourism and Leave No Trace that can be used to support the development of a sustainable land use plan alongside a tourism/recreation plan serving multiple goals for healthy forests/lands alongside cultural perpetuation and economic development.

Understanding the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program
2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:30 | ID
January 22, 2026 | 10 AM PST
Free Online Webinar
In this informative webinar, federal government contracts attorneys Nicole Pottroff & Stephanie Ellis of Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC will break down the key elements of the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program. You’ll learn how this program can help small businesses enhance their capabilities and compete for larger contracts—with the support of an experienced mentor. The session will also cover how mentor-protégé joint ventures can create new contracting opportunities and expand your footprint in the federal marketplace.

Entrepreneurship and Business Planning for Small Farms, Ranches, and Specialty Food Businesses
2026-01-27 | ID
Tuesdays, January 27 – March 10, 2026
In-Person or Virtual Class
This course will help you create a practical business plan that can support financing and guide growth, whether you’re launching a new enterprise or expanding an existing farm or specialty foods business. You’ll gain essential business management skills and connect with local networks and resources to strengthen your operation. Designed for small, sustainable farm and food enterprises selling directly to customers or through intermediated markets such as retailers, restaurants, and small food processors. Veterans can register for free using promo code Veteran.
Registration: $100 per farm/ranch

Financial Planning & Goal Setting
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 | ID
Tuesdays, January 27, 2026 @ 12 PM PST
Free Virtual Class
Start the new year with intention and clarity. In this session, we’ll focus on setting realistic financial goals, creating or updating a budget, and learning strategies to track spending and build healthy habits throughout the year with Guest Speaker Joanne Danganan, Financial Beginnings.

Home Buyer Education Class
2026-01-27 17:00 - 21:00 | ID
January 27, 2026 | 5-9 PM
Free In-Person
NPTHA Classroom, Lapwai, ID
Join us for a Home Buyer Education Class designed to make learning about homeownership fun, clear, and empowering. Learn the basics of buying a home, ask questions in a welcoming environment, and gain tools to help you take the next step with confidence. Enjoy door prizes along the way and leave feeling informed, motivated, and ready to move forward! RSVP by January, 22, 2026 by calling (208) 843-2229 or emailing sonyas@nezperce.org.

Building a Marketing Strategy for Your Farm, Ranch, or Specialty Food Business
2026-02-06 | ID
February 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2026
Virtual Class
Each week of this workshop series will focus on key digital marketing strategies for messaging, websites, social media, and email communication. By the end of this workshop you will have a clear understanding of your marketing message, the tools you can use to connect with your customers, and a holistic marketing strategy to grow your business. Veterans can register for free using promo code Veteran.

Business Idea Generation Turning Your Strengths and Passions Into a Business
2026-02-06 12:00 - 17:00 | ID
February 6, 2026 | 12 PM PST
Free Virtual Class
Have a desire to start a business but not sure where to begin? This webinar is designed for entrepreneurs in Indian Country who want to clarify their business vision and explore meaningful, community centered business ideas. Join IDRS’ Microenterprise Development Specialist, Lynn Wilson, for a practical session focused on generating business ideas rooted in your strengths, culture, location, and the needs you see in your tribal and local community.
