Indian Affairs accepting applications for Native American Business Development Institute grants • Arizona Mirror

The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development is accepting applications for Native American Business Development Institute grants, which help Tribes determine if a project will create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

Results from studies can often help tribes persuade lenders and investors to provide financial backing to help turn their idea into a reality,” the grant website states.

Another way the grants can help Tribes is by funding proposals that explore how Tribal businesses or enterprises could recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

“The Native American Business Development Institute grant program is an important funding source for Tribes looking to explore new lines of economic activity,” said Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Bryan Newland in a press release announcing the grant opportunity. 

“By evaluating and identifying viable business endeavors, Tribes can create more opportunities for Native people to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives in their Tribal communities,” he said.

According to the grant documents, the Office of Indian Economic Development will fund 10 to 35 grants, valued from $25,000 to $75,000. Applicants must be federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal organizations. Grant proposals are being accepted until June 27.

In 2019, 21 projects were funded, including $35,000 to the Gila River Indian Community to explore how to leverage investments to start a training center, and $40,000 to the Hualapai Tribe to explore the possibility of developing a major tourist attraction.

Projects can only be funded one year at a time and only one application will be accepted from an eligible Tribe or eligible Tribal organization. 

The grant applicants will then be put through a competitive evaluation process by the Office of Indian Economic Development. 

Awards will be approved by the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs and the Associate Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior. 

Details on how to apply can be found in the Federal Register and at Grants.Gov. Questions about the grant may be directed to Dennis Wilson, grant management specialist, at 505-917-3235 or at [email protected].