If you are a Native American looking for business consulting or training opportunities, the SBA has several programs and resource partners to help you get started.

The place to start is The Bureau of Indian Affairs. Sponsored by the US Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs provides services directly or through contracts, grants, or compacts to 564 federally recognized tribes with a service population of about 1.9 million American Indian and Alaska Natives. Through Indian Affairs programs, tribes can improve their tribal government infrastructure and community infrastructure, while taking advantage of education, job training, and employment opportunities. These programs, along with other components of long-term sustainable development, can help improve the quality of life for tribe members. 

Within The Bureau of Indian Affairs, those looking specifically for counseling and training opportunities should consult the resources on the Division of Workforce Development tab. The Division of Workforce Development manages a wide variety of job placement and training activities to promote job training and employment opportunities. These training programs have resulted in numerous well-paying jobs for Native Americans.

Professionals at the Division of Workforce Development:

• Coordinate federal employment and training resources with the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services.

• Manage the National Indian Ironworker Training Program.

• Administer the Job Placement and Training Program.

• Provide training for economic development opportunities towards job creation.

• Serve over 50,000 Indian individuals per year.

• Partner with the Council for Tribal Employment Rights for native construction career projects.

To learn more about counseling and training resources and opportunities available to you, please click here.