Yavapai News

The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), has passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Small Business. The bill aims to address the complex hurdles that tribal entrepreneurs face when running businesses on reservations.

Tribal entrepreneurs encounter challenges related to tax implications, property rights, regulatory burdens, and lending. Despite their right to access Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, these communities often do not have adequate access or outreach. This is due to the unique complexities created by the federal government in running businesses on reservations.

To address these issues, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act establishes the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) within the Small Business Administration. This office will have specific responsibilities, including developing a working relationship with tribal groups and targeting SBA programs related to entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital access. By codifying ONAA into the Small Business Act, the bill enhances oversight of the office by requiring annual reporting to Congress.

Rep. Crane emphasizes the importance of economic development in tribal communities and the resources available to tribal business owners through the SBA. He encourages representatives from the ONAA to visit tribal communities in Arizona's 2nd Congressional District and engage in a dialogue with small business owners who may be unaware of the office's existence. This will allow the ONAA to improve and enhance their programs to better serve tribal small business owners.

Rep. Davids emphasizes the significance of small businesses, including tribal businesses, as important employers in reservations and surrounding areas. She believes in breaking down barriers and increasing access to resources so that every entrepreneur and business owner can succeed. She appreciates the broad bipartisan support for the bill, which aims to provide Native entrepreneurs with direct access to SBA leadership.

The passing of the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act is a step towards ensuring that tribal entrepreneurs have the necessary support and resources to thrive. The bill recognizes the unique challenges faced by these entrepreneurs and seeks to address them by establishing the ONAA within the Small Business Administration. By targeting SBA programs and enhancing oversight, the bill aims to break down barriers and increase access to resources for tribal business owners.

Economic development in tribal communities is crucial, not only for those communities but for everyone in the districts and states. The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act will draw attention to the resources available to tribal business owners through the SBA and encourage the ONAA to continue developing new methods for outreach. This bill demonstrates bipartisan support and a commitment to providing Native entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to succeed.