Announcements

The Quechan Indian Tribe Economic Development Administration (EDA) is thrilled to announce its partnership with Moonshot (formerly NACET) to provide expert accounting, financial, and legal advisory services at the Quechan Business Development Center (QBDC) business incubator. The QBDC business incubator grand opening is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023. Business incubator cohort Participants will benefit from Moonshot's essential business coaching and mentoring throughout their participation in the program.

Since its establishment in 2001, Moonshot has supported rural and entrepreneurial communities across Arizona by implementing innovative strategies to address economic challenges. They have fostered regional incubators, assisted areas affected by coal power plant closures, introduced new industries to enhance rural employment, and created educational opportunities for better-paying jobs. Moonshot has become a guiding force in steering Arizona's rural areas toward community-driven growth.

Eligible Quechan Indian Tribe Vendors, Merchants, and Entrepreneurs (VMEs) business incubator Participants can access Moonshot's comprehensive two-track program that provides online and in-person mentoring, connections to capital, and guidance through the entire business lifecycle, from ideation to product development, beta testing, market-entry, and scaling for growth. Both tracks are tailored to meet the specific needs of Quechan VME business incubator Participants, allowing them to progress as a Tribal cohort, fostering relationships with peers, and building a network of fellow Tribal entrepreneurs.

The first track emphasizes business fundamentals, covering topics like understanding business strategy, defining beta programs, closing initial sales, and developing an entrepreneurial and leadership mindset. This helps minimize entrepreneurial risks and establishes a solid foundation for the venture.

The second track addresses individual VME company needs based on strengths and weaknesses. It delves into building sales pipelines, financial planning, forming advisory boards, talent acquisition strategies, defining metrics, and preparing for investor interest. Advancement through each track begins with a panel presentation, similar to an investor pitch. It concludes with a one-page plan for progress, ensuring business incubator Participants remain focused and accountable.

The Quechan Indian EDA offers an online application for the Quechan Business Development Center (QBDC), a business incubator in the former Pipa Market building in Winterhaven, California. This program is open to Vendors, Merchants, and Entrepreneurs (VMEs) who are enrolled members of the Quechan Tribe and are looking for assistance with launching or growing their businesses. Priority will be given to VMEs who live on the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation and want to start or grow their business there.

The Participant Application includes important questions about your business vision and description. These questions are essential for us to consider your application. Applications submitted with no answers to the questions will be deemed incomplete and will be returned to the applicant.

The Arizona Western College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offer free and confidential business startup assistance. You can reach the Arizona Western College SBDC at (928) 317-6151 and the Imperial Valley SBDC at (442) 265-4951.

The deadline to apply is November 1, 2023.

Quechan EDA will review the applications and recommend them to the Quechan Tribal Council for approval.

For more information, please contact Alan at Quechan EDA during regular business hours at (760) 572-5270.

Click to apply.