319 | Supporting Social Entrepreneurship in Indian Country with Cecilia Pacheco
Our guest this week on the pod is Cecilia Pacheco. Cecilia is the Program Manager - Tribal Entrepreneurship at the University of New Mexico's Rainforest Innovations and the host of the Indigenous Entrepreneurs Podcast. She is a leader in supporting Native American entrepreneurship.
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of our host, Zelizer Consulting Services.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Supporting Native American Entrepreneurship - Interview with Cecilia Pacheo, Program Manager of UNM’s Tribal Entrepreneurship Program
NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer a transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.
You can read the full transcript of this episode here.
Key Topics and Bullet Points
Topics Covered in "EP 319 Supporting Social Entrepreneurship in Indian Country with Cecilia Pacheco" on Awarepreneurs Podcast:
1. Unique Challenges of Rural and Indigenous Communities in New Mexico
- Lack of resources and funding due to geographic and population constraints
- Connectivity and visibility issues for rural and indigenous communities
- Challenges with basic amenities such as internet access, power, and water
2. Tribal Entrepreneurship Program at the University of New Mexico (UNM)
- Utilization of tribal liaisons who are trusted members of the community
- Emphasis on tailored economic development programs for indigenous entrepreneurs
- Focus on advocating for and supporting the unique needs of native entrepreneurs
- UNM's support of impact investing and social entrepreneurship
- Funding and evolution of the tribal entrepreneurship program at UNM
3. Native American Entrepreneurship and Values in New Mexico
- Indigenous businesses prioritize sustainability and giving back to the community
- Importance of maintaining a community-led approach and learning from indigenous wisdom and knowledge in supporting entrepreneurs
- Examples of indigenous businesses with a focus on sustainability and community impact
4. Challenges Faced by Native American
Entrepreneurs
- Navigating federal, tribal, and state governments in accessing land and capital
- Lack of financial literacy and historical trauma hindering long-term planning
- Need for critical resources, tailored education, and financial literacy for indigenous communities
- Barriers and challenges faced when starting a business on tribal land
5. Future Vision for Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program
- Need for sustained funding and long-term impact on indigenous communities
- Focus on nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems and valuing indigenous entrepreneurs
- Desire for sustainable economies in indigenous communities
6. The Indigenous Entrepreneurs Podcast
- Role in sharing narratives and addressing challenges of indigenous entrepreneurs
- Promoting social impact through indigenous entrepreneurship
- Providing insight into the approaches to business and values of indigenous entrepreneurs
7. Impactful Business Examples from New Mexico
- Biddy Baby Foods: Growing and processing traditional Navajo corn into baby food with community partnerships
- Tribe 275: Startup aiming to provide manufacturing facilities and jobs for Jemez Pueblo
8. Challenges Faced by Young People in Tribal Communities
- Struggles to find sustainable livelihoods leading to a drain on talent
- The draw to entrepreneurship for Native Americans to stay close to traditions and communities
9. Importance of Learning from Indigenous Entrepreneurs
- Emphasis on understanding and appreciating the wisdom and values of indigenous entrepreneurs
- Addressing solutions and barriers in supporting entrepreneurship in Indian country