At NACIA, our Growth Capital Program isn’t just about helping Native entrepreneurs raise money—it’s about building futures rooted in culture, sovereignty, and community. One of our standout participants, Bernina Gray, is doing just that. As the founder of nDigitize and visionary behind the Béeso platform, Bernina is on a mission to create digital and financial tools that empower Indigenous entrepreneurs without compromising cultural identity. Her journey so far offers a powerful reflection of what’s possible when values lead the way.
For Bernina Gray, the first session of NACIA’s Growth Capital Program delivered something deeper than strategy or financial insights—it delivered affirmation.
“It was empowering to be in a space where Native entrepreneurs weren’t being asked to compromise their values for access to funding,” she shared. “Instead, we were supported in building economic systems rooted in our own ways of being.”
This idea lies at the heart of Bernina’s work with nDigitize, a digital innovation firm that centers Indigenous perspectives. From storytelling to technology, nDigitize helps Native entrepreneurs and businesses amplify their presence in an increasingly digitized world—while staying grounded in culture.
Among the company’s most promising ventures is Béeso, a culturally informed payment and lending solution built specifically for Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. Leveraging blockchain for cultural protection and offering SMS-enabled financial access, Béeso addresses the real infrastructure gaps many Native communities face. For Bernina, this is about more than tech—it’s about sovereignty.
“I’m committed to developing tech-driven solutions that promote cultural preservation, economic sovereignty, and intergenerational wealth,” she explains.
NACIA’s mission to support Indigenous-led innovation aligns closely with Bernina’s goals. Through the Growth Capital Program, she’s refining her vision and building toward scale—but on her terms. That means preserving the integrity of cultural frameworks while ensuring financial models serve community well-being, not just profit margins.
“By the end of this program, I hope to walk away with a clear, investable growth strategy that honors Indigenous values,” she says.
Bernina’s journey is a clear reminder that capital and culture don’t have to be at odds. With the right ecosystem—like the one NACIA is creating—Native entrepreneurs can thrive while staying rooted in who they are.