As part of Northwest Native Chamber’s Food Pathways Program, this webinar will equip food and agriculture entrepreneurs with foundational financial knowledge to prepare for capital access. Join Akiptan’s Senior Program Officer Dawn LeBeau and Loan Officer Sarah Frelsi as they walk through Akiptan’s lending model and break down how to read and understand a balance sheet—an essential tool for loan readiness and sustainable business growth. Whether you’re growing a food brand, managing livestock, or cultivating land, this session will help you take the next step in your business journey.
About the Facilitators
Dawn E. “Dawnee” LeBeau is a member of the Oóhenuŋpa Itázipačola Tetoŋwaŋ bands of the Lakota Nation. She resides on the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation in South Dakota with her Tios’paye (family). Dawn E. has been with the Akiptan team as the Program Officer since June of 2021. Her role is to lead the development of Akiptan’s programs, while working intricately with the Executive Director and program team to manage and expand the services and programs that Akiptan offers.
Dawn E. holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Social Science. She has served as a fellow with First Peoples Fund for the Artist in Business Leadership and Cultural Capital Fellowships; the South Dakota Change Network; the Creative Community Leadership Institute; and as a fellow with Native Arts and Culture Foundation. Dawn E. has also served as a mentee with the Seed Seva Mentorship, the Native Food and Culinary Mentorship and as a Master Gardener and Home Horticulture member with the SDSU Extension Master Gardener Program.
Sarah Frelsi lives on the Pine Ridge Reservation and helps run a multi-generation cow-calf operation with her husband and their daughter. She is originally from Wyoming where she attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science and Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Business in 2018. Sarah worked at a Native Owned federal credit union as a loan and collection specialist before joining Akiptan, Inc, and has been an ag loan officer there for 2 and a half years. She believes that agriculture is the single most important industry to any community, and giving ag producers the support they need will not only help their businesses but also strengthen their communities.
