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Targeted grant programs exist designed to assist Native Americans in establishing or expanding small business enterprises. Typically, in order to obtain this type of funding, an individual must be enrolled with a tribal nation. Enrollment means that the individual officially is recognized as a member of a Native American tribe.
U.S. Department of Commerce
The U.S. Department of Commerce maintains a variety of different grant programs for minority populations, including Native Americans. The most common type of program that provides Native American small business grants is what best is described as "zone grant funding." Through this type of grant program, the Department of Commerce establishes a geographic area in need of economic assistance and enhancement. For example, a particular Native American reservation may be established as an economic zone targeted for grant assistance. A local agency is provided grant funding directly from the Department of Commerce. In turn, the local agency provides pass-through grant funding to individual Native American small businesses in the established economic development zone.
Specific Tribal Grants
Primarily as a result of gaming revenue generated on Native American tribal lands as well as mineral leases in some states (particularly Alaska), tribal grants are available to Native American small businesses. These grant programs are administered by local tribal governments. Tribal-sponsored small business grant programs tend to be receptive to a wide range of business concepts provided the owner is enrolled in the tribe and will employ other tribe members.
Native American Business Enterprise Centers
American Business Enterprise Centers are established each year in different parts of the country, including Native American tribal lands. These centers target economically disadvantaged areas with comprehensive financial assistance, including targeted grants to minority-owned business enterprises, including businesses owned by Native Americans.
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a wide range of loans and grants to individuals interested in establishing or expanding businesses of all types. The funding available through the SBA includes minority grant programs, including programs designed to serve Native American entrepreneurs. The SBA defines a minority-owned business as being one that is controlled by an individual part of a recognized minority group (essentially any population segment in the United States other than white males).
Tags: Native American, grant programs, Department Commerce, American small, grant funding, Native Americans, small business
