Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) has been awarded a $240,000 grant. This grant marks NCAIED as the first recipient of the Native American Trade Expansion Program from SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs. The initiative aims to bolster economic growth and create trade opportunities for Native American-owned small businesses.
SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman highlighted the administration's commitment to increasing economic opportunities for tribal communities, stating: “The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to increasing economic opportunities for tribal communities and creating pathways for the more than 340,000 Native American and Indigenous small business owners in the U.S.” She emphasized that this new program will aid entrepreneurs in reaching international markets.
The SBA acknowledged NCAIED's role in supporting American Indian entrepreneurs and its dedication to promoting economic development within Native American communities. The NATEP grant will enable NCAIED to offer resources, training, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Native American enterprises.
In Hawaii, representatives from SBA, NCAIED, key stakeholders, and community leaders gathered to formally present the award. NCAIED President and CEO Chris James expressed enthusiasm about receiving the pilot award: “This recognition further validates our ongoing efforts to empower Native American entrepreneurs and promote economic self-sufficiency.”
With this funding, NCAIED plans to support Native small businesses by facilitating participation in foreign trade missions, reverse trade missions/shows with foreign buyers in the U.S., commerce subscription services from the U.S. Commercial Service, trade show exhibitions, export training workshops, foreign market sales trips, website translation services including search engine optimization and localization as well as international marketing media design.
The SBA continues its mission of empowering small business owners through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with various organizations. For more information on their programs and services visit www.sba.gov.