A new $3 million federal funding opportunity will help business incubators provide Native entrepreneurs with mentorship, technical assistance, networking, and resources to grow their businesses.
The Office of Indian Economic Development has announced up to $3 million in federal funding to strengthen business development services for Native entrepreneurs and tribal communities.
Announced on July 20, 2026, the funding is being made available through the Indian Business Incubators Program, which supports organizations that help Native entrepreneurs develop, launch, and grow businesses.
Indian Affairs expects to award up to 10 grants, with individual awards ranging from approximately $300,000 to $400,000 annually for three years.
Rather than investing in a single type of business, the program supports business incubators that can help many entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Giving Native Entrepreneurs More Resources
Business incubators provide entrepreneurs with resources and expertise that can be difficult for an individual business owner to access alone.
Services supported through the program can include:
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Business mentorship
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Technical assistance
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Networking opportunities
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Access to professional services
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Connections with investors
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Assistance developing business plans
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Support navigating financing and growth opportunities
These services can be particularly valuable in rural and reservation communities where entrepreneurs may have fewer nearby financial institutions, professional networks, or business development resources.
Strengthening Tribal Economies
Native-owned businesses contribute to local economies by creating jobs, providing services, generating revenue, and building opportunities within their communities.
Helping entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses can also support a broader goal of tribal economic self-determination.
A successful Native-owned company can create opportunities that extend well beyond the original entrepreneur. Businesses can employ community members, work with other Native-owned companies, support local programs, and encourage future entrepreneurs to pursue their own ideas.
Business incubators can help create the environment needed for those companies to grow.
Building on the Indian Business Incubators Program
The Indian Business Incubators Program was established to increase access to business development resources in Native communities.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the program allows incubators to provide services that respond to the needs of entrepreneurs in the communities they serve.
The latest funding opportunity continues that effort by investing in established organizations capable of providing sustained assistance over multiple years.
Creating Long-Term Opportunity
Entrepreneurship is an important part of building diverse and resilient tribal economies.
Investments in Native entrepreneurs can support everything from small local businesses to companies capable of serving customers well beyond tribal lands.
By expanding access to mentorship, financing networks, technical expertise, and other business resources, the Indian Business Incubators Program gives more Native entrepreneurs the tools needed to transform an idea into a lasting business.
Sources
U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs
Office of Indian Economic Development
Indian Business Incubators Program
Official Indian Affairs announcement:
https://www.bia.gov/news/indian-affairs-announces-3-million-support-native-entrepreneurs
