DreamCatcher

Investing in the Power of Native American Women Entrepreneurs

Overview

Project DreamCatcher is a business development program offered at no cost to Native American women entrepreneurs. The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation created Project DreamCatcher in partnership with Thunderbird School of Global Management to build the capacity of women business owners from Arizona tribes.

April 2025 cohort application is open!

Apply here!

Please note the following timeline for the Spring 2025 cohort:

  • Application deadline: Sunday, March 9, 2025 
  • Finalists notified: March 10 - 15, 2025
  • Finalist Interviews (scheduled by invitation): March 17 - 21, 2025
  • Participants notified: March 24 - 28, 2025
  • Program dates: April 13 - 18, 2025 

Eligible participants must be an enrolled member of one of the qualifying Tribal Nations which include Hualapai Tribe, Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe and Tohono O’odham Nation. While priority will be given to participants from these five tribes, enrolled members of these additional Tribal Nations are also eligible which include Ak-Chin Indian Community, Fort Sill Apache Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Hopi Tribe, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Tonto Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe and Zuni Pueblo.

Project Dreamcatcher logo.

Group of DreamCatcher program participants with their degrees in hand.

Activities include

  • MBA-level business classes taught by Thunderbird faculty
  • Coaching/advising sessions
  • Networking activities
  • New skills and confidence to start or grow your own business

Requirements

  • Registration with one of the eligible Tribal Nations
  • Own a business or have an idea for a business
  • Commit to continued communication and quarterly check-ins to share progress
A group of Dreamcatcher participants holding the flags for their tribes.

Build confidence, start or grow your business and be part of the DreamCatcher network.