The National Center Commends New Indian Country Economic Development Boost

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (the National Center) is proud to support two key pieces of legislation supporting economic and business development within Indian Country. The Native American Business Incubators Program Act, H.R. 1900, introduced by Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM) focuses on breaking cycles of poverty in Indian Country by increasing access to capital for business investment and growth through three-year grants with ties to tribal communities, education institutions, and other organizations to expand assistance to a broad range of business sectors and incubation methods. In addition to this legislation, H.R. 1937, an amendment to the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000, the Buy Indian Act, and the Native American Programs Act of 1974 introduced by Rep. Norma Torres (CA) will work to provide increasing industry and economic development opportunities to Native communities. “These two House bills, and the Senate companion bills S.212 and S.294 soon headed to the Senate floor for passage, have long been advocated by the National Center because they will truly respond to the economic needs of Indian Country,” said Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center. “These pieces of legislation would facilitate greater access to capital, enhance procurement and other business assistance for tribal and other Native enterprises throughout the United States, and create economic development opportunities for Native American and Alaska Native communities.” “The National Center is determined to provide critical business development services to Indian Country and these two pieces of legislation advance these same goals,” said Derrick Watchman, Chairman of the National Center Board of Directors. “Encouraging greater indigenous trade and supporting job growth and tribal economic development by promoting entrepreneurship in tribal communities is an excellent way to provide assistance to Native-owned businesses and further develop economic prosperity within Indian Country.” “We applaud Rep. Haaland and Rep. Torres for introducing these House bills that include amendments enhancing the Native American Business Incubators Act, the Native American Business Development, Trade, Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000, the Buy Indian Act, and the Native American Programs Act of 1974. This legislation will effect important changes that align directly with the National Center’s goals to improve and enhance the business and economic possibilities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities across the United States,” said James.  About the National Center: The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With over 40 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and their enterprises with business and economic development – we have evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization in the nation. Our motto is: “We Mean Business For Indian Country” as we are actively engaged in helping Tribal Nations and Native business people realize their business goals and are dedicated to putting the whole of Indian Country to work to better the lives of American Indian people- both now… and for generations to come.