FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Native American Investment and Capital Alliance (NACIA) Celebrates Stage One Win in SBA's 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
[Nashville, Tennessee] – [6/28/2024] – The Native American Investment and Capital Alliance (NACIA) was named one of the Stage One winners in the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC). This prestigious recognition comes with a share of $3 million in prizes, awarded to organizations that demonstrate innovative approaches to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.
NACIA’s founding board member, Kelly Holmes (Mnicoujou Lakota), expressed excitement about this milestone: "We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the SBA. This award is a significant step forward for our mission to empower Native American entrepreneurs."
With the Stage One award, NACIA is gearing up to launch the Regional Accelerator for Innovative & Sustainable Ecosystems (RAISE). This program will create a collaborative network of investors, educators, entrepreneurs, and technologists dedicated to accelerating the success of Native-led companies focused on sustainability.
"The RAISE program embodies our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability within Native American communities," Holmes added. "By connecting diverse stakeholders, we aim to build robust ecosystems that support the growth and success of Native-led enterprises."
The GAFC competition, an initiative by the SBA, seeks to harness the potential of accelerators and incubators across the country to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Stage One winners, including NACIA, were selected based on their proposals to support small businesses and startups in a variety of sectors.
This achievement is a testament to NACIA’s dedication to creating impactful opportunities for Native American entrepreneurs. With the RAISE program, NACIA looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the sustainability sector and beyond.
About NACIA: The Native American Investment and Capital Alliance (NACIA) is committed to fostering economic development within Native American communities by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. Through initiatives like the RAISE program, NACIA aims to build sustainable and thriving business ecosystems led by Native American entrepreneurs.
Media Contact: Kelly Holmes
Founding Board Member, NACIA
Email Address: kelly@nacia.com
For more information on the SBA's 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit SBA's GAFC Announcement.