WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren took steps last week to create nine more Navajo entrepreneurs.
On May 9, the President signed nine checks ranging from $5,000 to $60,000 for Navajo artisans and small business owners as part of a collaborative initiative between the President’s office, the Division of Economic Development and HN4 Solutions, LLC.
“The Navajo Nation needs more entrepreneurs,” President Nygren said to a room filled with business owners. “You awake every day eager to solve the problems of our communities and supply solutions. You are the foundation of our economy.”
The President asked attendees to consider the economic size of California, saying it is bigger than most countries.
“We are a sovereign Nation,” he said. “Imagine how prosperous our sacred lands could be if we encourage and empower more of our entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.”
Spencer W. Willie, the founder of HN4 Solutions, commended the grant recipients for their hard work. He drew attention to the fact that getting money through the Navajo Nation is arduous.
His team has learned the process and can now navigate those intricacies with expertise. He shared that 56 recipients have been awarded and that his team looks forward to reviewing more applications.
Many of the recipients told of hardships, especially in the aftermath of COVID. From rug weavers to painters, rodeo coaches to a self-defense instructor, everyone encountered setbacks because of the impacts of the pandemic.
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get back on our feet,” said Annette Teller, a recipient of the artisan grant.
Mrs. Teller thanked the President and Sharlene Soce-Brown, community engagement representative at the Office of the President and Vice President, for assisting with the paperwork process and for making these funds available to her and her fellow business owners.
“Our Nation is only as strong as our business owners,” President Nygren said.
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