AKWESASNE , NY – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Economic Development Office has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Kauffman & Associates (KAI) of Spokane , Washington in offering marketing services to ten Mohawk businesses. Businesses interested in internet marketing have until May 1, 2006 to enroll in the SBA’s Project Jumpstart at no charge and receive assistance in product branding and website development. 

Project Jumpstart provides technical assistance, marketing analysis, communications training, and website services to Native American business owners in targeted areas of Indian Country. A total of 40 Indian-owned businesses will participate in the program in four regions. The selected regions include Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho, Oklahoma , Alaska , and New York State .

Upon being selected to participate in Project Jumpstart, Mohawk businesses will receive information on the date and location of the 1-day training session, as well as a needs assessment form. The needs assessment form will assist KAI staff in identifying business strengths and weaknesses, capital requirements, capacity and infrastructure, marketing opportunities, and barriers. The completed form will ensure that marketing services provided to the businesses meets its specific needs and requirements.

Market research will be prepared from the needs assessment to develop a comprehensive market analysis for each of the ten Mohawk businesses. The analysis will contain information on their specific industry, market, and geographic location. It may also include research to assist business owners in defining the market, identifying competition, customer outreach and other business opportunities.

The second service Mohawk businesses will receive is a company image and messaging. Each business will be assessed to determine the best communication strategy to best covey their product or service. If needed, business owners will receive media training, message development, and graphic artwork specific to their business.

The market analysis and company image will be consolidated into the development of a website designed for each Mohawk business. The website will be a cost effective way to promote the business, greatly expand their market, and sell merchandise online. Business owners will receive individual training and technical assistance to assist them in website use and maintenance.

A community website will also be developed for and shared by the ten Mohawk businesses that participate in Project Jumpstart. The site will serve as a forum for business owners to collaborate and learn from each other, while improving the tribal economy. It will create more exposure for businesses and work collectively with other Native American business sites on various issues.

Enrollment in Project Jumpstart will be done on a first come-first serve basis to Mohawk businesses. Registration forms are available at the Tribal Community Building from 8am to 5pm , Monday through Friday. Applications can also be downloaded from the Tribe’s website at www.stregismohawktribe.com. The deadline date for submitting registration forms is May 1, 2006 .

For more information on Project Jumpstart, contact William Papineau, Economic Development Director, at (518) 358-2272 (ext. 168.)

Download Registration Form Here

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The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Mohawk people.