NCAIED to unveil new 'Twenty Grand Business Plan Competition' at RES California in June

MESA, Ariz. – Promoting small businesses in Indian Country, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) introduces the new “Twenty Grand Business Plan Competition,” which will grant competitors the opportunity to win $20,000 by presenting their business plan to a panel of judges at RES California, held at Pechanga Resort and Casino from June 17th – 19th, 2013.

This unprecedented competition will feature both “start up” and “established” Native American businesses that are owned by an enrolled member of any State or Federally recognized Tribal Nation, Alaska Native, or a Canadian First Nation. These businesses will compete for the chance to win a $20,000 cash award from the NCAIED. Competitors will present their business plan at RES California to a panel of respected and accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders who will serve as judges of the competition. The business plans and presentations will be judged based on several criteria, including: Business Structure, Financial Viability, Personal Abilities, Business Experience, and the Quality of the Plan. The deadline for participants to complete the submission process is 6:00 pm Pacific Time on Friday, May 31st, 2013.

RES California is a great opportunity for small businesses to expand their network and gain access to respected tribal leaders, state and local officials, and top CEO’s.  “Attending events like RES California help small businesses make connections and opportunities that are imperative for small businesses to flourish,” explains Derrick Watchman, NCAIED Chairman & CEO of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises.

The “Twenty Grand Business Plan Competition,” will be a part of RES California, which is to be held at Pechanga Resort and Casino on June 17-19, 2013. The competition is being sponsored by Chukchansi, Inc. The theme of RES California is “Sustaining Economic Momentum.” The event will bring together tribal leaders, top CEO’s and respected State and local elected officials. It will importantly deliver high caliber networking, teaming opportunities, business, enterprise and leadership development sessions, a business trade show and an American Indian artisan market. In addition, RES California will feature a three-part Tribal leadership seminar being presented by Chukchansi, Inc. RES California activities will begin with the, “National Center Golf Classic” at the beautiful, Journey at Pechanga Golf Resort on June 17, 2013.


Several tribes, companies and organizations have stepped forward to support RES California’s unique marketing and networking opportunities. Chukchansi, Inc., is supporting RES California as one of its Presenting Sponsors, and is also sponsoring the “National Center Golf Classic” as well as the “Twenty Grand Business Plan Competition.” The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) is also contributing as a Presenting Sponsor of RES California. GEO-Bet Network, Inc., is also sponsoring the “National Center Golf Classic.” NOVA Corporation and Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems have signed on as On-Site Sponsors of RES California.