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Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the leader of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a prominent advocate for America’s 33 million small businesses, is pleased to announce four new awards for the groundbreaking Tribal College Small Business Achievement (TCSBA) grant program.
Strengthening Support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs with 7(j) Awards
In another significant development, the SBA extends its 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program to better serve Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Great Plains and the Southwest through the SBA Native American Micro Enterprise Business Services program. Two new partners have joined this expansion.
TCSBA Program: Empowering Native American Entrepreneurs
The TCSBA Program serves as a catalyst for delivering comprehensive, outcome-oriented business services to Native American entrepreneurs, including those facing social and economic disadvantages. This mission involves providing financial assistance to Tribal Colleges and Universities, enabling them to make a substantial economic impact in their communities through successful business startups, job creation, and revenue growth.
Pioneering Partnership for Tribal Communities
A groundbreaking partnership is formed to support entrepreneurship opportunities within tribal communities, utilizing tribal colleges and universities. Four awards, each with a maximum amount of $250,000 annually, will be granted for up to a 60-month (5-year) duration. This initiative marks the first partnership of its kind with Tribal Colleges and Universities, supporting both student entrepreneurs and existing community businesses.
The Four Grantees of the TCSBA Program
The SBA proudly announces the four recipients of the TCSBA Program grants:
- Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, KS
- Nebraska Indian College, Macy, NE
- Salish and Kootenai College, Pablo, MT
- Institute of American Indian Art, Santa Fe, NM
Expanding the 7(j) Program to Support Indigenous Entrepreneurs
The SBA expands the 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program to serve Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Great Plains and the Southwest. This extension complements existing grants administered by the SBA to boost small business support for Native American entrepreneurs.
The Two New Grantees of the 7(j) Program
The newly added grantees for the 7(j) program are:
- Black Hills Community Loan Fund, Rapid City, SD
- Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc., Plymoth, CA
Leveraging the 7(j) Award
Dr. Barbara Schmitt, Executive Director of the Black Hills Community Loan Fund, will leverage the SBA 7(j) award to expand their training and technical services for Native American and Indigenous entrepreneurs in the Great Plains region. This expansion aims to offer critical resources and assistance to small businesses in underserved communities.
The Impact of the 7(j) Program
SBA’s 7(j) program provides high-quality assistance to approved small businesses, helping them compete successfully for government contracting opportunities. Indigenous entrepreneurs, particularly those in remote and economically challenged areas, will benefit from these programs, addressing historical gaps in rural America’s small business space.
Eligibility for the 7(j) Program
Small businesses may be eligible for the 7(j) program if they are located in areas of high unemployment or low income, owned by low-income individuals, or certified as an 8(a) participant, HUBZone small business, or economically disadvantaged women-owned small business.
Promoting Entrepreneurship in Native American Communities
SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs takes the lead in federal government efforts to encourage entrepreneurship in Native American communities and support underserved areas. Competitive proposals outline how the project will boost the capacity of Native American entrepreneurs, facilitating access to capital, job creation, business survivability, global market access, and federal government contracting.
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