3rd Annual Native Small Business Fair
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Pacific Northwest Tribal lending is pleased to invite you to attend our upcoming workshop specifically geared to Native small business owners. You'll have access to advice from local Native entrepreneurs and expert business resources. This casual and informal small business fair is meant to provide you with tools you can take home and put to work to further your business growth. Get ready to learn things you wish you knew, you didn't know you needed, and will go away knowing!
Meet Our Keynote Speaker
We are honored to welcome internationally renowned Haida fashion designer, artist, and entrepreneur Dorothy Grant as keynote speaker for the 3rd Annual Native Small Business Fair.
For more than four decades, Dorothy Grant has demonstrated what is possible when entrepreneurship is grounded in culture, creativity, and purpose. A member of the Kaigani Haida Nation’s Raven Clan, Grant transformed traditional Haida artistry into a globally recognized fashion brand, becoming one of the first Indigenous designers to merge Northwest Coast formline with contemporary fashion. Today, her work is featured in museum collections across North America and internationally, while her designs have appeared on runways from Vancouver to Paris and Tokyo.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Dorothy’s journey is one of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and vision. She successfully built and operated her own design studio, manufacturing business, wholesale operation, and retail storefront, navigating decades of economic challenges while remaining true to her cultural values and artistic vision. She often describes her work as embodying the Haida philosophy of Yahguudang or Yaangudang, meaning respect, with each creation reflecting empowerment, pride, and identity.
Her extraordinary career has earned numerous honors, including appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada, recognition among the Top 100 Most Influential Women in British Columbia, Vancouver Business’ Forty Under 40, the Indspire National Aboriginal Achievement Award, the BC Indigenous Business Award, and many more.
This year, her acclaimed retrospective exhibition, Raven Comes Full Circle, is on display at the Alaska State Museum through October 27, celebrating more than 45 years of artistic innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural leadership.
Join us on September 17 as Dorothy shares her remarkable journey and inspires entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders to build ventures that honor both culture and community.
Native Entrepreneur Panel
Join Native Entrepreneurs for a panel discussion with time for questions and answers.
Hear firsthand from Native business owners representing construction, seafood, professional services, and small business leadership as they share their entrepreneurial journeys, lessons learned, and practical advice for aspiring and established business owners alike.
Thank you to Adib Jamshedi for moderating!
Come connect, learn, and be inspired.
Levi Johnny | Coast Salish Concrete
Levi Johnny is the owner of Coast Salish Concrete, a Whatcom County-based business providing residential concrete construction throughout Northwest Washington. Since launching the company in 2022, he has focused on delivering quality craftsmanship, dependable service, and building a reputation through referrals and repeat customers. His entrepreneurial journey reflects the determination, hands-on leadership, and commitment required to grow a successful small business from the ground up.
Rita Jefferson | BlueWater Transformations
Rita Jefferson is the owner of BlueWater Transformations, an Indigenous consulting business dedicated to helping Indigenous businesses strengthen their operations, build capacity, and achieve long-term success. Through strategic guidance and practical support, she works with entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level.
Native Business Vendor Fair
Take time to explore our Native Artisan & Business marketplace showcasing the incredible talent and innovation of Native entrepreneurs. From traditional and contemporary artwork to handcrafted goods and locally made products, you’ll find unique creations while meeting the artists, makers, and small business owners who bring them to life. Support Indigenous businesses and take home something truly one of a kind.
