- Details
- By Brian Edwards
- Policy and Law
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislation that would permanently establish the Small Business Administration's Office of Native American Affairs, a move supporters say would strengthen federal support for Native entrepreneurs and tribal economic development.
The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, introduced by Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., would codify the Office of Native American Affairs into federal law and create an assistant administrator position to oversee the office and report directly to SBA leadership. The measure passed the House on June 23 and now heads to the Senate.
The legislation would codify ONAA into federal law, establish an assistant administrator position to oversee the office and expand its role in tribal consultation, contracting, entrepreneurial development and access-to-capital programs. The measure would also authorize the office to provide grants and other assistance for Native business training, outreach and supplier development efforts.
Supporters argue that while the office currently serves Native business owners and tribal communities, its authority and staffing remain limited because it is not explicitly established in statute.
The measure comes as the Office of Native American Affairs has operated without permanent leadership since former Assistant Administrator Diane Cullo departed in late 2025. Native contractors and tribal enterprises have also recently raised concerns about delays affecting SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program, a key contracting vehicle for many tribal enterprises and Alaska Native corporations.
Davids, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, said the bill would help Native entrepreneurs gain better access to SBA programs and resources. The legislation was introduced with bipartisan support from Reps. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, and Kelly Morrison, D-Minn.
Chris James, president and CEO of The National Center, said the legislation would help ensure Native communities maintain a direct advocate within SBA leadership. The Native American Contractors Association also endorsed the measure.
A similar version of the legislation passed the House during the previous Congress but did not advance in the Senate. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
