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SBA announces new grant program to boost Native American exports

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Economic Development

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Friday announced a new program offering $240,000 in grant funding to support Native American-owned small businesses seeking to expand their export capabilities. 

The initiative, called the Native American Trade Expansion Program (NATEP), is a pilot program that’s designed to bolster economic opportunities for tribal communities. The funding is available eligible organizations that will then provide support to Native-owned businesses, according to the notice of funding opportunity on Grants.gov. 

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The program is part of the SBA’s commitment to creating pathways to entrepreneurship and increasing economic opportunities for tribal communities, according to SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. 

"The launch of NATEP will empower Native American entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through international exports,” Guzman said in a statement. “With over 341,000 Native-owned small businesses, this program has the potential to lift communities, strengthen U.S. global competitiveness, and contribute to a brighter future for all."

The program is overseen by the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA). It aligns with ONAA's mission to ensure equitable access to SBA's business development and expansion resources for Native American entrepreneurs.

Organizations interested in applying for NATEP funding must meet the following criteria:

  • Be located on or near Tribal lands or demonstrate a primary focus on serving Native American entrepreneurs and small businesses.
  • Be a for-profit or non-profit entity.
  • Have been operational for at least three consecutive years.
  • Possess demonstrable experience addressing issues relevant to Native American small businesses and communities.
  • Have a proven track record and capacity for supporting Native American entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Selected organizations will receive grants to provide direct support to Native-owned small businesses over a 24-month project period. These funds can be used to support export-related activities for participating businesses, including:

  • Participation in foreign trade missions
  • Foreign market sales trips
  • Website and product translation services
  • International marketing materials development

The program prioritizes supporting new-to-export (NTE) and market expansion (ME) Native American small businesses. Applicants must demonstrate in their proposals how at least 85% of the awarded funds will directly benefit these exporting businesses.

Applications for NATEP grants must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT. Applications should include a cover letter, technical proposal, budget information, certifications, assurances, and any relevant attachments or exhibits.

Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations interested in learning more about NATEP and the application process can find more details on the Grants.gov website.