Native American Venture Acceleration Fund open for proposals

Los Alamos National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Security, LLC, are always looking to further the development of tribally held businesses in Northern New Mexico as a way of creating jobs and diversifying the economy.

As part of that mission, proposals are currently being accepted for the 2017 Native American Venture Acceleration Fund (NAVAF) program, administered through our partners at the Regional Development Corporation (RDC).

The fund was created to boost employment and diversify the economy in Northern New Mexico, and it makes awards up to $20,000 to tribally owned companies for critical technical services that lead to leveraged revenue, job creation, and diversification.

Since 2012, more than $300,000 has been invested in 24 tribal companies, generating $8.8 million of new revenue and creating 46 jobs.

One past recipient is High Water Mark, LLC, founded by Phoebe Suina from Cochiti Pueblo. The company received funding to purchase software and equipment that help the company to bid for federal contracts.

NAVAF is a great opportunity for businesses to get support to help them expand, so I’d encourage eligible companies to learn more about the process, and consider applying.

The RFP has the details, and for more information please contact Vangie Trujillo on 505 665-4284, or Carla D. Abeyta at the RDC on 505 927-8378 

Best of luck to all applicants!

—Kathy Keith
Director, Community Partnerships Office at Los Alamos National Laboratory