Cherokee Nation Renews Partnership with The Strategy Group to Deliver One-on-One Technical Assistance to Native-Owned Small Businesses

“Our mission is to strengthen Cherokee-owned businesses by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and confidence they need to grow.” — Cherokee Nation Commerce Services

TAHLEQUAH, OK and Owasso, OK/ November 25, 2025 — The Strategy Group is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with Cherokee Nation Commerce Services to deliver one-on-one technical assistance to Cherokee-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs through the Cherokee Nation Small Business Assistance Center (SBAC).

The Strategy Group has supported Cherokee Nation since 2021, working alongside tribal leadership to expand economic growth, strengthen business capacity, and empower Cherokee entrepreneurs across the Nation.

Led by CEO Johnie Johnson, a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, The Strategy Group employs several Native Americans who play a critical role in delivering high-quality technical assistance and advancing the firm’s mission in Indian Country. The company was recently recognized as the 2024 TERO Certified Native American-Owned Business Consulting Firm of the Year, highlighting its commitment to excellence and community impact.

Expanded Technical Assistance Services Through this renewed contract, The Strategy Group will continue providing customized support to Cherokee-owned businesses in the following key areas:

Accounting & Financial Services: Digitizing financial systems, improving bookkeeping practices, and supporting the use of financial tools such as QuickBooks.

Financial Advisory & Capital Strategy: Building banking relationships, identifying capital sources, navigating programs such as SSBCI, and preparing bankable financial models and business plans.

Business Planning & Strategic Growth: Supporting entrepreneurs with strategic planning, marketing development, operational improvements, and long-term sustainability planning.

Program Launch and Engagement The Strategy Group will participate in upcoming workshops and one-on-one sessions at the Innovation Hub in the Cort Mall in Tahlequah, OK, giving Cherokee entrepreneurs access to expert guidance and a clear pathway to available services.

“This continued partnership reflects our dedication to the Cherokee people and to Indian Country as a whole,” said Johnie Johnson, CEO of The Strategy Group. “As a Cherokee citizen, it is both an honor and a responsibility to serve our Nation’s entrepreneurs. Our Native American team members bring invaluable cultural understanding and expertise to this work, and we are grateful for Cherokee Nation’s continued confidence in our firm since 2021.”

Cherokee Nation leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic opportunity across the reservation and beyond.

“Since 2010, Cherokee Nation has invested millions in small businesses, creating thousands of community-based jobs,” Cherokee Nation leadership noted. “Partnerships with trusted Native-owned firms like The Strategy Group ensure our entrepreneurs have the tools, expertise, and support needed to build strong, thriving businesses.”

Cherokee Nation citizens or Cherokee-owned businesses seeking one-on-one technical assistance may contact Lillian Thrasher at lillian-thrasher@cherokee.org or apply through the Cherokee Nation SBAC portal.

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About The Strategy Group

The Strategy Group is a Certified Native American-Owned consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, financial advisory, business coaching, and technical assistance services for Tribal Nations, small businesses, and economic development organizations. Engaged with the Cherokee Nation since 2021, the firm proudly employs several Native Americans and was named the 2024 TERO Certified Native American-Owned Business Consulting Firm of the Year. The Strategy Group is committed to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening economic ecosystems across Indian Country.

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Media Contact

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