Business & Economic Development Tlingit & Haida’s Business & Economic Development (BED) department is dedicated to creating tribal enterprises that not only have a financial bottom line, but a social, cultural bottom line that reflects who we are as Native people. Although each tribal enterprise varies in nature and scope of work, they are all grounded in the mission and vision to help economically diversify the Tribe and provide employment and training opportunities to tribal citizens. BED works internally with several of the Tribe’s departments such as Employment & Training, Head Start, Reentry & Recovery, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to place clients in work experience positions within the tribal enterprises. Tribal enterprises include:
Lgeik’l Eesh Will Ware Chief Development Officer
“Supporting the economic development and self-sufficiency of Tlingit & Haida and its tribal citizens."
Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Little Eagles and Ravens Nest (LEARN) Sacred Grounds Café Sacred Shine Auto Detailing Smokehouse Catering
BED enhances community planning efforts on economic development projects in Southeast Alaska through the development of the Tribal Community Economic Development Strategy (Tribal CEDS) plan and by partnering with local, state and federal agencies. The Tribal CEDS identifies the economic conditions and needs of the region and is a tool to initiate and sustain local planning and development efforts. The plan is updated every five years and developed with input from tribes, tribal citizens, Alaska Native corporations and small business owners. The department also supports tribal artisans through the Certified Tribal Artists (CTA) program and by partnering to host community events throughout the year. In 2020, BED’s tribal enterprises, which are largely based on gatherings, events, and face-to-face contact, were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All were slated for record-breaking numbers, however, each business shut-down in March as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of employees, citizens, customers and the general public. During the closure, BED evaluated best-practices and implemented safety preparedness and mitigation plans to safely reopen following tribal and state mandates.
2020 Highlights Administered the CARES Small Business Grant program that provided grants up to $5,000 to 130 tribal citizen small business owners adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $1 million was allocated for these grants. Expanded social enterprise services to include: » Online ordering (Sacred Grounds) and walkup window services » Drive-up/take-out services (Smokehouse Catering) Completed overhaul of the Tribe’s online storefront ShopTlingitHaida.com (formerly known as www.ccthita-commerce.com).
62
