The #nativeSBA team are the experienced business leaders and teachers who travel out to meet and teach Native entrepreneurs across Indian Country. They are also creating a directory of local and regional business resources for entrepreneurs and business owners in communities across Indian Country.

Tracy Kieffer

Tracy Kieffer, Project Director

Tracy Kieffer is the Project Director on the #nativeSBA team. She reaches out to build and grow relationships with tribal governments, organizations, and communities in the regions where we present our Empowerment Workshops, helping us recruit attendees and find partners. Tracy understands the potential of Native small businesses to help Indian Country grow and has…

Tayla Desjarlais

Tayla Desjarlais, Deputy Project Manager and Assistant Trainer

On the #nativeSBA team, Tayla Desjarlais helps plan and market the Empowerment Workshops. As a member of the training team, she is often on the road assisting with the workshops. Tayla has been charged with developing the regional resource network for the benefit of entrepreneurs who attend the trainings, so that when they return home,…

Tachini Pete, Lead Trainer

Tachini Pete is Salish/Navajo. Tachini earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Gonzaga University. He has over 15 years’ experience in training, technical assistance, and curriculum development. Additionally, Tachini is a small business owner since 1999 of Tachini Drums. Tachini is passionate about Native American small business ownership, he enjoys helping small business and…