Heartland Forward thinking: Applications open for Tribal members to submit business ideas

Builders and Backers will work with Heartland Forward to provide entrepreneurial opportunities to Tribal members in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Heartland Forward, an organization focused on economic improvement in the center of the US, has announced the opening of applications for up to $5,000 of training and resources, together with the Builders and Backers program. Five Eastern Shawnee Tribal members will be awarded guidance and funding to turn an idea into a potential business.

Members of Tribes in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma are urged to apply if they have an idea for a new business or solution to solve a community issue. Builders and Backers will work with the Eastern Shawnee Tribe on its Idea Accelerator program for the second year, as five Oklahoma Tribal members participated in 2022.

Donna Harris, Builders and Backers CEO, said, “We hear from hundreds of Builders, who have already been through the Idea Accelerator, that they needed a low-barrier way to take their idea and test it out.

“We’re excited to partner with Heartland Forward to help more members of the Eastern Shawnee tribe waiting for this opportunity.”

The program includes a 45-day Builder Bootcamp, followed by 45 days of experimentation and actioning participants’ ideas. The Pebble Fund includes the $5,000 Pebble Grant and mentorship from Master Builders.

A Storytelling media program shares Builders’ stories and efforts to motivate others to apply. Buildership Workshops also provide both events and community experimentation for entrepreneurial problem solving.

Ross DeVol, President and CEO of Heartland Forward, said, “We’re thrilled to be expanding this program for Eastern Shawnee tribal members across four states as part of our commitment to support 1,000 Builders across the heartland by 2023.

“We’re confident this next cohort of Builders will have the innovative thinking to create real change in their communities. We look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the years to come.”

Stephanie Feeley

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