ABOUT US
The Initiative is now beginning its service component of providing "Business
Development Services" to any American Indian in the State needing assistance
in starting or expanding their business enterprise.
In March 2006, the Initiative hired a new Executive Director/Chief Operating
Officer. Tony Hayes is a North Carolina native who currently resides in
Hillsborough NC. He is married, has two daughters and one grandson. He
spent over 25 successful years in the private sector, working in management
and executive level positions with small/large Fortune Companies. He sits on
several boards/councils and is the Ex-Tribal Chairman for the Occaneechi
Tribe.
The Initiative employed Mr. Byron Jones of Red Springs, NC as its newest
Business Development Specialist in May 2006. Byron has an extensive
background in small business with expertise in Finance, Accounting, and
Human Resources Management. He has spent his entire career in the
private sector and understands the demands of small businesses. Mr. Jones
is excited to be a part of this organization and looks forward to the
continued success of NCIEDI.
Assistance that will be provided will include business plan development,
feasibility studies, market analysis, breakeven calculation, equity
requirements for loans, credit analysis and repair, and referrals to credit
institutions that most closely meet the needs of the prospective business
owner. At this time, the Initiative does not have a direct lending service,
but does have an extensive list of business lending and credit sources.
Christina Strickland Theodorou is the Economic Development Specialist for NCIEDI.
A graduate of UNC-Pembroke, Christina has12 years experience advocating for and working with American Indian populations in North Carolina. Having grown up in Charlotte, North Carolina in a family of small business owners, Christina has a deep rooted sense of utilizing available state and local resources. In mobilizing the social, economic and political engines of North Carolina, Christina believes it necessary that American Indian Enterprises be a viable part of the State’s Economic Development. The native populations of North Carolina are a vital voice in the economic standing of the state. By taking the vision of NCIEDI, Christina hopes to use her experiences in research to achieve greater heights in Indian economic development, and expand the horizon of economic gain for the American Indian in North Carolina, as well as the Global Economy.
Anyone needing assistance should contact the Initiative Office, by
telephone at 910-486-6555, or by email at nicole.taylor@nciedi.org or byron.jones@nciedi.org. After initial contact, a visit will be scheduled to
begin the assistance process.
North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative, Inc.
PO Box 87044 • Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: (910) 486-6555 • Fax: (910) 860-0555
E-mail: nicole.taylor@nciedi.org
Office Location: 2715 Breezewood Drive, Ste. D
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