CHANDLER, AZ – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) joined Project Dream Catcher alumni, tribal leaders, and community partners at a special gathering celebrating 10 years of the program’s impact at the Sheraton Grand at Wildhorse Pass in Chandler, AZ.
Fourteen cohorts of Native women entrepreneurs have completed the program since its beginning, creating a powerful network of business leaders, mentors, and innovators. IGA Chairman David Z. Bean was invited to speak at the event, which honored the graduates and the many memories and accomplishments they have built together.
Project Dream Catcher is a free business development program created by the Thunderbird School of Global Management in partnership with Arizona State University and Freeport McMoRan. It is designed to support Native American women from Arizona tribes who are building or expanding their own businesses. Over the last decade, it has become one of the most meaningful and successful programs supporting Indigenous women in the business world.
Chairman Bean spoke about the strong connection between tribal government gaming and the economic strength many tribal nations now enjoy. He shared that gaming revenues have enabled tribes to invest in education, workforce development, and small business growth, helping more Native women step forward as business owners in fields ranging from agriculture and tourism to technology, media, design, and professional services.
“Tribal government gaming opened the door for many of our nations to build long-term economic strength,” said Chairman Bean. “Because of that foundation, Indigenous women are leading companies and shaping tribal economies in ways that lift entire communities. Their success is living proof of what our sovereignty makes possible.”
He congratulated the more than 350 graduates who have passed through Project Dream Catcher and acknowledged the dedication of the program’s founders and organizers. He also spoke about the importance of supporting Native women and young people, noting that women continue to face income gaps and barriers that must be addressed with real action and continued investment.
“When we talk about economic empowerment, we are talking about lifting our whole community,” he said. “Native women have always held our families and cultures together. When we give Native women in business the tools they deserve, we strengthen our tribal nations in every way.”
Chairman Bean also highlighted IGA’s plans to launch a new effort to connect tribal enterprises, associate members, and Native-owned businesses. The goal is to strengthen partnerships and open more doors for Native entrepreneurs, particularly women seeking broader markets and stronger support systems.
“I believe that when the tide comes in, every boat should rise,” said Chairman Bean. “Whether your community is large or small, every Native business deserves a chance to grow. When one succeeds, we all move forward together.”
The celebration honored 10 years of leadership, relationship-building, and success stories. Chairman Bean noted that the Indian Gaming Association will continue supporting programs that advance tribal economic diversification and self-determination and will stand behind the women whose businesses help shape the future of Indian Country.
“Our work is about creating healthy, thriving tribal economies,” he said. “Project Dream Catcher has changed lives for 10 years and created hundreds of success stories. We are proud to support this program and all the women who have made it what it is today.”
