fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

The National Congress of American Indians is offering a $140,000 grant program aimed at shoring up Native-owned small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Washington, D.C.-based NCAI is seeking applications for 28 business stabilization grants worth $5,000 apiece. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate how their businesses have been curtailed because of the pandemic. 

The funding can be used for a range of activities to address urgent needs in the business, such as paying existing small business loans, keeping people employed and paying vendors. 

As well, NCAI said the funding can be used to improve the resilience of the business, such as purchasing equipment or software that will allow the owners to transition their companies to take advantage of e-commerce channels, which have become increasingly important given various state-level restrictions on in-person contact to address the spread of COVID-19. 

“Native-owned small businesses serve as the lifeblood of many tribal communities across the country, providing critical jobs and income to tribal citizens and their families while at the same time enriching the quality of community life by providing goods and services to local residents and the public at-large,” according to the NCAI request for applications for the grant. 

The organization credited financial support from Google.org for making the grants possible. 

NCAI will accept applications on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted. 

Applicants must offer proof of tribal enrollment, business financial information and detail how the funding will be used to stabilize or strengthen the operations. 

More information on the Native American small business grant program is available on the NCAI website.

More Stories Like This

American Basketball Association Announces Native ABA Initiative
Four Winds South Bend Upgrades to Class III Gaming Casino
Native News Online Wins Two Awards from Native American Journalists Association
Wahlberg Brothers Are a Big Hit at Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in Las Vegas
Native Gro Offers Tribes a ‘One-Stop Shop’ for Entering the Cannabis Industry

Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions

At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.

We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.

Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.

Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
 
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].