Solution Overview & Team Lead Details

Our Organization

nDigitize

What is the name of your solution?

Béeso (Money) Mobile

Provide a one-line summary of your solution.

Béeso Mobile: SMS payment app for Navajo Nation, integrates blockchain, empowers artisans, preserves culture, and promotes financial literacy.

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

In what country is your solution team headquartered?

  • United States

What type of organization is your solution team?

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

What specific problem are you solving?

Limited Access to Traditional Banking Services: Béeso Mobile bridges the gap caused by the limited access to traditional banking services in remote and rural areas of the Navajo Nation. By offering a platform for financial transactions via SMS, it enables Navajo individuals to conduct banking activities conveniently from their mobile devices, overcoming geographical barriers and the scarcity of physical bank branches and ATMs.

High Transaction Costs: Béeso Mobile provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional financial services by minimizing transaction costs. Through simple SMS commands, users can perform transactions without incurring excessive fees, thus preserving more of their income. This affordability aspect is especially beneficial for low-income Navajo residents who may be disproportionately impacted by high transaction fees.

Limited Economic Opportunities: Béeso Mobile catalyzes economic empowerment within the Navajo Nation by facilitating financial transactions and access to essential services. By providing a platform for Navajo artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to showcase and sell their products and services, it expands their market reach and enhances their income potential. This contributes to broader economic growth and prosperity within the Navajo community.

Lack of Financial Transparency and Accountability: Through the integration of blockchain technology for government payments, Béeso Mobile ensures transparency, integrity, and accountability in financial transactions, particularly within governmental entities. The decentralized and immutable ledger system provided by blockchain minimizes the risk of fraud or mismanagement of public funds, fostering trust and confidence among Navajo citizens in the governance of financial resources.

Cultural Disconnection and Healing: Béeso Mobile recognizes the historical trauma incurred by the Navajo Nation in its relationship with money and finances. Over generations, colonial policies and economic exploitation have contributed to a disconnection from traditional values surrounding wealth and prosperity. By incorporating culturally relevant features and content, Béeso Mobile aims to not only preserve and promote Navajo culture and identity but also facilitate healing and reconciliation with money. Through collaboration with local stakeholders and community leaders, the app provides a platform for Navajo individuals to reclaim their financial sovereignty and empower future generations. By leveraging technology to strengthen cultural ties and foster economic self-determination, Béeso Mobile becomes a vehicle for restoring dignity, resilience, and a sense of empowerment within the Navajo community.

In summary, Béeso Mobile addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by the Navajo Nation by providing a secure, convenient, and culturally sensitive platform for financial transactions. Through its innovative approach, Béeso Mobile not only promotes financial inclusion and economic empowerment but also contributes to the preservation and celebration of Navajo culture and identity.

What is your solution?

Béeso Mobile is a groundbreaking mobile payment application designed specifically for the Navajo Nation, addressing multifaceted challenges of financial inclusion, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and financial literacy.

At its core, Béeso Mobile offers a secure, convenient, and accessible platform for financial transactions, leveraging the ubiquity of mobile phones and SMS technology. Users can perform various transactions, including sending money, paying bills, and accessing essential services, all through simple SMS commands on their mobile devices. This bypasses the need for traditional banking infrastructure, ensuring that Navajo individuals, regardless of their location or access to physical bank branches and ATMs, can manage their finances effectively.

Moreover, Béeso Mobile integrates blockchain technology for government payments, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial transactions, particularly within governmental entities. This minimizes the risk of fraud or mismanagement of public funds, fostering trust and confidence among Navajo citizens in the management of financial resources.

In addition to its financial functionalities, Béeso Mobile serves as a digital marketplace for Navajo artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services. Users can create profiles highlighting their skills and offerings, promoting economic growth and preserving Navajo culture by showcasing traditional crafts and indigenous knowledge.

Furthermore, Béeso Mobile facilitates transactions between off-reservation Navajo tribal family members and those living on the reservation, enabling easy money transfers to support loved ones financially and strengthen community bonds across geographical boundaries.

Additionally, Béeso Mobile offers educational resources on financial management presented in culturally friendly terms. Through interactive modules and guides, users can learn essential financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, and investing, tailored to Navajo traditions and values. This promotes financial literacy and empowers users to make informed financial decisions that support their individual and community well-being.

In summary, Béeso Mobile represents a holistic solution that leverages technology to overcome barriers and foster positive change within the Navajo community. By providing a comprehensive platform for financial transactions, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and financial education, Béeso Mobile empowers Navajo individuals to reclaim sovereignty over their finances, preserve cultural heritage, and build a prosperous future for generations to come.

Which Indigenous community(s) does your solution benefit? In what ways will your solution benefit this community?

Béeso Mobile, primarily benefits the Navajo Nation, the largest Indigenous community in the United States, spanning across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Here's how Béeso Mobile benefits this community:

Financial Inclusion: Béeso Mobile addresses the issue of financial exclusion by providing a secure and accessible platform for financial transactions. Many Navajo individuals, especially those in remote and rural areas, face challenges in accessing traditional banking services. Béeso Mobile ensures that Navajo residents, regardless of their location, can access essential financial services directly from their mobile devices, thereby promoting financial inclusion within the community.

Economic Empowerment: By offering a digital marketplace for Navajo artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services, Béeso Mobile stimulates economic growth within the Navajo Nation. This platform provides opportunities for local businesses to reach a wider audience and expand their market reach, fostering economic empowerment and prosperity within the community.

Cultural Preservation: Béeso Mobile incorporates culturally relevant features and content, ensuring that the platform resonates with Navajo individuals and reflects their unique heritage. By showcasing traditional crafts, indigenous knowledge, and cultural practices, Béeso Mobile contributes to the preservation and promotion of Navajo culture and identity, strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of cultural pride and resilience.

Financial Literacy: Béeso Mobile offers educational resources on financial management presented in culturally-friendly terms. By providing interactive modules and guides tailored to Navajo traditions and values, Béeso Mobile promotes financial literacy within the community. Users can learn essential financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, and investing, empowering them to make informed financial decisions that support their individual and community well-being.

Intercommunity Connectivity: Béeso Mobile facilitates transactions between off-reservation Navajo tribal family members and those living on the reservation, enabling easy money transfers to support loved ones financially and strengthen community bonds across geographical boundaries. This promotes intercommunity connectivity and solidarity, fostering stronger familial ties and social cohesion within the Navajo community.

Overall, Béeso Mobile benefits the Navajo Nation by addressing critical challenges of financial exclusion, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and financial literacy. By providing a comprehensive platform that integrates technology with cultural sensitivity, Béeso Mobile empowers Navajo individuals to reclaim sovereignty over their finances, preserve cultural heritage, and build a prosperous future for generations to come.

How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver Béeso Mobile because of our profound connection to the Navajo Nation and our firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by its residents. As the Team Lead, I grew up in Lukachukai, Arizona, deep within the Navajo Nation, during a time when internet access was scarce, with the local college being the sole connection point, now Diné College. This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for the barriers to technological access and financial literacy prevalent in our community.

During my childhood, I witnessed the pervasive lack of awareness about the value of money and the prevalence of predatory lending practices within our community. These experiences fueled my commitment to addressing financial inequities and empowering Navajo individuals to navigate the complex financial landscape effectively.

Further insights emerged during my enrollment in a for-profit college, shedding light on the systemic issues surrounding access to fair financial services. Personal experiences revealed the challenges of accessing banking services and capital for entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly due to the inability to secure loans against land allotments, common assets among Navajo families.

My involvement in the Rematriating Economies initiative exposed me to the trauma associated with money within Indigenous communities. Participation in Trauma of Money training underscored the importance of establishing a healthy relationship with money and inspired my dedication to developing solutions that empower individuals to reclaim financial sovereignty.

Living in close proximity to the reservation and frequently visiting home, I remain intimately connected to the daily challenges faced by Navajo individuals. This proximity allows me to stay attuned to the needs and aspirations of the community, ensuring that our solution, Béeso Mobile, is rooted in the lived experiences and priorities of the Navajo people.

Moreover, drawing inspiration from the success of M-Pesa in Africa, I am determined to leverage technology to create a similar transformative impact for the Navajo Nation. By building Béeso Mobile, I aim to provide a user-friendly platform that streamlines financial transactions, facilitates government payments, and fosters economic empowerment within our community.

Our team's approach to designing and implementing Béeso Mobile will be deeply informed by community input, ideas, and agendas. We will actively engage with community members through consultations, focus groups, and feedback sessions to ensure that the solution meets their specific needs and preferences. By centering community voices in the development process, we are committed to delivering a solution that truly serves and empowers the Navajo Nation.

In addition, our solution will scale beautifully due to an initiative on the Navajo Nation to Boost Broadband Connectivity. This initiative will enhance internet access across the reservation, facilitating widespread adoption of Béeso Mobile and maximizing its impact on financial inclusion and economic empowerment within the Navajo community.

In summary, our team's proximity to the Navajo community, firsthand experiences, and dedication to addressing financial inequities uniquely position us to design and deliver Béeso Mobile—a transformative solution that promotes financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation within the Navajo Nation.

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Advance community-driven digital sovereignty initiatives in Indigenous communities, including the ethical use of AI, machine learning, and data technologies.

Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?

  • 1. No Poverty
  • 4. Quality Education
  • 5. Gender Equality
  • 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
  • 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
  • 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • 10. Reduced Inequalities
  • 17. Partnerships for the Goals

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Concept

Please share details about why you selected the stage above.

We have not yet built or tested a functional prototype, our project represents a carefully researched concept inspired by the success of M-Pesa in Africa. Our focus has been on understanding the unique needs and challenges of the Navajo community and developing a solution that has the potential to promote financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation within the Navajo Nation.

Why are you applying to Solve?

Our project, Béeso Mobile, faces several barriers that we hope Solve can help us overcome in order to advance our solution and maximize its impact within the Navajo community.

Financial barriers: Securing funding is crucial for the development and implementation of Béeso Mobile. We aim to leverage Solve's network to connect with potential investors, philanthropic organizations, and impact investors who share our vision of empowering Indigenous communities through technology-driven solutions. With financial support, we can accelerate the development of Béeso Mobile and ensure its accessibility to all members of the Navajo Nation.

Technical barriers: Developing a robust and user-friendly mobile payment platform requires expertise in software development, mobile technology, and cybersecurity. Solve can assist us in connecting with technical experts and mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout the development process. By leveraging Solve's network, we can access the necessary technical resources and expertise to overcome technical challenges and ensure the successful implementation of Béeso Mobile.

Legal barriers: Navigating regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in the financial technology sector can be complex, particularly within Indigenous communities. Solve can help us navigate these legal barriers by connecting us with legal experts who specialize in financial regulation and Indigenous law. By ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and legal frameworks, we can mitigate legal risks and create a regulatory environment conducive to the adoption of Béeso Mobile.

Market barriers: Introducing a new financial technology solution into the market requires careful market analysis and strategic planning. Solve can assist us in conducting market research, identifying target demographics, and developing a go-to-market strategy for Béeso Mobile. By leveraging Solve's expertise in market analysis and strategy development, we can effectively position Béeso Mobile within the competitive landscape and maximize its adoption and impact within the Navajo community.

Overall, we believe that Solve's network and resources can help us overcome these barriers and advance the development and implementation of Béeso Mobile. Our goal is not only to raise funds but also to access the support, expertise, and partnerships necessary to realize our vision of empowering the Navajo community through technology and innovation. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Solve and leverage its platform to create positive change within Indigenous communities.

In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?

  • Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
  • Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
  • Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
  • Legal or Regulatory Matters
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
  • Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
  • Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)

Who is the Team Lead for your solution?

Bernina Gray

Please indicate the tribal affiliation of your Team Lead.

Diné (Navajo)

How is your Team Lead connected to the community or communities in which your project is based?

Our Team Lead, myself, has deep-rooted connections to the Navajo community, which is the focal point of our project, Béeso Mobile. Growing up in Lukachukai, Arizona, within the heart of the Navajo Nation, I experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the community. My upbringing instilled in me a profound understanding of Navajo culture, values, and traditions, which serves as a foundation for our project.

Additionally, I maintain close ties to the Navajo community through frequent visits and ongoing engagement with local stakeholders, community leaders, and residents. These connections enable me to stay attuned to the evolving needs and aspirations of the community, ensuring that our project remains responsive to the priorities of the Navajo people.

Furthermore, my involvement in initiatives such as Rematriating Economies and participation in Trauma of Money training reflects my commitment to addressing systemic issues and promoting economic empowerment within Indigenous communities. These experiences have equipped me with valuable insights and perspectives that inform our project's approach and strategies.

Overall, my deep personal connections, cultural understanding, and ongoing engagement with the Navajo community underscore my commitment to creating positive change and advancing the well-being of Indigenous peoples through Béeso Mobile.

More About Your Solution

What makes your solution innovative?

Béeso Mobile represents a novel approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Navajo Nation, offering a comprehensive solution that integrates financial inclusion, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and technological innovation in a unique and impactful way.

Firstly, Béeso Mobile leverages the ubiquity of mobile phones and SMS technology to provide a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for financial transactions. By enabling Navajo individuals to conduct banking activities directly from their mobile devices, Béeso Mobile overcomes geographical barriers and the scarcity of traditional banking infrastructure, ensuring that all members of the Navajo community, regardless of their location, have access to essential financial services.

Moreover, Béeso Mobile integrates blockchain technology for government payments, ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in financial transactions, particularly within governmental entities. This innovative feature minimizes the risk of fraud or mismanagement of public funds, fostering trust and confidence among Navajo citizens in the governance of financial resources.

Additionally, Béeso Mobile serves as a digital marketplace for Navajo artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services. By providing a platform for local businesses to reach a wider audience and expand their market reach, Béeso Mobile stimulates economic growth within the Navajo Nation, fostering entrepreneurship and prosperity within the community.

Furthermore, Béeso Mobile offers educational resources on financial management presented in culturally-friendly terms. Through interactive modules and guides tailored to Navajo traditions and values, Béeso Mobile promotes financial literacy within the community, empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions that support their individual and community well-being.

Béeso Mobile has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts within the financial inclusion and economic empowerment space. By demonstrating the effectiveness of mobile-based financial solutions in addressing the unique needs of Indigenous communities, Béeso Mobile could inspire similar initiatives in other Indigenous communities facing similar challenges. This could lead to a more widespread adoption of innovative financial technologies and approaches tailored to the specific cultural and economic contexts of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

Moreover, Béeso Mobile has the potential to change the market landscape by challenging traditional notions of banking and financial services delivery. As mobile technology continues to proliferate and gain prominence as a tool for financial inclusion, Béeso Mobile could disrupt the dominance of traditional banking institutions and pave the way for more inclusive and accessible financial systems that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities.

In summary, Béeso Mobile represents a paradigm shift in how financial services are delivered and accessed within the Navajo community, offering a holistic solution that addresses the root causes of financial exclusion and economic marginalization. Through its innovative approach, Béeso Mobile has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts within the financial inclusion space and change the market landscape by promoting more inclusive and equitable financial systems for Indigenous communities worldwide.

Describe in simple terms how and why you expect your solution to have an impact on the problem.

Our theory of change for Béeso Mobile is grounded in the recognition of the interconnected barriers to financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation within the Navajo community. By addressing these barriers through a holistic approach, we expect our solution to have a significant impact on the problem at hand.

Activities: Béeso Mobile will provide a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for financial transactions, leveraging mobile technology and SMS commands. We will integrate blockchain technology for government payments and offer educational resources on financial management tailored to Navajo traditions and values.
Immediate Outputs: Through our activities, we will establish the infrastructure and functionality of Béeso Mobile, including the development of the mobile application, integration of blockchain technology, and creation of educational content. These outputs will be tangible deliverables that form the foundation of our solution.
Short-term Outcomes: As a result of our activities, we anticipate several short-term outcomes:
Increased access to financial services: Navajo individuals will have access to essential financial services directly from their mobile devices, overcoming geographical barriers and the scarcity of traditional banking infrastructure.
Improved transparency and accountability: The integration of blockchain technology for government payments will ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability in financial transactions, fostering trust among Navajo citizens in the governance of financial resources.
Enhanced financial literacy: The provision of educational resources on financial management will empower Navajo individuals to make informed financial decisions that support their individual and community well-being.
Long-term Outcomes: Building on the short-term outcomes, we expect several long-term outcomes:
Economic empowerment: By providing a platform for Navajo artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services, Béeso Mobile will stimulate economic growth within the Navajo Nation, fostering entrepreneurship and prosperity within the community.
Cultural preservation: The incorporation of culturally relevant features and content will contribute to the preservation and promotion of Navajo culture and identity, strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of cultural pride and resilience.
Broader social impact: Béeso Mobile has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts within the financial inclusion space and change the market landscape by promoting more inclusive and equitable financial systems for Indigenous communities worldwide.
Our theory of change is informed by research into best practices in mobile banking, blockchain technology, and financial literacy education. By addressing the root causes of financial exclusion and economic marginalization through a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach, we believe that Béeso Mobile has the potential to create lasting positive change within the Navajo community and beyond.

What are your impact goals for your solution and how are you measuring your progress towards them?

Our impact goals for Béeso Mobile are focused on achieving measurable improvements in financial inclusion, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and technological innovation within the Navajo community. These impact goals guide all aspects of our work and serve as the foundation for assessing our progress and effectiveness.

Financial Inclusion: Our goal is to increase access to essential financial services for Navajo individuals, particularly those in remote and rural areas with limited access to traditional banking infrastructure. We aim to measure our progress towards this goal by tracking the number of users accessing financial services through Béeso Mobile, including transactions conducted, bills paid, and government payments received.
Economic Empowerment: We seek to stimulate economic growth within the Navajo Nation by providing a platform for Navajo artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services. To measure our progress, we will monitor the number of businesses and artisans participating in the Béeso Mobile marketplace, as well as their sales and revenue generated through the platform.
Cultural Preservation: Our goal is to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Navajo culture and identity through culturally relevant features and content integrated into Béeso Mobile. We will assess our progress by conducting surveys and interviews to gauge user satisfaction with the cultural elements of the platform and their perceived impact on cultural preservation and community cohesion.
Technological Innovation: Béeso Mobile represents a novel approach to addressing the financial needs of the Navajo community through mobile technology and blockchain integration. To measure our progress in driving technological innovation, we will track the adoption and usage of Béeso Mobile among Navajo individuals, as well as feedback on the usability and effectiveness of the platform's technological features.
In addition to these specific impact goals, we are committed to aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are relevant to our solution. For example, our work directly contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

To effectively measure our progress towards these impact goals, we will utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators, including user metrics, financial data, user feedback surveys, and interviews with community members. By regularly monitoring and evaluating our progress, we can adapt our approach as needed to maximize our impact and achieve our goals of empowering the Navajo community through Béeso Mobile.

Describe the core technology that powers your solution.

The core technology that powers Béeso Mobile is a combination of mobile application development, SMS technology, and blockchain integration. These technologies work together to create a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for financial transactions and community empowerment within the Navajo Nation.

Mobile Application Development: Béeso Mobile is primarily accessed through a mobile application, which is designed to run on smartphones and tablets commonly used by Navajo individuals. The application provides a simple and intuitive interface for users to perform various financial transactions, including sending money, paying bills, and accessing government payments. Our development team utilizes modern software development frameworks and languages, such as React Native and JavaScript, to ensure compatibility across different mobile platforms and devices.
SMS Technology: In addition to the mobile application, Béeso Mobile also leverages SMS technology to enable users to perform financial transactions through simple text commands. This approach caters to individuals who may not have access to smartphones or reliable internet connectivity, particularly in remote and rural areas of the Navajo Nation. By allowing transactions to be initiated and completed via SMS, Béeso Mobile ensures that all members of the community can access essential financial services conveniently and securely.
Blockchain Integration: Béeso Mobile integrates blockchain technology for government payments, ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in financial transactions, particularly within governmental entities. Blockchain provides a decentralized and immutable ledger system that minimizes the risk of fraud or mismanagement of public funds, fostering trust and confidence among Navajo citizens in the governance of financial resources. Our solution utilizes existing blockchain platforms or may involve the development of custom blockchain solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Navajo community.
Cultural Sensitivity and Community Engagement: Beyond the core technological components, Béeso Mobile also incorporates culturally relevant features and content to resonate with Navajo individuals and reflect their unique heritage. This includes language localization, imagery, and symbols that honor Navajo traditions and values. Additionally, community engagement plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of Béeso Mobile, ensuring that the solution is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Navajo people.
In summary, Béeso Mobile harnesses the power of modern technology, including mobile application development, SMS technology, and blockchain integration, to address the financial challenges faced by the Navajo community. By combining these technological innovations with cultural sensitivity and community engagement, Béeso Mobile seeks to empower Navajo individuals to reclaim sovereignty over their finances and build a prosperous future for generations to come.

Which of the following categories best describes your solution?

A new application of an existing technology

Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:

  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
  • Blockchain
  • GIS and Geospatial Technology
  • Software and Mobile Applications

In which parts of the US and/or Canada do you currently operate?

nDigitize operates in the southwest region of the Unites States but has served Indigenous entrepreneurs as far as Minnesota and Montana.

Which, if any, additional parts of the US or Canada will you be operating in within the next year?

Not applicable. 

Your Team

How many people work on your solution team?

Currently, I am the sole member working on the Béeso Mobile solution. As I continue to develop the project, I plan to build a team consisting of full-time and part-time staff, as well as contractors or other workers as needed. The exact number of team members will depend on the project's scope and requirements, with a focus on assembling a diverse and skilled team to effectively implement and scale Béeso Mobile.

How long have you been working on your solution?

I have been researching my solution for a year, since April 2023. 

Tell us about how you ensure that your team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our team is a fundamental priority for Béeso Mobile. We recognize that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are essential for driving innovation and creating meaningful impact within the Navajo community and beyond.

To achieve our DEI goals, we are committed to the following principles:

Diverse Leadership Team: As the founder of Béeso Mobile, I am dedicated to fostering a leadership team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We prioritize recruiting team members from a variety of backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our team has established specific goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. These goals include increasing representation of underrepresented groups within our team, fostering a culture of belonging and inclusion, and addressing systemic barriers that may prevent marginalized individuals from fully participating in our organization.
Actions Taken: To achieve our DEI goals, we have implemented several actions and initiatives:
Actively recruiting and hiring team members from underrepresented groups through targeted outreach and partnerships with organizations that focus on diversity and inclusion.
Providing ongoing diversity and inclusion training for all team members to raise awareness of unconscious biases, promote cultural competence, and foster a more inclusive work environment.
Establishing clear channels for reporting and addressing instances of discrimination, harassment, or bias, and ensuring that all team members feel safe and supported in their work environment.
Creating opportunities for professional development and advancement for all team members, regardless of background or identity, to ensure equitable access to opportunities for growth and leadership.
Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members by:
Celebrating and valuing diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions.
Providing platforms for open dialogue and collaboration, where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and perspectives without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and mutual support, where all team members feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
In summary, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values that guide our team's culture and operations. By prioritizing DEI within our organization, we believe that we can build a stronger, more innovative team and create a more impactful solution for the Navajo community.

Your Business Model & Funding

What is your business model?

As Béeso Mobile is still in the early stages of development, we are in the process of defining our business model to ensure that we provide value to the Navajo community both in terms of impact and revenue. Our business model will be designed to align with our mission of promoting financial inclusion, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and technological innovation within the Navajo Nation.

Key components of our business model may include:

Value Proposition: Our primary value proposition is to provide a secure, accessible, and culturally sensitive platform for financial transactions and community empowerment tailored to the needs of the Navajo community.
Customer Segments: Our key customers and beneficiaries include:
Navajo individuals, particularly those in remote and rural areas with limited access to traditional banking services.
Navajo artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses seeking to showcase and sell their products and services.
Governmental entities and organizations involved in providing financial services and support to the Navajo community.
Products or Services: Béeso Mobile will offer a range of products and services, including:
Mobile application for financial transactions: Users can send money, pay bills, access government payments, and participate in the digital marketplace.
Educational resources on financial management: Interactive modules and guides tailored to Navajo traditions and values.
Blockchain integration for government payments: Ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in financial transactions.
Revenue Streams: We will explore various revenue streams to sustain the operation and growth of Béeso Mobile, including:
Transaction fees: Charges for certain financial transactions conducted through the platform.
Subscription model: Premium features or content available through a subscription-based model.
Partnerships and collaborations: Revenue-sharing agreements with government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations.
Distribution Channels: Béeso Mobile will be distributed through mobile app stores, direct marketing efforts, partnerships with local organizations and businesses, and community outreach initiatives.
Cost Structure: Our cost structure will include expenses related to software development, maintenance and support, marketing and promotion, customer service, and partnerships.
As we continue to develop and refine our business model, we will prioritize transparency, sustainability, and alignment with the needs and values of the Navajo community. We will also seek feedback from community members, stakeholders, and experts to ensure that our business model effectively addresses the challenges and opportunities within the Navajo Nation.

Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, to other organizations, or to the government?

Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)

What is your plan for becoming financially sustainable, and what evidence can you provide that this plan has been successful so far?

Béeso Mobile's plan for financial sustainability encompasses a multifaceted approach that leverages diverse revenue streams and strategic partnerships. Our goal is to ensure that our revenue streams cover our expected expenses and support the long-term growth and impact of our solution within the Navajo community.

Transaction Fees: One key revenue stream for Béeso Mobile is transaction fees generated from financial transactions conducted through our platform. These fees will be charged for services such as money transfers, bill payments, and marketplace transactions. By monetizing these transactions, we can generate consistent revenue based on the usage of our platform.
Subscription Models: We plan to offer premium features or content through subscription models, providing users with enhanced functionality or exclusive access to certain services in exchange for a subscription fee. This will create additional revenue opportunities while providing users with value-added services tailored to their needs.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Strategic partnerships and collaborations with government agencies, Native-owned CDFIs, financial institutions, and other organizations represent another significant revenue stream for Béeso Mobile. These partnerships may involve revenue-sharing agreements, service contracts, sponsorships, or joint ventures that provide financial support in exchange for access to our platform or specialized services.
Investment Funding: In the long term, we may seek investment funding from impact investors, venture capitalists, or philanthropic organizations to support the scalability and expansion of Béeso Mobile. Investment funding can provide the capital needed to accelerate growth, develop new features, and reach a wider audience.

In summary, Béeso Mobile's plan for financial sustainability revolves around diversifying revenue streams, building strategic partnerships, and potentially securing investment funding to ensure the long-term viability and impact of our solution within the Navajo community and beyond.

Solution Team

  • Bernina Gray CEO/Founder, nDigitize
 
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