Navajo Nation Economic Summit

Navajo Nation Economic Summit Stay tuned for more information about the 2026 Navajo Nation Economic Summit

06/12/2026

🏆 2026 Business Plan Competition Winners Announced!

The Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development is proud to recognize the outstanding entrepreneurs who participated in this year’s Business Plan Competition at the 2026 Navajo Nation Economic Summit.

Each finalist demonstrated innovation, determination, and a strong vision for building sustainable businesses that strengthen the Navajo economy. Congratulations to our winners for their hard work and achievement!

This competition would not be possible without the expertise and dedication of our judges and partners who generously contributed their time and knowledge to support our entrepreneurs.

🙏 Special Thank You to Our Judges

Penny Emerson, President
Native Resource Development Company, Inc.

Merwin Valdez, Accounting Manager
Native Resource Development Company, Inc.

Oksana Beatty, Tribal Liaison Manager
Arizona Commerce Authority

🤝 University Partner & Competition Counterpart

Kathleen Frank, Program Manager
Center for American Indian Economic Development
W.A. Franke College of Business, Northern Arizona University

🏢 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development

Jeremy L. Buckinghorse, Program Manager I, Eastern Regional Business Development Office

Susie Bizade, Senior Economic Development Specialist
Western Regional Business Development Office

We extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who helped make this competition a success and for continuing to invest in the future of Navajo entrepreneurship.

A few of the winners of the Business Awards Ceremony at this year’s Navajo Nation Economic Summit. Each received a plaqu...
06/10/2026

A few of the winners of the Business Awards Ceremony at this year’s Navajo Nation Economic Summit. Each received a plaque and a Diné woven rug.

• Navajo Woman Owned Business: Dineh Optical
• Tourism Business: Ancient Wayves River & Hiking Adventures
• Small Business: Our People Homecare LLC
• Construction Business: Copper Penny Plumbing LLC
• Professional Services: AM Valuation Services, PLLC
• Commercial Business: Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Distinguished Business: Victoria’s Pizza

A beautiful tribute to the late JoAn Begay-Notah, MBA, PMP, the Project Director of Arizona MBDA Export of the National ...
06/10/2026

A beautiful tribute to the late JoAn Begay-Notah, MBA, PMP, the Project Director of Arizona MBDA Export of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

A gift of an Diné woven rug was given to Mabel, mother of JoAn and son.

Thank you for attending! 🙂
06/10/2026

Thank you for attending! 🙂

Day 3 / NNES26 – • Building Economic and Film PartnershipNNTV & Film, Arizona Commerce Authority / Film & Digital Media ...
06/10/2026

Day 3 / NNES26 –
• Building Economic and Film Partnership
NNTV & Film, Arizona Commerce Authority / Film & Digital Media Program

• Economic Impact of Navajo Division for Children & Family Services
DCFS Staff

Day 3 / NNES26 - Wednesday, June 10Morning sessions• Why Navajo Contractors Lose Contracts They’re Qualified ForAdrian D...
06/10/2026

Day 3 / NNES26 - Wednesday, June 10
Morning sessions
• Why Navajo Contractors Lose Contracts They’re Qualified For
Adrian Dotson
• Unlocking Equity: Building a Housing Market for Navajo
Families
Chris Billey
• NavEnergy
Kim Flowers
• Native Small Business Loans & Readiness
Swarvoski Little

Day 2 / NNES26 - Tuesday, June 9Afternoon sessions• Progress and Prosperity Through Native EconomiesAndrew Huff• Setting...
06/10/2026

Day 2 / NNES26 - Tuesday, June 9

Afternoon sessions
• Progress and Prosperity Through Native Economies
Andrew Huff
• Setting up your project for success
Eunice Tso
• Division of Economic Development Strategic Updates
DED Staff
• An Intro to DDC’s AI Capabilities
Austin Tsosie

Hon. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Ph.D. speaking at the NNES2026 delivering the Presidential Keynote Address.“We ...
06/09/2026

Hon. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Ph.D. speaking at the NNES2026 delivering the Presidential Keynote Address.

“We want to work with you with every family. We’re fighting every every day to create more opportunities closer to home. The future of the Navajo Nation will not be built by one administration, one business or one project, it will be built by all of us together again, investing together, building together the momentum the opportunities are growing, and the future is bright and let’s keep building thank you God bless you one of you and may God continue to bless the great Navajo Nation.”

Dr. Buu Nygren also signed a lease modification on stage for Laris Manuelito for the Ii’ni Marketplace in Tohatchi, New Mexico.

We have a special guest, Miss Navajo Nation Camille Uentillie 2025-2026 is in the building! đź‘‘
06/09/2026

We have a special guest, Miss Navajo Nation Camille Uentillie 2025-2026 is in the building! đź‘‘

Day 2 / NNES26 - Tuesday, June 9• James Junes, Emcee• Posting of Colors• Invocation• Welcome Address by Austin Tsosie, C...
06/09/2026

Day 2 / NNES26 - Tuesday, June 9

• James Junes, Emcee
• Posting of Colors
• Invocation
• Welcome Address by Austin Tsosie, CEO, DDC
• Hon. Council Delegate, Casey Allen Johnson, Vice-Chair, RDC

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100 Taylor Road Karigan Professional Complex
Saint Michaels, AZ
86511

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