The Native Entrepreneurial Program at the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA) is a hands-on business development program designed to assist Native entrepreneurs move from idea to launch to growth. Built from the ground up in partnership with Tribal communities, the Program blends practical skill-building—like business planning, marketing, finance, and sales—with maker bootcamps, creative projects, and space to integrate values and community into each venture. Participants receive coaching, mentorship, and access to tools and resources that demystify entrepreneurship and make it feel achievable, not abstract. Whether someone is starting a side hustle, formalizing a home-based business, or scaling an existing enterprise, the Program is focused on one thing: equipping Native business owners with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to build sustainable, community-strengthening businesses.

 

Shawn McElhinney assists Native entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses. As the creator and lead of the Entrepreneurial Program at the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA), he has built more than workshops — he’s built momentum. From murals and incubator spaces to tech initiatives and business workshops, Shawn designs programs where creativity, and business strategy reinforce each other. He’s known for clear writing, precise thinking, and values-driven leadership. At every stage, his focus is the same: turning sparks of potential into practical pathways for Native business owners to grow, thrive, and lead.