The Native CDFI Network (NCN) and 17 other co-signatory organizations submitted a letter to Congress supporting the bipartisan Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act (H.R. 7102) introduced by Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Eli Crane (R-AZ) last week. The bill formally authorizes and elevates the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) of the Small Business Administration (SBA), directed by an Assistant Administrator reporting directly to the SBA Administrator.
This bill properly affords the ONAA the stature and authority it has long needed to work effectively on Indian Country’s behalf and coordinate with other offices within SBA and key Cabinet-level Departments to direct federal resources in more targeted ways to Indian Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, Alaskan and Native Hawaiian communities, and Native small businesses across the country. Charged to direct SBA’s Native American Outreach activities, the ONAA would formulate and promote policies, programs, and assistance that better address the entrepreneurial, capital access, business development, and contracting needs of Tribes and Native businesses.
To read the full letter of support, click here.