In addition to the U.S. federal holiday Columbus Day, some U.S. cities are beginning to use today to observe “Indigenous People’s Day,” according to CNN. Because at SmallBusiness.com, every day is Small Business Day, we’re happy also to point to these resources for native American small business owners and those who are considering starting a business. (Update, October 8, 2018)


The Office of Native American Affairs

Housed within the U.S. Small Business Administration, its mission is to ensure that American Indians, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians seeking to create, develop and expand small businesses have full access to the necessary business development and expansion tools available through the Agency’s entrepreneurial development, lending and procurement programs.

National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is “to develop and expand an American Indian private sector which employs Indian labor, increases the number of viable tribal and individual Indian businesses, and positively impacts and involves reservation communities, by establishing business relationships between Indian enterprises and private industry.”

SBA Learning Center: Native American Business Primer

An online course designed to assist Native peoples who’re thinking about starting a business, or who’re in the early stages of starting a business.

First Nations Development Institute

The First Nations Development Institute is a non-profit organization that “invests in and creates innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.”

American Indian Business Leaders

The AIBL is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering business students. Its programs are designed to engage students in activities that stimulate, enhance, and expand educational experiences beyond traditional academic methods.

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