This morning, the House Committee on Small Business unanimously advanced the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) is part of a bipartisan coalition seeking to codify the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) within the Small Business Administration (SBA) by adding it to the Small Business Act.
 
Last Congress, Rep. Crane partnered with Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) on the bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. Although the legislation stalled in the U.S. Senate, it was recently reintroduced in the House alongside Reps. Jake Ellzey (R-TX) and Kelly Morrison (D-MN).
 
Tribal entrepreneurs who run businesses on reservations face complex hurdles regarding tax implications, property rights, regulatory burdens, and lending. While accessing SBA programs should be straightforward, these communities often do not experience adequate outreach. Due to bureaucratic hurdles largely created by the federal government, it’s critical to provide specialized assistance in navigating the unique complexities of running a business on a reservation.

By codifying ONAA into the Small Business Act, this legislation increases congressional oversight of the office’s activities and effectiveness going forward. Specifically, the bill outlines the responsibilities of ONAA, including the establishment of a working relationship with tribal groups by targeting SBA programs related to entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital access.
 
Rep. Crane encouraged representatives from ONAA to visit Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District to form relationships with small business owners who may be unaware that this office exists. Doing so would allow ONAA to adjust and enhance its programs so they can better serve tribal small business owners.

“While Tribal entrepreneurs should have the ability to access SBA’s programs just like anyone else, these communities don’t currently experience adequate outreach. It’s essential that they receive specialized expertise to assist them in navigating the unique complexities of running a business on a reservation,” said Rep. Crane. “As the representative for more than half of Arizona’s Tribes, I’m honored to co-lead this vital bill, which would serve Tribal citizens of AZ-02 well. I’m grateful to Reps. Davids, Ellzey, and Morrison for their leadership, and I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation again.”