Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Small and emerging businesses generate wealth and provide a significant source of employment in many communities. In Tribal communities, these businesses are vital in supporting community and cultural identity. It is important for Tribal economic development strategies to dedicate resources to developing and promoting new business start-ups and establishing effective support systems so businesses can grow successfully. Below are tools and resources to help Tribal communities meet the needs of their entrepreneurs.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA is the federal agency fully dedicated to small businesses and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise. Typically, the SBA does not award grants to assist small businesses but rather provides assistance through loans. The Office of Native American Affairs’ (Small Business Administration Office of Native American Affairs) goal is to promote and support Native American entrepreneurs through outreach activities including Tribal consultations and participation in national economic development conferences. ONAA provides entrepreneurial empowerment workshops through contracted consultants RedWind and Sister Sky, Inc.

INDIANPRENEURSHIP® Training

ONABEN designed a robust training curriculum that incorporates indigenous values and traditional entrepreneurship training. The Indianpreneurship® curriculum is based on principles and a philosophy that has grown out of efforts of people who are committed to helping Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people take advantage of the opportunities inherent in entrepreneurship.

Other Resources for Starting a Small Business:

• Small Business Development Center
• Minority Business Development Agency
• Native Learning Center

Access to Capital

Access to capital is one of the top needs for starting a business.  How you choose to fund your business could affect how you structure and run your business. There are many government programs to help but there are also other programs to consider.  Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can help.  CDFIs in the USET Region include:

• Four Directions Development Corporation
• Seneca Nation of Indians Economic Development Company
• Sequoyah Fund

Visit the Native CDFI Network’s website to learn more about Native CDFIs in your region.

Initiatives and Calls to Actions

Are you a USET member Tribal citizen and have a small business? We would love to hear from you! Please contact Rebecca Naragon or complete our spotlight questionnaire.

Spotlight on Small Businesses

Nation citizen entrepreneurship is an important element in supporting the growth of self-sustaining Tribal Nation economies, communities, and families. Entrepreneurship can help establish economic independence on Tirbal Nation homelands.  And having entrepreneurial diversity strengthened the business landscape of the diversity of technology and innovation.