Native American Small Business Support Program

The Native American Small Business Support Program is an initiative by the North Dakota Department of Commerce aimed at empowering Native American–owned small businesses located and operating within the state. With a total allocation of $600,000, the program is designed to enhance economic development by promoting business sustainability, expansion, and competitiveness among qualifying Native American entrepreneurs. This funding opportunity targets for-profit businesses that are at least 51% Native American–owned, employ fewer than 500 people, and are in good standing with both state and federal regulations. The awards may range from $10,000 to the full program funding amount of $600,000, depending on the demand, scope, and projected impact of the proposed projects. The program may fund a single applicant or be distributed among multiple businesses. Eligible uses of the grant funds include working capital such as inventory and supplies, purchase of equipment or technology, business expansion, marketing initiatives, workforce training, and other investments that can demonstrate measurable improvement in business performance and community impact. Each applicant is required to submit a proposal detailing their business information, certification of eligibility, a project narrative, anticipated outcomes, and a detailed budget. The Department of Commerce will evaluate proposals based on several weighted criteria totaling 100 points. The assessment categories include Business Viability (25 points), Use of Funds (25 points), Impact (30 points), Capacity (10 points), and Completeness (10 points). Proposals will be judged on factors such as financial health, clarity of project goals, scalability, potential community benefits, and the readiness and capacity of the business to execute the proposed plan. Applications must be submitted by January 13, 2026, via email to Shayden Akason. Awarded businesses will be required to submit progress reports every six months and a final report detailing the outcomes and financials of the funded project. All funds must be used by June 30, 2027, and recipients will be subject to state-level monitoring and contracting regulations. This program does not recur annually and is not designated as rolling; it is a time-limited opportunity for Native American small businesses in North Dakota to access significant funding that can catalyze long-term growth and development.

Proposals are scored by a 100-point rubric; clear alignment to business impact, feasibility, and community outcomes are crucial.