Entrepreneurship Testimonials

Digital Media and Marketing Basics Program

American Indian Business Enterprise (AIBE) at New Mexico State University in collaboration with Indian Resources Development and New Mexico Community Capital for the Digital Media & Marketing Basics program designed to build a solid foundation to grow digital media skills and build a personal marketing plan for success. Participants learn the tools to effectively conceptualize, plan and implement their marketing goals and media ideas through hands-on learning experiences with a community of peers and mentors.

May 2021
Joshua Archuleta
Josh Archuleta owner and head chef of the El Roi Cafe in represents Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, he plans to share food that are close to his culture and his identity as a New Mexican while also creating jobs for youth. Josh shares,

“The presentations and mentors in the classes are super helpful, especially in the creative ways of marketing and getting your business out there.”

Josh and wife Fabby, and business partner learned to navigate social media platforms to help spread the word of their newly established cafe. The El Roi team also received support from his peers such as Tsosie a digital designer has assisted in merch production and other development in media presence. The El Roi Cafe  is located in downtown Albuquerque at 616 Lomas Blvd NW, and famous for their green chili burger.

Archuleta posing in front of building

September 2021
Danielle Suazo
Danielle Suazo owner and operator of Shundine’s food stand and Shundine’s cosmetics joined AIBE in 2021. Suazo’s shares that since joining AIBE and connecting with NMCC for the Digital Media and Marketing Cohort, she’s began evolving her logo, she looks to add more detail and meaning to her company logo,

“I am so thankful that I am able to take part in this opportunity, being able to access mentors that understand my background and my culture is awesome.”

Danielle shares, she’s been offered support from peers such as Gray and Tsosie, from previous cohort, they have experience in digital design. Suazo also has gained confidence in marketing her business both on and offline, you can catch her at any local ABQ popup show or arts market throughout the year.

Native American Sprint

Arrowhead Accelerators (Sprints) support entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and financing in a virtual, cohort-based setting. The mission is to level the playing field for all high-growth entrepreneurs particularly those who are underserved in all places in order to create stronger communities, close the opportunity gap and scale successful business.

Rochelle Garcia
Owner of Blue Corn Custom Designs LLC, she represents the Fallen Paiute- Shoshone Tribe, Navajo Nation and Tohono O’odham Nation. Mrs. Garcia joined AIBE in early 2021, with BCCD running on online platform Etsy. During her time in the AIBE cohorts she’s managed to expand her business both online and in person. Rochelle shares,

“It’s an honor in being selected to participate in the AIBE cohorts, the growth I feel puts a new kick in my walk and makes me feel a bit taller, the stipend will be put to good use the new laptop, and the extra incentives will definitely go far.”

Since participating in the cohorts, she has formed her LLC, expanded her business to museums, grown her online presents, collaborated with others of the AIBE network, and has been mentioned in various news outlets. BCCD is known for their specialized organic blue corn cookies, corn husk flowers and centerpieces which contain elements from Indigenous culture and lifestyle, elements are known to fulfill one with warmth and beauty.



Cherylin Atcitty
Cherylin Atcitty represents the Taos Pueblo and Navajo Nation and is the owner of Atcitty Art Gallery in Taos, New Mexico and also the brains of the soon to be Blue Roan Environmental Consulting LLC (BREC). BREC plans to facilitate expert assessment and advisory services for projects and clients on in hopes to increase the management of the environmental issues on tribal land.

“I am glad that I was able to participate in the cohort, I’ve learned valuable information that is useful in both my businesses. I have continued to put my dreams of establishing a consulting firm on hold, but now with completing the cohorts and receiving the help it seems at reach.”