LAS VEGAS - Richard Pugh, a Cherokee and small-business owner from Fremont, Calif., came here this week to meet with some of the nation's top corporate leaders during the largest economic development summit in Indian Country.

"It's been a super conference," Pugh, the CEO of Reliable Delivery Systems, a transportation company, said Thursday. "I recommend anyone in small business to attend the conference. It's a great opportunity to promote your business and do business with these companies. Even if you don't get the work, you get your name out there."

Welcome to Res2007, the longest-running business and trade fair in the United States, organized annually by the Mesa, Ariz.-based National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, or NCAIED. The four-day event ended Thursday.

Scott Gregory, vice president of NCAIED, said networking opportunities are one of the main attractions that draw thousands of people to the summit, which was held at the Las Vegas Hilton, and where representatives of corporate America, the federal government and small businesses spent time mingling, meeting and making deals.

The economic summit has proved a popular event since it began 21 years ago as a way to help Indian entrepreneurs connect with big business and get established in the world of federal contracting.

This year's conference focused on creating sustainable economies. Participants packed into rooms to listen to business experts extol the dangers and virtues of doing business in a global society. An accompanying trade show amassed 300 exhibitors, ranging from information technology companies to youth magazines.

"This started out in 1987 as a brown bag lunch," said Gregory. "If they got 30 or 40 people there, they thought they were doing good. Today, we have 2,500 people here."

The growth in attendance mirrors the dramatic changes taking place in Indian economies and communities, driven by the gambling industry and entrepreneurs representing tribes, and individuals from urban and reservation communities across the nation.

American Indians had a purchasing power of $19 billion at the close of the 1990s, according to a University of Georgia study. In a 2005 follow-up study, the economic purchasing power of Indian people had leaped to $34.8 billion.

Res2007 leaders aim to keep those numbers growing.

"The main purpose and mission of the national center … is the development of the American Indian private sector," said Gregory. " 'Res' is one of the ways we fill our mission. Annually, we help our Indian businesses procure a half-billion dollars."

Despite growth, Indian business owners still face some crucial barriers, said Steven Preston, administrator for the Small Business Administration, who spoke to participants during a summit luncheon.

"We make sure we reach those communities that need our help the most," Preston told the audience. "With that objective in mind, I appreciate the theme of this year's conference."

Even though the SBA is the largest single financial backer for the nation's small businesses, Indians still lack access to the financial capital needed to get their businesses going or to keep them growing, he said, acknowledging that banks make few loans.

Another key area of the SBA is to provide business owners with technical assistance and contracting opportunities under the 8(a) Business Development program, which helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete and enter the federal contracting market. The program has its weaknesses.

"I know the 8(a) certification process can be cumbersome and frustrating," he said. "We need to fix the 8(a) process."

His comments drew applause.

Preston also acknowledged the hurdles Indian business owners face, including lack of capital. A good source for funding hasn't been found yet, he said.

Still, the national center has an increasing number of success stories built upon business owners who figured out how to overcome a challenge.

Meanwhile, men like Steven Powell, of Browning, Mont., and Gerard Kipp, of Fort Hall, Idaho, are focused on the next generation of entrepreneurs. Both teach financial literacy to youth through the Native American Community Development Corp.

They understand that the growth of tribal economies begins with young people. Powell and Kipp find their work in schools rewarding.

"It instills pride," said Powell. "When they graduate from high school, they have a solid understanding of banking. Ten years ago, they were all scared to walk into a bank."

(Reporter Jodi Rave can be reached at 800-366-7186 or at jodi.rave@;lee.net.)