Candace Chase

Native Arts Coordinator

Candace was born in Minnesota but raised all across Turtle Island both Alaska and Hawaii. Candace is an enrolled tribal member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, but she also has tribal descendency with the Colorado River Indian Tribe of Arizona. Candace holds a degree in graphic design but she's been a lifelong creative enthusiast. For much of the past decade, Candace has been a devoted caregiver for her family's great matriarch and granny, as she coped and lived with Alzheimer's. Candace knows great love in this life because of the great women who have raised and supported her; she gives that back now through her role as a mother to her beloved daughter. Candace appreciates the lifelong journey of learning and is both honored and excited to be able to serve in this important role as Native Arts Coordinator

I love MNAA because it creates a vibrant community where I can learn, connect, and celebrate the diverse talents of Native artists, all while advocating for equitable access and support in the arts.

Jacey Lamar

Cultural Arts Program Lead

An enrolled member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes with strong ties to the Blackfeet Nation Jacey grew up between Anadarko, Oklahoma and Browning, Montana. She is a graduate of Riverside Indian School C/O 2009, and Haskell Indian Nations University C/O 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in American Indian and Indigenous Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Justice. Currently, Jacey lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota pursuing a Master’s degree in Tribal Natural Resource Management at the University of Minnesota, where she was awarded the DOVE Fellowship (Diversity of View & Experience). A member of the Alpha Pi Omega, and trained in records and information management Jacey is building a strong path rooted in Native philanthropic efforts and tribal programming. Previously, she was the Wichita Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Tribal HIstory Center Director. In her personal life, Jacey is a competitive dancer at powwows and enjoys all the elements that comes with that amazing lifestyle.

I joined MNIBA because of the organization's commitment to serving our ‘Indian Communities’ and helping connect our valuable people to resources that can foster growth and sustainable development is a true honor. It is a beautiful experience to witness and be support to our Indian people and all the empowerment we generate for our communities.

David Clifford

Creative Marketing Specialist

An experienced creative director, graphic designer, and brand & marketing specialist. As an Oglala Lakota band member, I am passionate about working to make a positive difference in Native communities. My expertise lies in strategic brand positioning, graphic design, and digital marketing. I am dedicated to creating impactful visual experiences that drive brand success at the Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance.

I chose to work at MNIBA because I strongly believe in the mission to empower and support Indigenous businesses. I am dedicated to leveraging my skills and expertise to contribute to the growth and success of Native businesses and communities.

Skylar Fynboh

Systems Administrator

Skylar Fynboh is an Enrolled Member of Red Lake Nation, an artist, and a Search and Rescue K9 handler. Raised by artists and entrepreneurs he is well aware of the struggles faced by the communities we serve and is passionate about seeing Indigenous communities thrive.

"Working as a first responder in our communities showed me a need for more opportunities within our communities. When I learned about MNIBA and the work they're doing I was instantly hooked. Serving my community is important to me and working with MNIBA I can do that." - Skylar Fynboh

Irene Folstroms Headshot

Irene Folstrom

Executive Director 

A member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Irene Folstrom has dedicated her life and career to social justice, protecting Indigenous rights, and empowering Tribal communities. As a highly accomplished professional with a career spanning several influential roles, Irene has made significant contributions to
the communities and organizations she has served.

Most recently, Irene served as the Tribal Relations Director for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, providing strategic leadership and expertise on Tribal matters. Prior to this, she led government relations for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, managing government-to-government relationships with local, state, and federal governments. Earlier in her career, Irene was a policy advisor for the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C.

I am truly honored to join MNIBA as the Executive Director. Our mission to create equitable outcomes for Native entrepreneurs and artists aligns deeply with my values and commitment to community-driven development. By being a critical resource provider and connector, MNIBA not only supports and elevates Native innovation but also inspires the next generation of Native business leaders, artists, and social entrepreneurs. Together, we will continue to champion economic justice, self-sufficiency, and the development of restorative, values-based economies. It is a privilege to have this opportunity, and I look forward to building on the work of MNIBA Founder and departing Executive Director Pamela Standing

Bruce Corrie, PhD. 

Honorary Advisor

Dr. Bruce Corrie is a leading Twin Cities-based economist, business expert, cultural entrepreneur, and longtime member of the Concordia University, St. Paul faculty. With specific focus on minority businesses and the growing impact minority communities have on the broader economy, Dr. Corrie brings unique perspective and insight relating to the Minnesota business landscape.

Dr. Corrie’s work has garnered deep media coverage across local, ethnic, national, and international media. He has also published numerous academic articles and has written extensively for the Saint Paul Pioneer Press and Minnesota Business Magazine. 

Rebecca Graves

Vice Chair

Rebecca Graves is a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe tribal citizen and resides in the city of Duluth. Rebecca is the Executive Director of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, one of eleven regional arts councils in the state of Minnesota. Rebecca previously worked for Boys & Girls Club of the Leech Lake Area and has a commitment to serve the native community in all capacities. 

"I was drawn to MNIBA because of their amazing efforts to date and also to further work for the native community."  -Rebecca Graves

Dr. Wenqing Zhang

Treasurer

Dr. Wenqing Zhang is a dedicated scholar with a background in Operations and Supply Chain Management. He earned his PhD in Management Science/Operations Management from McGill University in 2012. Dr. Zhang's research is centered around critical topics in operations and supply chain management, with a strong emphasis on advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within supply chains.


In recent years, Dr. Zhang has expanded his focus to champion equitable development for indigenous communities through innovative operations and supply chain initiatives. His work also contributes to a deeper understanding of how individuals and organizations interpret and prioritize social responsibility and sustainability when making operational or supply chain decisions for these communities.

"To advance equitable development for indigenous communities, it is imperative to comprehend the obstacles encountered by indigenous entrepreneurs as they embark on and expand their business ventures. It is also important to assist these entrepreneurs in securing essential resources and making well-informed business choices. MNIBA stands as an organization dedicated to addressing these critical facets. I am privileged and proud to serve on the Board, which offers a unique opportunity to support indigenous communities and foster equitable development within them." — Wenqing Zhang

Dr. Veronica Veaux

Board Chair

Dr. Veronica Veaux is passionate about the future of Indigenous nations, especially through the opportunities provided by leadership and business. As an Ojibwe woman, the seven values of the Anishinaabe (honesty, love, courage, truth, wisdom, humility, and respect) guide her in all that she does and keeps her grounded in the goals she sets. Her citizenship of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe centers her responsibility to Others and her work toward the advancement of Indigenous businesses and people. Veronica and her husband live within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Reservation where they raise(d) their four children and niece.

"MNIBA is an organization that seems to be consistent with my beliefs about Indigenous business, practices, and the ability to improve the Indigenous nations of our region and beyond. The work that MNIBA has done is passionate, respectful, and responsible, all characteristics that I admire and with which I seek to align myself. I am so happy to be accepted onto the board and honored to be able to work on a board that is truly active in the advancement of Indigenous entrepreneurs and transforming lives." - Veronica Veaux

Shanne Soulier

Board Chair

Driven to help promote the prosperity of his community, Shanne Soulier founded Big Spirit,a full-service marketing firm that takes a consultative approach to crafting communications strategies, collateral, ads and promotional products.

In his role as CEO, Shanne builds brand initiatives, coordinates multi-channel programs, and helps lead evolving PR campaigns. He’s been a key player in the development of merchandise and retail lines that created unique revenue streams for his growing list of clients. –All while ensuring the company stays Native American owned-and-operated, in honor of his membership in the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Besides serving on the board of the Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance, he also brings financial literacy to school-aged children through his work with Junior achievement of the Midwest.

“A large part of my personal and business mission is to foster and promote the growth and prosperity of our people and the communities we live in. Serving as a board member, I can be part of key initiatives that make a real impact. It also allows me to connect, partner and build alliances with other visionaries, entrepreneurs, key partners and leaders in the Native community who share similar goals.” – Shanne Soulier

Planning Tools

Getting Started

Getting started is never easy, but we’ve found some helpful resources. 

Building Native Industry Institute

Online training for artisans, construction, retail, and traditional foods with focus on starting a business, growing a business, business management, finance and marketing. Requires registration.

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Bplans

Business Planning Tools- Largest repository of info on creating a business plan, the first step of any small business. Their sample plans are a great starting point.

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Shopify Tools

Free Business Tools for both offline & online businesses. Shopify offers useful tools for various phases of running and growing a small business.

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Minnesota Trade Office

Links to the Minnesota Trade Office and Export Services

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Native Learning Center

Native Learning Center offers FREE courses and online training to Native and Indigenous people with an emphasis on the educational needs of tribal members and their communities.

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Native Workplace

Green Career Pathways for American Indians & Veterans

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The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)- Dedicated to developing American Indian economic self-sufficiency through business ownership.

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SBA Smart Toolkit

The SBA Business Smart Toolkit is a ready-to-use workshop toolkit developed jointly by National Association for Government Guaranteed Lenders and SBA. The workshop lays the groundwork for helping new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch a business idea and understand the steps to building a business that is credit ready.

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Small Business Administration

links to programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed.

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