Business development grants will be used to help 10 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, according to a Department of the Interior press release.
The funding will enable the Tribes’ leaders to better evaluate and identify viable economic opportunities for their communities.
"Native American Business Development Institute grants empower Tribes to make informed decisions about their economic futures," Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said in the release. "Tribes will use these grants to explore opportunities to further economic self-sufficiency and Tribal self-determination. Indian Affairs and the Department use these grants to support them in achieving these goals."
The grants are awarded on the basis of a proposal’s potential to create jobs for Tribal members and stimulate economies in Native American communities, according to the press release.
The awardees of the grant include: Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria: $44,500 for a feasibility study for a convenience store and a gas station. Nulato Tribal Council: $45,000 for a feasibility study for a tribally-owned airline. Delaware Nation: $37,500 for a feasibility study for an orchard and apiary products company. Oglala Sioux Tribe: $65,000 for feasibility study of businesses located along the Crazy Horse scenic byway, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe: $48,000 for feasibility study on aquaculture and aquaponics, Oneida Nation: $65,000 for a feasibility study of a beef and buffalo production plant. Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia: $40,000 for a feasibility of economic development through tribal enterprises. Walker River Paiute Tribe: $65,000 to study food sovereignty economic development. Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians: $45,000 for a feasibility study of economic development recovery and Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria: $45,000 for an economic feasibility study and business plan.
In deciding who gets the funds, NABDI awards fund feasibility studies that weigh the viability and risks of an economic development project, opportunity, enterprise or business or the practicality of a technology a Tribe may choose to pursue, the release stated.
