About Us
Who Are We?
The Minnesota Indian Business Alliance (MNIBA) is a statewide, all volunteer organizational partnership of dynamic individuals and leaders.
Why Are We?
To create a dynamic forum for business leaders and organizations across sectors in Minnesota to meet, collaborate, share expertise, leverage and develop ideas and opportunities to impact sustainable business development in Indian Country.
Where Have We Been?
In October 2007 forty-five organizations representing American Indian business owners, tribal economic developers, non-profits, education institutes, legal advisors, community development corporations, financial institutions, county, state and federal agencies came to together to plan the MN Indian Business Conference.
On October 27-28, 2008 the MN Indian Business Conference was held and intended to refocus the discussion on Indian economic development from one that pursues a variety of strategies in random order, as opportunities happen to present themselves, to one that promotes a focused “building-block” approach to business development. This approach recognizes that certain fundamental issues often stand in the way of unleashing the full potential of economic growth in Indian country. These issues centered on governance, legal roadblocks, and panoply of infrastructure issues, as well as the ever-present necessity of securing adequate financing.
The Conference met its objective of highlighting fundamental issues by featuring plenaries and break-out sessions that addressed constitutional reform, separation of powers, tribal courts, adoption of a uniform commercial code including a model tribal secured transactions act, and the development of an Indian equity fund, among many other topics.
On December 2, 2008 Current alliance partners, conference attendees and other interested parties gathered to build and formalize a new statewide alliance dedicated to the growth of thriving Indian businesses in Minnesota, hosted by the Initiative Foundation.
Where Are We Going?
2009 and beyond… MNIBA is growing, attracting new partnerships and continues to capture positive attention, resource sharing and momentum statewide. The success and impact on Indian Country that has culminated through this organizational collaborative and partnerships have resulted in the following:
- The first comprehensive statewide report made possible through a partnership with Dr. Bruce Corrie of Concordia University entitled; “American Indian Capital and Minnesota’s Future,” has elevated the economic impact and contributions of American Indians within the state of MN.
- Partnership and full support of the MN Secretary of State and staff to work with any nation choosing to adopt the UCC Model Tribal Secured Transaction Act
- Creation of a 2009 American Indian Equity Fund/Entrepreneur Training partnership.
- MNIBA received a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Pawlenty for its outstanding contributions to the MN economy and its commitment to making MN a better place to live and work.
- The Indian Business Alliance Leaders from Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and its newest partners from North Dakota convene in a historic meeting to share, learn and pursue a regional collaborate hosted by the Department of Interior, Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.
- MNIBA launches its website.
- MNIBA begins building the first comprehensive statewide Indian Business Directory.
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