Native Business Initiative

The Native Business Initiative empowers Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs and small businesses with culturally competent, community-rooted business development services. Our work supports economic empowerment, resilience, and self-determination in Native communities:

• Access to Capital & Financial Counseling: We connect Native-owned businesses with microloans, financial institutions, and capital readiness support.
• Contracting & Certification Assistance: We help Native entrepreneurs obtain crucial certifications (e.g., DBE, DVBE) and navigate government and private sector procurement opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial Training: Our workshops cover business planning, budgeting, marketing, and finance—offered in collaboration with the Fresno American Indian Health Project and the Big Sandy Rancheria.
• Strategic Partnerships & Project Development: We lead groundbreaking initiatives like the Valley Biomass Utilization Collaborative, partnering with tribes to develop clean energy infrastructure and create local jobs.
• Export Readiness & Growth Support: We help businesses scale up and expand internationally, working with the U.S. Commercial Service and other federal partners.
• Job Creation & Economic Impact: Our support has helped Native businesses generate millions in contracts and financial transactions, create and retain jobs, and launch new enterprises.