The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is building its future by supporting citizen‑owned businesses and diversifying revenue beyond gaming. The tribe’s Economic Development Department states that its mission is to diversify the tribe’s economy and generate new revenue apart from the casinos for the benefit of tribal members. To achieve that goal, the tribe identifies, plans and implements new investments, including business start‑ups and partnerships, and encourages business growth both on and off the reservation. Empowering tribal citizens to become entrepreneurs is therefore an essential part of the community’s long‑term economic health.
Why Native Small Businesses Matter
Small businesses have always been the economic backbone of Indigenous communities. Historically, Native peoples engaged in local and inter‑tribal trade networks where everyone—from artisans and food harvesters to tool makers—contributed to the wellbeing of the community. Colonization disrupted those systems, but tribes today are reviving this entrepreneurial spirit. When tribal citizens own and operate businesses, income circulates within the community, creating jobs, role models, and a more resilient local economy. Native‑owned enterprises also align business practices with cultural values, ensuring that growth happens on the tribe’s terms rather than being imposed from outside.
For the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, small businesses are part of a broader strategy to diversify income streams. The tribal government oversees the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation (PYDC), a Section 17 corporation that invests in businesses under its umbrella. PYDC’s mission is “to develop successful businesses that will diversify and strengthen the tribal economy” and to invest in business opportunities that support the health and welfare of Pascua Yaqui people In addition to large ventures like construction and real estate, the tribe encourages individual entrepreneurs to start businesses through training, financing and licensing programs.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Starting a Business on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation
- Research and choose a business idea. Successful ventures start with a problem worth solving. Talk with community members about unmet needs (for example, healthy food, childcare, digital services or cultural arts) and research competitors in Tucson and the wider region. Remember that your business should complement rather than compete with existing tribal enterprises.
- Write a business plan. A solid plan clarifies your mission, target customers, products or services, pricing, marketing strategy and financial projections. The tribe’s community development program offers financial literacy and business development services, and the PYDC career pivot center plans to provide training in construction trades and property management. Use these resources or templates available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to refine your plan.
- Choose a legal structure. Decide whether you will operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. Each structure affects liability, taxation and control. Many tribal entrepreneurs begin as sole proprietors and later incorporate when the business grows. Consult with the tribal legal department or a lawyer experienced in Indian law to understand how federal, state and tribal laws apply.
- Obtain a tribal business license. The Pascua Yaqui Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) processes tribal business licenses. TERO’s mission is to ensure employers operating on the reservation give preference to qualified tribal citizens in employment and contracting. Its services include enforcing Indian preference, processing tribal business licenses and maintaining a tribal wage scale. You must complete the application, provide identification, pay the licensing fee and comply with any insurance or bonding requirements. Once issued, your license must be renewed annually. The business license is separate from vendor permits required for tribal events.
- Register with state and federal agencies. Even though you operate on tribal land, you may still need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and, depending on your activities, state tax licences. Check with the Arizona Department of Revenue about transaction privilege tax and with the Internal Revenue Service regarding federal taxes. If you plan to sell products online, register with the Arizona Department of Commerce for remote seller compliance.
- Secure financing. Financing options include personal savings, family capital, tribal grants, and loans from Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). PYDC invests in business opportunities on behalf of the tribe. You can also apply for micro‑loans through regional CDFIs or the SBA. Some entrepreneurs self‑finance initially and then apply for grants like the EDA’s Indigenous Communities Program, which recently awarded a multimillion‑dollar grant to build a workforce development center for the Pascua Yaqui community.
- Find a business location. Determine whether your enterprise requires a storefront, office or can be home‑based. If you need land or commercial space on the reservation, work with the tribe’s real estate office. PYDC’s real estate management division manages commercial properties for the tribe and might offer leasing opportunities. For off‑reservation operations, follow Pima County zoning rules.
- Set up bookkeeping and bank accounts. Open a business bank account separate from personal accounts. Implement bookkeeping software or hire a professional to track income, expenses and taxes. Accurate records are essential for obtaining loans and for demonstrating compliance with tribal, state and federal regulations.
- Hire and train employees under Indian preference. Under TERO, employers on Pascua Yaqui lands must give preference to qualified Indians in employment, contracting and subcontracting. Provide job descriptions, fair wages and training so employees can grow with the company. Hiring tribal members keeps money circulating locally.
- Market your business. Develop a brand that reflects Yaqui values. Use digital tools—such as a professional website, social media and e‑commerce platforms—to reach customers beyond the reservation. Consider listing your business in the tribe’s business directory and participating in local markets and powwows. For online marketing skills, take digital literacy or e‑commerce courses offered by regional universities or CDFIs.
- Continuously build your skills. Take advantage of the tribe’s financial literacy and business development workshops, as well as courses through colleges and professional associations. The more you learn about accounting, marketing and digital tools, the better positioned your business will be.
Helpful Resources
- Pascua Yaqui Economic Development Department: Contact 520‑879‑6379 or visit the department’s page to learn about business start‑up support and diversification efforts.
- Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO): Processes business licenses, enforces Indian preference and maintains wage scales.
- Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation (PYDC): Invests in tribal enterprises and hosts subsidiaries like Sonoran Pueblo Contracting and PYDC Real Estate Management.
- Community Development Programs: Offers financial literacy and business development workshops for tribal members.
- Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): Provide loans and technical assistance to Native entrepreneurs. Examples include Native CDFI Network and Partnership With Native Americans.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Free resources and counselling for business planning and financing.
Understanding the mechanics of business start‑up is only one part of your entrepreneurial journey. To learn how to use digital tools to market your products, connect with customers and manage finances effectively, enroll in the Native Wealth Activator course. This online program is designed specifically for Native entrepreneurs and offers hands‑on training in the digital landscape. Native Wealth Activator course <!– please replace {{link_here}} with the actual course link when publishing –>.
Understanding the mechanics of business start‑up is only one part of your entrepreneurial journey. To learn how to use digital tools to market your products, connect with customers and manage finances effectively, enroll in the Native Wealth Activator course. This online program is designed specifically for Native entrepreneurs and offers hands‑on training in the digital landscape. Native Wealth Activator course
Starting on the reservation keeps economic benefits within the tribe and aligns your business with tribal sovereignty. You may have access to tribal programs, lower start‑up costs and a supportive customer base, while still being able to sell beyond the reservation.
Yes. The tribe requires all businesses operating on tribal lands—including seasonal vendors—to obtain a business license through TERO. Temporary vendor permits may have different fees and duration than annual licenses.
Fees vary depending on the type of business, number of employees and duration of the licence. Contact TERO at 520‑879‑5669 for current rates.
Yes, but tribal members receive preference in licensing and contracting. Non‑members must still comply with TERO requirements and may face additional permitting steps.
Options include personal savings, the tribe’s loan programs, Native CDFIs, SBA microloans and grants. Some entrepreneurs also partner with tribal corporations like PYDC for equity investment.
Tribal businesses may be exempt from certain state taxes when operating on reservation land, but transaction privilege taxes, federal taxes and tribal taxes may apply. Consult a tax professional with experience in tribal enterprises.
Indian preference applies to qualified tribal members first. Once preference is fulfilled, you may hire non‑Native workers. Ensure equal pay and comply with all tribal and federal labor laws.
The community development program offers financial literacy and business development training. PYDC plans to host construction apprenticeships and property management training. Other partners, such as local colleges, offer online entrepreneurship and digital marketing courses.
Absolutely. An online store broadens your market. Ensure you collect appropriate sales taxes and comply with state and federal regulations for e‑commerce. The Native Wealth Activator course teaches digital marketing strategies and e‑commerce basics.
Start by writing down your idea and researching whether there is demand for your product or service. Then contact the Pascua Yaqui Economic Development Department for guidance and attend a financial literacy workshop to build your skills.