Montana Department of Commerce supports Native-owned businesses with grant program

MONTANA — Native-owned businesses in Montana have been given a significant opportunity through the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program. This program is administered by the Montana Department of Commerce and aims to support businesses owned by enrolled members of one of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana.

Each year, a total of $320,000 in grant funding is made available, of which a single business can receive up to $14,000. In the most recent funding cycle, the Montana Department of Commerce distributed the full $320,000. This funding was shared among 26 businesses across 16 cities.

The Indian Equity Fund is one of four grant programs under the Department of Commerce's Office of Indian Country Economic Development. Other programs include the Native American Business Advisors, Tribal Tourism and Native American Collateral Support grants.