Navajo business owners, growers, and producers interested in selling their products at Bashas’ Family of Stores will have the chance to learn about partnering with the grocer during the inaugural Vendor Summit. This event, presented in partnership with the Dineh Chamber of Commerce and Diné College, will take place on August 7th at the Diné College campus in Tsaile, Arizona.
During the summit, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Bashas’ buyers and learn about the unique processes and critical components required to become a valued vendor partner. Prospective vendors will also hear directly from Bashas’ leadership and experts from Change Labs, which provides entrepreneurial resources and support. Additional breakout sessions will cover essential business development topics such as product launch, distribution, and food safety and regulation.
Representatives from St. Mary’s Food Bank’s Tribal Food Box will also be present to share details about their culturally relevant food distribution program and their ability to purchase directly from local grocers and producers to supply their food boxes. Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees. Since opening its first Diné Market over 40 years ago, Bashas’ has been a collaborative member of the Navajo Nation, supporting community programs and partnerships. This first-ever vendor summit aims to connect directly with Navajo-owned businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and economic development. The event provides a clear path for Navajo vendors to reach more buyers and build their business with a trusted partner.
Pre-registration is required, with no day-of or walk-up registrations offered. Spaces are limited, with registration capped at 100 attendees. Interested participants can register online at bit.ly/BashasVendorSummit. The event will be held from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona.
Bashas’ is one of the few non-Native-American retailers with stores on the Navajo Nation. In 1982, Bashas’ opened its first reservation store in Chinle, followed by stores in Tuba City in 1983, Kayenta in 1985, Window Rock in 1989, Crownpoint, New Mexico, in 1990, Pinon in 1993, and Dilkon in 2002. An eighth store in Sanders opened in 2018, and the ninth location opened in 2021 in Shiprock, New Mexico.
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