2026 Indigenous Business Growth & Development Summit at Black Bear Casino Resort – Carlton, MN

“Indigenous Leadership in Action: Building Pathways, Power, and Prosperity”

The 2026 Summit elevates Indigenous economic leadership by highlighting the expanding influence of Indigenous businesses, tribal enterprises, and Native workforce talent across Minnesota’s infrastructure, energy, environmental, and development sectors. This event positions Indigenous operators as critical partners in shaping a stronger, more sustainable regional economy.

Purpose & Vision

This one-day summit brings together tribal leaders, Indigenous entrepreneurs, state agencies, and industry partners to advance economic opportunity, strategic collaboration, and long-term community investment. Participants will gain access to new contracting pathways, advocacy initiatives, and partnership frameworks that strengthen Indigenous economic sovereignty and build multigenerational prosperity.

Key Panels for 2026

1. Expanding Indigenous Contracting & Procurement

Opening high-value opportunities with state agencies, utilities, corporate buyers, and regional industry partners.

2. Infrastructure & Transportation Leadership

Strengthening Indigenous participation as both prime and subcontractors on large-scale development projects.

3. Clean Energy & Natural Resource Innovation

Showcasing Indigenous expertise in renewable energy, stewardship, land management, and climate-responsive development.

4. Advocacy for Indigenous Operators

Building visibility, influence, and representation within Minnesota’s economic development and policy ecosystems.

5. Workforce & Business Empowerment

Advancing training programs, mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and workforce pipelines that increase capacity across communities.

6. Community Investment & Legacy Building

Driving economic strategies rooted in sovereignty, cultural resilience, and generational opportunity.

Who Should Attend

• Tribal leaders, enterprises, and Indigenous-owned businesses
• Construction, infrastructure, and transportation companies
• Energy, utilities, and environmental partners
• Corporate and government procurement teams
• Workforce development agencies and nonprofits
• Regional and national trade associations

Partner Organizations

Co-hosted with the Minnesota Tribal Contractors Council, Apex, Indigenous Business Group, and regional workforce and energy development partners, alongside statewide agencies supporting construction, energy, and procurement initiatives.

Why This Summit Matters

• Exclusive access to new contracting and procurement opportunities
• Direct connection with tribal leaders, state agencies, and industry partners
• Insights into upcoming energy, infrastructure, and natural resource projects
• Advocacy alignment to strengthen Indigenous operator voice statewide
• Commitment to building strong workforce and business ecosystems

  To Book hotel rooms, call (888) 771-0777 and reference the “IBG Event” for room block pricing.

Note: All reservations must be made before the cutoff date of April 15th, 2026, to get into the group block with the group rate.

For sponsorship or exhibitor info email contact@indigenousbusinessgrouporg

Release for Film and Video: I hereby grant permission to The IBG the rights of my image, in video or still, and of the likeness and sound of my voice as recorded on audio or video tape in relation to the 2026 Indigenous Business Growth & Development Summit. By registering, I understand this permission signifies that photographic or video recordings of me may be electronically displayed via the Internet or in the public educational setting in relation to the 2026 Indigenous Business Growth & Development Summit. There is no time limit on the validity of this release nor is there any geographic limitation on where these materials may be distributed.This release applies to photographic, audio or video recordings collected as part of the 2026 Indigenous Business Growth & Development Summit education sessions. By registering, I acknowledge that I have completely read and fully understand the above release and agree to be bound thereby.

DAY ONE — Thursday, April 30, 2026
Full-Day Public Summit

7:30 – 8:30 AM
Registration, Networking Breakfast and Exhibitor Hall Opens

Participants are invited to connect with tribal leaders, Indigenous businesses, government agencies, utilities, energy, transportation, and natural resource partners. Exhibitor booths will feature Indigenous enterprises and organizations engaged in long-term partnership, regional investment, and shared economic growth.

8:30 – 9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony: A Call to Act
Welcome to Indian Country

The Summit opens with a welcome grounded in place, culture, and responsibility. This opening ceremony sets expectations for respectful engagement, collaboration, and Indigenous-led approaches to economic and community development.

Morning General Sessions
Access, Infrastructure and Responsible Development

9:00 – 9:50 AM
Expanding Indigenous Contracting and Procurement
Opening Doors, Building Opportunity

This session explores how Indigenous businesses can access and grow contracting and procurement opportunities with state agencies, utilities, corporate buyers, and regional partners. Discussion will focus on transparent procurement processes, supplier diversity pathways, and capacity-building strategies that create consistent access to high-value markets while strengthening local and regional economies.

9:55 – 10:45 AM
Infrastructure and Transportation Leadership
Partnership at Scale

This session highlights Indigenous participation as both prime and subcontractors on large-scale infrastructure and transportation projects. The discussion will examine partnership models, early engagement, and collaboration across jurisdictions that lead to durable outcomes for communities and project partners.

10:45 – 11:15 AM
Networking Break and Exhibitor Engagement

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Clean Energy and Natural Resource Innovation
Stewardship, Sovereignty and Sustainable Development

This session showcases Indigenous leadership in renewable energy, natural resource management, and climate-responsive development. Participants will explore how economic growth can align with environmental responsibility, cultural values, and long-term stewardship while supporting community-driven energy and resource initiatives.

12:15 – 1:30 PM
Lunch and Keynote Address

Keynote Speaker: Anton Treuer

Indigenous Leadership, Language, and Responsibility to Future Generations

Anton Treuer will offer reflections on Indigenous leadership, the role of language and culture, and the responsibility leaders carry to build strong pathways for future generations. His remarks connect economic development, cultural resilience, and community well-being as interconnected foundations of long-term prosperity.

Afternoon General Sessions
Influence, Workforce and Long-Term Impact

1:35 – 2:25 PM
Advocacy for Indigenous Operators
Visibility, Voice and Representation

This session focuses on strengthening Indigenous representation within economic development, infrastructure planning, and policy ecosystems. Discussion will explore how coordinated advocacy, coalition-building, and inclusion in decision-making processes help ensure Indigenous priorities shape regional development strategies.

2:30 – 3:20 PM
Workforce and Business Empowerment
Building Capacity for the Future

This session examines how workforce development, mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and training pipelines strengthen Indigenous businesses and communities. The focus is on aligning workforce strategies with real economic opportunities and preparing the next generation of Indigenous leaders, workers, and business owners.

3:25 – 4:30 PM
Closing Plenary: Community Investment and Legacy Building
Creating Shared Prosperity for Generations

The Summit concludes with a leadership dialogue centered on community investment, long-term economic strategy, and legacy building. This plenary connects business growth to reinvestment in people, place, and culture, highlighting how Indigenous-led economic development creates lasting benefits for communities and the broader region.

5:30 – 7:30 PM
Community Networking Reception

Participants are invited to continue conversations, build relationships, and connect with partners, sponsors, and exhibitors in an informal networking setting.

DAY TWO — Friday, May 1, 2026
Procurement, Workforce and Partnership in Action

8:00 – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast and Exhibitor Hall Opens

9:00 – 10:30 AM
Procurement, Supplier Diversity and Partnership Conversations

Working sessions designed to help buyers, agencies, and Indigenous businesses continue conversations around contracting, supplier diversity, workforce development, and partnership opportunities, with a focus on next steps and practical pathways forward.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Open Networking and Business Matchmaking

One-on-one meetings and informal conversations focused on partnership development, follow-up discussions, and moving relationships toward action.