The Native CDFI Network and 17 other undersigned organizations – representing the interests of Indian Tribes, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian governing organizations, their business enterprises, and business owned by their community members throughout the United States – write in strong support of the bipartisan Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act (S. 1156) introduced by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and reported to the Senate on July 25, 2023. The bill formally authorizes and elevates the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) of the Small Business Administration (SBA), directed by an Associate Administrator reporting directly to the SBA Administrator. Similar legislation (H.R. 7102) was just approved unanimously by the House Committee on Small Business. Urgent need for Native small business relief and support calls for a fortified ONAA to coordinate with all SBA components and deploy assistance from all SBA programs to catalyze the growth, success, and self-sufficiency of Native communities’ businesses and economic development. We urge the Senate to delay no longer and promptly take up and approve S. 1156.
Click here to read the letter of support.