The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a new funding opportunity for Native American-owned small businesses under the pilot Native American Trade Expansion Program (NATEP). The program, introduced by Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, aims to provide up to $240,000 in grants to support the expansion of exporting opportunities for these businesses. Proposals must be submitted by July 31, no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT.
"Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA has remained committed to increasing economic opportunities for tribal communities and creating pathways to entrepreneurship for Native American and Indigenous small business owners," said Administrator Guzman. "With the launch of the Native American Trade Expansion Program, we can help Native American entrepreneurs grow their businesses through exports abroad."
The SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) established this initiative to ensure that Native American-owned small businesses have full access to development and expansion tools available through SBA programs.
To qualify for this funding opportunity, organizations must meet several criteria:
- Be located in or near Tribal lands or primarily serve Native American-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Be a for-profit or non-profit entity.
- Have been operational for at least three years.
- Possess substantive experience with issues related to the Native American population and small businesses.
- Demonstrate a track record of providing assistance to Native American small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Selected eligible small businesses will receive up to $240,000 over a 24-month project period. These funds are intended to support participation in foreign trade missions, foreign market sales trips, website and product translation, and international marketing media design. Applicants must allocate at least 85% of their proposed federal award directly toward benefiting New-to-Export Native small businesses (NTE) and Market Expansion Native small businesses (ME).
Applications must be submitted via www.Grants.gov by July 31 and include a cover letter, technical proposal, budget information, certifications, forms and assurances, along with attachments and exhibits.
For more information about this grant opportunity, visit the SBA's official website.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As a resource backed by the federal government, it empowers entrepreneurs with support needed to start, grow, expand their businesses or recover from disasters. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. For more details, visit www.sba.gov.