New Incubator in the Works…

Yesterday, myself and one of our board members Levi Esquerra visited with the San Carlos Apache Nation.  They have received an EDA grant and provided matching funds to begin construction of an arts and crafts incubator that they hope to completed by October of 2010.  This program would support native american artists in marketing their crafts and teach them how to effectively run their own businesses.  The discussion centered around how such a program should be set up including its board of directors, mentors, client application processes and the physical layout of the building.  The Arts Incubator in Kansas City was suggested as a good model for them to visit and we contacted that program today on their behalf.  We also agreed to assist in the development of a survey instrument for potential users of the facility to get a better idea on user expectations and requirements.  We plan on returning in January to administer the survey in conjunction with training that will be provided by NAU’s Center for American Indian Economic Development.  Additional conversations about services NACET might be able to provide as the center opens are anticipated.