Local native-owned businesses share in Indian Equity Fund grants

Five small businesses owned by indigenous people on the Flathead Indian Reservation are recipients of funding support through the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant program at the Montana Department of Commerce.

Governor Steve Bullock last week announced $350,000 in funding to support the growth of 34 Native American-owned small businesses in each of the eight Tribal Nations in Montana

The Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant program invests in start-up or expanding Native American-owned businesses in Montana. Funds can be used for costs associated with a variety of business growth activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line.

Each business will receive between $3,750 and $14,000 and must provide matching funds.

“Investing in Native American-owned small businesses means investing in opportunities to create jobs and strengthen local and tribal economies across Montana,” Gov. Bullock said. “The Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant is one of the best tools the state has available to directly support entrepreneurs and small business owners in Indian Country.”

The following businesses received grants: Cahoon Construction & Fire (Charlo); Crash & Burn Auto (Moiese); Blue Bay Trading Post (Polson); Flathead Raft Company (Polson); Total Screen Design Inc. (Polson).

The application cycle for the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant typically opens annually on July 1. Applicants are encouraged to work with their local Native American Business Advisors to put together competitive applications and gain valuable business skills and access to business counseling services year-round.

To learn more about the Office of Indian Country Economic Development programs, visit INDIANCOUNTRY.MT.GOV.