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INITIATIVES THAT
EMPOWER
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS.
Beyond the Boots: A Veteran & Service Member Initiative
ONABEN is proud to offer a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to empower veterans and service members in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams. Drawing from our extensive experience in serving underserved Tribal and rural communities, we have adapted best practices to meet the unique needs of returning veterans and active duty service members. We firmly believe that entrepreneurship is a vital pathway to success for individuals with the drive and dedication to launch their own businesses. As advocates and dedicated resource providers for veteran- and service-owned businesses, we stay true to our core organizational values.
“Disclaimer: Funded in Part by A Grant Agreement with The U.S. Small Business Administration.”
“Disclaimer: Funded in Part by A Grant Agreement with The U.S. Small Business Administration.”
RealChange Youth Empowerment Initiative:
ONABEN is committed to investing in the future by empowering today’s youth through the RealChange Youth Empowerment Initiative. The program provides financial literacy training, tailored educational materials, and youth entrepreneurship camps that culminate in a business showcase and market event—giving young people the skills and opportunities they need to thrive as tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. RealChange also weaves STEM into its model to ensure girls and underrepresented youth can explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in meaningful ways. By connecting STEM concepts to entrepreneurship, participants discover that innovation drives the products and technologies they use every day. This hands-on approach makes STEM accessible while building entrepreneurial skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. The fusion of STEM and entrepreneurship empowers young people in underserved communities to see themselves as creators and leaders, opening pathways to economic opportunity and self-sufficiency.
Artist and Culture Accelerators:
ONABEN’s Arts and Culture Accelerator program, initially funded by the Small Business Administration’s Accelerator Fund, is designed to support artists in expanding their markets and driving positive socio-economic development. The creative industries, including the production and promotion of art, are powerful tools for economic growth in both rural and urban Native communities. Our accelerator program offers artist-entrepreneur training, brand development for regional and local markets, and marketing and website development services to help artists succeed.
Girl Talk
The Women and Girl Empowerment Initiative, known as Girl Talk, was created to provide women and girls with a platform to uplift and support one another. More than a networking space, Girl Talk recognizes the deep connection between financial wellness and overall health. Financial stress is one of the leading contributors to anxiety, strain, and even heart disease in women. Through monthly workshops, Girl Talk fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, provides tools for financial confidence, organizes volunteer events to encourage community engagement, and connects participants with local resources that strengthen both economic and personal well-being. By reducing stressors tied to money and access, the program supports healthier hearts, stronger communities, and brighter futures. At its core, Girl Talk believes that empowering women and girls—regardless of culture, color, or political beliefs—is essential to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Bridge to Success:
Originally funded by the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs, ONABEN’s Bridge to Success program is dedicated to building the capacity of Indigenous and minority-owned businesses to secure contracts with federal government agencies, tribal entities, and minority supplier development programs. We offer both in-person and online training and technical assistance to help these businesses navigate and succeed in government contracting.
Entrepreneurship Training:
Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of ONABEN’s approach. Through our Indianpreneurship curriculum and accompanying training programs, we provide customized entrepreneurial education and capacity-building support. Our focus is on fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and empowering individuals to start their own businesses. By collaborating with community partners, we deliver tailored assistance to Native entrepreneurs, helping to strengthen local economies and promote sustainable business development.
Financial Wellness:
Financial wellness training focuses on providing individuals with the tools and knowledge to manage their personal finances, improve their credit health, and build financial readiness for entrepreneurship. The training covers key topics such as budgeting, saving, debt management, understanding credit reports and scores, and financial planning for business ventures. Participants learn how to make informed decisions about their finances, reduce stress, and develop strategies for improving credit, while also preparing for the financial demands of starting and running a business. By offering personalized guidance, this training empowers individuals to achieve long-term financial stability, improve credit standing, and confidently pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, whether that means securing business loans, managing cash flow, or planning for business growth.
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