Small businesses in today’s world tend to collapse due to a lack of adequate finances to keep the business running. Over the years in America, Native Americans who own small businesses are in need of grants to facilitate their business. On the other hand, Native Americans do not know how to apply for Native American small business grants. There are Certain federal government grants given to Native Americans to help them start up or grow their businesses. But not everyone in the country will be able to get these grants, there are different ways in which people qualify for Native American small business grants.
This article will be giving tips on Native American small business grants and will also serve as a guide on how to get Federal and State government grants for your small business so long as you are a Native of America.
Native American Small business Grant
Are you a Native American who has a small business but still looking for a grant to start up or grow your business? There are numerous grants put in place by the American government to help people get the necessary funding they need.
Both state and Federal governments give grants to Native American small business owners. Grants are free money given by the government which is not expected to be paid back.
John F. Kennedy’s once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. Governments’ grants for Native American small business is not just for anyone. it is mainly for those who are able and are willing to contribute in some way to the public good.
However, starting a new business can be very challenging. It takes guts and determination, but as an entrepreneur you already have them. But what you may not have is capital. So how can you get access to these grants?
Let us discuss some of these grants and ways to apply for them. shall we?
Native American Federal Grant
The U.S. Federal Government gives out over $300 billion each year to qualified persons who know about the existence of the grant programs. And also only to those who are aware of the federal program requirements and application procedures.
They say knowledge is power, likewise as a Native American small business owner, you need to be aware of the Federal grants available to you.
We will be discussing a number of these Federal grants, their objectives, qualifications, and deadlines.
Title VI Federal Guarantees for Financing Tribal Housing Activities
This is one of the federal grants given to Native Americans. The Federal agency managing these programs are Public and Indian housing, the office of Native American Programs, the office of a loan guarantee, and the department of housing.
Their major objective is to assist the Native Americans to obtain financing for affordable housing activities. where an obligation cannot be completed without such a guarantee.
Deadlines:
Luckily, this grant program has no deadline.
Qualification
The applicant must be a Federally recognized Native American or TDHE that is either a beneficiary or recipient of Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) funds.
Native American Employment And Training
The Employment And Training Administration, Department of Labour is the Federal agency in charge of this program. Their major objective is to support employment and training activities for Indians, and Alaska Natives.
Other objectives are to develop more fully the academic, occupational, and literacy skills of such individuals.
To also make such individuals more competitive in the workforce. To promote the economic and social development of the communities in accordance with the goals and values of such communities.
Qualifications
An independently eligible grantee must be a Native American entity that has a governing body (for new grantees).
Deadlines:
The Notices of intent to apply for a grant are due by October 1 of every odd-numbered year. Designation decisions are made by March 1 of the following even-numbered year.
Rural Business Development Grants
This grant is for small business owners operating in an area under 50000 population density. The rural business development grants are sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. The program is mainly for small businesses with smaller funding needs. The granting amount usually ranges from $10000 to $50000.
Eligibility
For the Native American small business owner to qualify for this grant, aside from your business plan. You must show that your small business creates jobs. And are in line with the local economic development priorities.
Deadline:
Not specified
Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Grant;
Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) helps small businesses weigh their risks mainly to determine whether a project is worth pursuing. It also empowers them to make informed decisions about their economic futures. The Department of Indian Affairs is the federal agency in charge of this grant.
They have resources for Native Americans looking to open businesses in their communities. They can also foster communication between small businesses and government agencies
The Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program
This program offers grants to assist small businesses to perform research and development that addresses the nation’s most critical scientific and engineering needs.
They also encourage small businesses to engage in Federal research and development with the potential for commercialization.
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
The most important role of this program is to bridge the gap between the performance of basic science and the commercialization of resulting innovations
Other Federal Government grants are
- Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant
- New Mexico Regional Development Corporation Grant
- Wind River Startup Challenge
- StreetShares Foundation
Government Grants For Native American Small business
The state governments also give grants to Native American small businesses to support them and by so doing make the state better. These are some of the grants given by the state government.
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) —
For more than four decades, the NCAIED has been providing resources for Native American small businesses.
The primary goal of the NCAIED is to develop businesses and work with these businesses to staff them with other Native Americans. They also provide other resources the businesses need to continue to grow and excel.
Small Business Administration – Business Guide for Native American-Owned Businesses
The major objective of this program is to provide technical assistance and training for Native American small business owners who often face unique challenges. Some of the assistance includes workshops, training for government contracts, and partnership opportunities with non-Native American businesses.
American Indian Business Associations (AIBA) :
Their major objective is to help you easily identify opportunities for mentoring, and business development workshops. It also offers several guides to developing a strong business plan.
First Nations Grant Seeker Resources
First Nations resources are not only for business resources but also resources to help develop better partnerships inside every community.
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
The objectives of these programs include working on business and economic development issues. They also protect the legal rights of business owners.
NCAI provides a vital source of advocacy and leadership for Native American communities at the state and national levels.
How To Apply For Native American Small business?
One thing you should ask yourself. As a Native American, how can I apply for these small business grants? Am I to walk to the president’s office and say “Mr. President sir, I am a Native American. I have a small business so you must give me this grant. Here is my account number”.
Hell no… you already know what the outcome will be obvious.
So there are ways and steps to follow on how to get these grants.
- Make a business plan: Most grants usually ask for a business plan. Without a business plan, you cannot apply for a Native American small business grant.
- See what companies have been funded in the past: This will help you in identifying if other businesses in your line of trade were given these grants.it will serve as a sign of hope.
- Consider Professional help: if you want a grant that usually requires a well-written business plan or cover letter. It is advisable to get professional help.
- Do not wait for the last minutes: it is always good to start early. Most grant programs require you to get certain documentation.
- Apply for every grant that comes your way: Do not just apply for only one or two grants. You might not get them. It is advisable to apply for as many as possible.
Native American Small business Grant Tips
As mentioned earlier in the introduction, I will be giving out some tips on getting a Native American small business grant.
Here are some tips on how to get more grants:
- Make sure that the time spent in applying for the grant is actually worth the grant amount.
- Make sure you look for New grants opportunities
- Try to provide specific numbers on how the grants will be used and how they will also help
- Always double-check your grammar and spelling
- Try sure you are eligible for the grants before spending your time on an application
- Read over the individual application instructions for each grant. Some are similar, but few are the exact same.
- When mentioning your small business castor revenue, always try o be realistic
- Try to submit your application early, it gives you an edge over the others.
- Back up your claims with credible citations.
Conclusion
On the whole, as a Native American small business owner, you really need to be abreast of the grants available to you.
Applying for a grant is a competitive process in which many small businesses apply, but only a few are chosen. A cover letter, table of contents, executive summary, statement of need, project description, goals/objectives, methods/timelines, and staffing are all required by grant-awarding agencies. You must be able to draft a grant proposal that demonstrates your passion for your group and describes the ways in which the grant money will benefit your business. It is critical that you thoroughly read each grant application and follow the requirements.
While small business grants are often small and difficult to come by, whatever free money or in-kind services you can get will help your business thrive.
The greatest place to begin your search is within your own tribe. You might start with your tribe’s economic development department and then talk to your tribal council to see if there are any additional programs available inside the tribe. Next, look into the programs available through your local or state’s economic development department.
Other national grant programs are provided by private corporations and foundations.
Native American Small Business Grants FAQs
Can you get a grant for being Native American?
Both state and Federal governments give grants to Native American small business owners. Grants are free money given by the government which is not expected to be paid back.
What grants are available for Native American?
- Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) …
National Tribal Broadband Grant (NTBG) …
Living Languages Grant Program (LLGP) … - Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) …
- Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant.
1 comment
BUENOS DÍAS, NUESTRA EMPRESA OFRECE ASISTENCIA FINANCIERA A QUIENES QUIERAN FINANCIAR SU NEGOCIO PRIVADO Y CON FINES AGRÍCOLAS.
NUESTRA OFERTA MÍNIMA ES DE $5,000.00 A $90,000,000,00
INVITAMOS A LOS CLIENTES POTENCIALES A ACCEDER A NUESTRA OFERTA FINANCIERA A UNA TASA DE INTERÉS DEL 3% CONTACTANDONOS PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN.