Alphachimp took journey to Gallup, New Mexico to work with native artists and innovators as part of ChangeLabs. 

About

With an unemployment rate reportedly as high as 60%, the Navajo Nation was deemed the last frontier for entrepreneurship by The Economist in 2008.

Despite a skilled and ready workforce, a wealth of business opportunities, many new businesses fail to register or sustain.

Many of these socioeconomic and environmental problems could be addressed through local business service providers, yet the lack of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and mentor networks on the Navajo Nation makes tackling the barriers a daunting task for people who may be inspired to start a business.

A two-minute clip capturing tales of entrepreneurship from Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo small business owners. Change Labs 2016 was hosted by Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, NM.

Making Change

Ignited by our friends at Catapult Designs in 2013 and supported by many national and local groups, Change Labs explores how to overcome these barriers, new ways entrepreneurs are tackling these challenges in similar environments around the globe, and connect promising entrepreneurs with the mentors and resources they need to succeed.  

Alphachimp has had the honor of participating as both graphic recorder and workshop facilitator at ChangeLabs since 2014.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

The Last Frontier

In her TEDxBayArea talk, Heather Fleming, product designer and CEO of Catapult Design, asks why the average annual income on the largest tribe in the US is only $7000.