NCGrowth
Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise

Indigenous Economic Development

Indigenous Economic Development

A winding road curves over an elevated bridge, surrounded by a vibrant autumn forest with trees in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

EXTRA, EXTRA…WESTERN NC NEWS

Oct 1, 2026 • News & Media • 4 min read

Some of the most promising projects in Western North Carolina begin with a simple conversation: a business owner, community leader, or local partner saying, “We’ve got an idea, but we’re not quite sure how to make it happen.” That is often where NCGrowth’s work begins. This quarter, NCGrowth is partnering with businesses and communities across the region on projects that support small-business growth, strengthen local planning, and help communities move ideas toward implementation. From financial strategy and wholesale expansion to downtown reuse planning and retail market analysis, the work reflects a common goal: helping Western North Carolina build stronger local economies with solutions shaped by local needs. NCGrowth is also working with a cohort of regional businesses preparing for post-Helene opportunities, with a focus on recovery, resilience, and long-term growth.
Mapping Indigenous Food Systems as Economic Development

Mapping Indigenous Food Systems as Economic Development

Sep 2, 2026 • News & Media • 2 min read

The Native American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) is a Minneapolis-based organization that helps tribal communities develop the infrastructure necessary to implement and support a range of Indigenous food production. Today, only 3% of food markets and 1% of restaurants in the United States are owned and operated by Indigenous peoples. Food insecurity, a reliance on non-traditional foods, and under-representation in food systems have contributed to disproportionately high rates of diabetes, obesity, and early death amongst Indigenous peoples. NCGrowth has completed an Indigenous Food Systems Report to help NATIFS establish an Indigenous food lab in North Carolina.
NCGrowth: RES 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

NCGrowth: RES 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Mar 30, 2025 • News & Media • 3 min read

RES is recognized as the premier conference for Native American business and economic development. The summit also provided a unique opportunity for NCGrowth to come together with The National Center to strengthen partnerships and continue building momentum around our joint tribal tourism initiatives. Through the cooperative agreement announced in July 2024 between NCGrowth, The National Center, and the Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED), the Native Edge Tourism Technical Assistance Center (NETTAC) was launched to enhance tourism opportunities in Native communities. Attending RES allowed us to connect in person, share insights, and discuss the next steps for advancing tribal tourism efforts across the nation.
Promoting Foodways as Indigenous Economic Development

Promoting Foodways as Indigenous Economic Development

Oct 4, 2023 • News & Media • 2 min read

NCGrowth is excited to announce new work at the cross-section of economic development and tribal food sovereignty. Christina Theodorou, who manages NCGrowth's anchor institution program, has forged a collaboration with award-winning Alaskan Chef Robert Kinneen, a long-time advocate for indigenous rights. Kinneen is the Outreach Director of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS, which was founded by another renowned Native Chef, Sean Sherman. Sherman is known globally as The Sioux Chef.
Hampton Roads, VA

Supporting Businesses in Hampton Roads, VA

Oct 4, 2023 • News & Media • 1 min read

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) has pioneered the Native Edge Institute, one-day, in-person events that provide both established and aspiring business owners with critical business training. Through an collaborative partnership between NCGrowth and NCAIED, we have been able to expand these events to new locations across the U.S. This video highlights a recent Native Edge Institute hosted in Norfolk, VA which connected participants to resources available in their region, along with one-on-one business counseling, coaching, and matchmaking services.
Opening New Markets for Lumbee Caterer

Opening New Markets for Lumbee Caterer

Oct 4, 2023 • News & Media • 2 min read

​​Big Boys Kitchen (BBK) Catering is a catering company operated and located in the territory of Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The co-owner and CEO of the company, Patrick Dial, has extensive experience catering local events, church events, weddings, school events, and other private functions. The menu offering includes a variety of BBQ options with a local NC flavor. ​​​Pat asked NCGrowth to support their efforts to expand their offerings and establish an online presence. ​​NCGrowth provided a competitive analysis and audit of BBK’s online marketing presence.