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Starting a Business

We provide technical assistance, training, and funding to help Tribes and Tribal members start their businesses.

The Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED) can help tribes fund feasibility studies to test potential business ideas, build the legal infrastructure to encourage investment, and take advantage of procurement opportunities.

According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Native American-owned businesses contribute over $33 billion to the U.S. economy every year and employ over 200,000 people.

The number of tribal firms continues to grow as Native Americans see business ownership as a pathway out of poverty. U.S. Census Bureau data also shows that American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest poverty rate among all racial and ethnic groups.

With the support of OIED, many Tribes and Tribal members have gained a sense of economic empowerment.

OIED Funding Success Story

OIED Funding Success Story
For an example of our funding success in support of business creation, visit our Success Story featuring Strongbow Strategies and their Wool Mill.

What Would You Like to Do?

What You Need to Know

Additional Information

Contact Us

Division of Economic Development
Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20240

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