Do you need help with the logistics of establishing your business on the Navajo Nation? Answer these questions to get a customized checklist on how to register your business, how to apply for a business site lease, and eligibility for Navajo Preference Certification. 1. About You First Name * Last Name * Phone Number * Email Address We will use this address to send you a summary of the steps needed for you to start doing business. Tribal Affiliation * I live * On the reservation Off the reservation What is your current or preferred business structure? For help with choosing a business structure, you can refer to our Business Structure Guide to get descriptions, pros, and cons of each option. Sole Proprietorship LLC L3C C-Corp or S-Corp 2. Navajo Nation Business RegistrationRegistering your business is a requirement for all businesses in the US as well as those operating on the Navajo Nation. When you register you become recognized as an official business that pays taxes, can apply for a business loan with financial institutions, apply for various certifications, and more. When you register on the Navajo Nation, you become liable for local taxes for all transactions on the Navajo Nation and are able to apply for permits and certifications (if eligible) regardless of whether or not you are based on the Navajo Nation. Is your business currently registered with the Navajo Nation? No Yes Are you starting a new business or do you have a business that is already registered with a US State? New Business Registered with a State Where on the Navajo Nation will your business be located? Note that if you are running your business from your home on the Navajo Nation, the town/community where your home is based is considered your business location. For example, if you sew custom bags from your home in White Cone, your business location is White Cone, Arizona. Kayenta Tuba City Other town on the Navajo Nation Not on the Navajo Nation Will you make business transactions in other areas/communities around the reservation? For example, if you run a catering business in Kayenta, but travel to other parts of the reservation to cater events, you are making transactions outside of your city. Yes No 3. Navajo Preference CertificationThe Navajo Business Opportunity Act gives certified Navajo-owned businesses priority in the bid for government projects. Businesses get certified according to the following classification system: Priority #1 and Priority #2. Navajo Preference Certification was created to benefit Navajo-owned and Native American-owned businesses and therefore only select businesses are eligible. Certification is not a requirement for any business, however if you are eligible and want to apply for contracts with the Navajo Nation government it is highly recommended. You must be registered on the Navajo Nation in order to apply for certification. Answer the questions below to determine your eligibility. Do you intend to pursue contracts with the Navajo Nation government? If you are not pursuing contracts, there is no advantage to applying for Navajo Preference Certification. Yes No Is the majority of your business Navajo-owned? If you are Navajo / Dine’ and own 100% of your business, or if Navajo / Dine’ partners own more than 51% of a business, it is eligible for Priority One or Priority Two Navajo Preference Certification. Yes No Which best describes the ownership of your business? 100% Navajo owned 51-99% Navajo owned 51-100% Native American (non-Navajo) Is your business applying for Construction Contracting (for general contractors, special trades, and subcontractors) or for Professional Services? Construction Professional 4. Business Site LeaseBecause the Navajo Nation is sovereign, individuals and companies are not allowed to purchase land on the reservation. If you want to build and maintain a physical structure on Navajo land you must apply for a Business Site Lease. If you plan to run a business from your home on the Navajo Nation, depending on the nature of your business (web-based vs. consulting vs. retail) you may be required to apply for a Business Site Lease. Note that you can convert your existing Home Site Lease to a Business Site Lease. Answer the questions below to determine whether or not you need a business site lease and the options available to you. Will you run your business from your home on the Navajo Nation? For example, if you sew custom bags from your home in White Cone, you have a home-based business. Yes No Do you need to lease commercial or industrial space on the Navajo Nation? A physical structure could include retail space or plans to construct a building for your business. If you do not need a physical structure on the Navajo Nation, you do not need to pursue a business site lease. Yes No
