MISSION

 The Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (NACC-IL) exists to:

• provide business education and growth opportunities specific to Native Americans
• provide a mentor's environment for those individuals beginning new endeavors and expanding their company
• provide opportunities for networking and support of American Indian business people in Illinois

OBJECTIVES

 Our Objectives Are:

1) To create a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of American Indian businesses and a concern for their problems

2) To inspire Native American business and community growth and development by:

a) promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of American Indian business within the State of Illinois;

b) promoting programs of a civic, social and cultural nature that are designed to increase the functional and aesthetic values of the American Indian community; and

c) discovering and correcting issues that prevent the promotion of business expansion and community growth for Illinois’ American Indians.

3) Establish an economic center to foster the growth and development of the American Indian communities in Illinois as well as other partners that have an interest in the activities of the Chamber.

4) Help Native People achieve successful economic development initiatives while incorporating, strengthening and building upon Tribal Values.

PURPOSE

Educate

The goal of NACC-IL is to build resources in education and training for Native owned businesses and to provide our members with the training to cultivate their business skills and to also provide a better understanding of issues facing American Indian business owners.

Connect

NACC-IL is dedicated to providing enhanced business opportunities by promoting its members to state and federal agencies, tribes and corporations. NACC-IL also strives to encourage a mentor relationship between more established business owners and new business owners.

Advocate

NACC-IL is dedicated to being a voice for Native American owned businesses to state, national and tribal legislators. NACC-IL is also focused on advocating for the growth of economic development with all Native American owned businesses by developing collaborative opportunities to grow successful economic development in Native American communities.

BELIEFS

NACC-IL‘s work is guided by the belief that Native businesses are a foundation for emerging Native economies that will provide employment and educational opportunities and allow our Native communities the opportunity to break the generational cycles of poverty. Today we carry that belief forward and continue to work toward a brighter future with a thriving and connected Native American community that empowers its business leaders with resources, partnerships and services that ensure their success and supports the aspirations of community members.

VALUES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Wisdom is to be shared to help all the people; it is not to be hoarded or used to exploit others.

Love is to honor others and care for them. This includes the value of generosity, as it is loving to help others in need.

Respect is to honor all of creation; it extends to all things animate and not just to people and animals. This honoring is to remember that if, for example, an animal gives its life to become our food and clothing, we must honor its sacrifice. So too must we keep the Earth in a good way, working to find ways that we will not damage it in our dealings.

Bravery is to persevere in the face of adversity and to have the courage to live in accordance with the teachings.

Honesty is to tell the truth. This is often forgotten in business, but it builds strong relationships.

Humility is to remember that we are not greater, nor lesser, than any other. We must be humble toward creation, not wasting the Earth so that there is nothing left for future generations. Humility and respect demand that there be no discrimination against employees, customers, or others.

Truth is to honor who we are as Native peoples, to have integrity. This means doing what we say we will do and acting in accordance with the teachings. It is acknowledged that this is difficult to do and that balancing these responsibilities requires great effort and perseverance.

The NACC-IL provides high quality pro bono services to American Indians and companies centered in Illinois.

The Chamber can help you in the following ways:

1)      Starting your business

a)       Viability of business idea/ chances for success

b)      Business plan

2)      Financing your business

a)       Access to capital

b) Formulate loan package

3)      Growing your business

a)       Organizational development

b)      Marketing

c)       Accounting services

4)      Business training

a)       Webinars/ classes for all elements of your business

5)      Contracting opportunities

a)       Federal, State, County, Municipalities, Tribal

6) Fiscal Sponsorship

AMERICAN INDIAN VETERANS

NACC-IL is committed to the success of veteran-owned businesses and works to ensure that veterans have technical assistance and resources to achieve their business goals.  

All services noted about are available and tailored to veteran opportunities. 

MUST BE NATIVE AMERICAN

Services are provided to Native American and Alaska Natives that have day-to-day management responsibilities for their business.  Documentation is required and consists of the following:

Owner must be a member of a federal or state recognized tribe

1.       Tribal Enrollment Card

2.       Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood