Resources for Native American-Owned Businesses

As one of the most under-served demographics of the United States, we believe the Native American people are long over-due to take their rightful place in American business. Because of that, we’ve collected a wealth of resources for those of Native American descent that either already own or are wanting to start a business in the US in order to help bring attention to the resources that are already available. Additionally, Commercial Loan Direct will offer a 50% origination fee reduction* on any loan program we offer so long as the borrower/business is 51%+ owned by an individual that can prove Native American heritage.

Summary of Federal Loan Programs & Business Resources for Native Americans

Small Business Administration (SBA) - Resources for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians

• SBA Office of Native American Affairs

• Resource Guide for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians

• SBA 8(a) Business Development Program for Federal Contracting Assistance

• Business & Technical Assistance, including marketing, strategic and operational planning, financial analysis, opportunity development and capture, contract management, and compliance.

• Native American Business Primer, an online course to assist native peoples considering starting a business

• SBA Native-American Owned Businesses Homepage

Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) - Opportunities regarding job training, education, and employment for members of federally recognized tribes

• Bureau of Indian Affairs - Programs & Services

• Find Your Local BIA Office

• Office of Indian Energy & Economic Development (IEED) – guaranteed loan program for economic development in Indian Country

• Loan Guarantee Program - loan guarantee up to 90% for Native American-owned businesses. The maximum guaranty is $500,000 for individual tribal members, but can go higher for tribes and tribal enterprises.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• Office of Tribal Relations

• Programs & Services for Tribal Communities

• Programs for American Indian and Native Alaskans

• Rural Development Program / Assistance for Tribal Nations

• Council for Native American Farming and Ranching

Department of Commerce (USDC)

• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) – promotes growth and expansion of minority businesses with management and technical assistance

• Locate a Business Center

US Treasury

• Access to Capital and Credit in Native Communities Report

• Minority Bank Deposit Program

Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• Title VI Loan Guarantee for Affordable Housing

US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

• Find out Senate activities related to Native American people

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) - founded in 1944, NCAI is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities

• Resolutions

• Testimony & Speeches

• Policy Issues

• Legal Filings

• Consultation Resources

* Borrower/business must qualify for the loan program by meeting the underwriting standards provided by that particular program. This fee reduction applies only to Commercial Loan Direct’s origination fee; it does not apply to any other fees charged by the applicable programs or funding lenders.