Native American-owned businesses are indispensable to their communities. In addition to creating jobs and growing economies, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian small business owners advance indigenous entrepreneurship and tribal self-preservation. These local contributions are emblematic of a much broader impact: Nationwide, Native American entrepreneurs own approximately 402,582 businesses, employ 307,933 workers, and generate $66.9 billion in sales.
This Native American Heritage Month, learn about resources that help Native-owned businesses use start, grow, and expand.
- Free technical assistance. Through its Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA), the SBA offers no-cost technical assistance for a variety of business types. Participating businesses receive access to training sessions and webinars covering a multitude of topics, including marketing, human resources, government contracting, and more.
- Empowerment workshops. ONAA also fields empowerment workshops that are designed for both Native-owned businesses and non-native businesses partnering with Native individuals, tribes, and communities. Free workshops like Sister Sky, Inc. consist of culturally appropriate curricula and provide webinars, real-time instruction, peer networking, and technical assistance.
- Financing solutions. The SBA partners with lenders to help increase small business access to loans. SBA-guaranteed loans reduce lender risk, making it easier for entrepreneurs to get the funding they need. 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans carry competitive terms and often come with unique benefits such as lower down payments.
- Contracting opportunities. Socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners can find assistance through the 8(a) Business Development program, which allows certified firms to compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts, pursue mentorship through the SBA Mentor-Protégé program, receive federal surplus property, and more. For businesses interested in selling their products and services to the government, there are opportunities through the System for Award Management. Register at SAM.gov.
Visit sba.gov/naa to learn more and follow @nativeSBA for updates.