Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 reflect the bill's procedural movement from being passed by the House to being received and referred in the Senate. There are no substantive policy changes to the legislative text.
Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
- Committees
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a dedicated office within the SBA to enhance economic opportunities and provide culturally tailored support for Native American and Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs.
What it actually does
This bill establishes an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to foster entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital access for small businesses owned by members of Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. It creates an Assistant Administrator position to lead this office, mandating that the individual possess knowledge of Native American cultures and experience in providing culturally tailored business assistance. The office is tasked with providing grants, conducting tribal consultations, and promoting economic development in Indian country.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill addresses a critical gap in federal support for Native American and Native Hawaiian businesses by establishing a dedicated office with culturally competent leadership. They contend it will centralize efforts, provide targeted resources, and promote much-needed economic development within tribal communities and for Native Hawaiian Organizations, ensuring federal programs are more accessible and effective.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that establishing a new office and an additional Assistant Administrator position could lead to increased bureaucracy and potentially duplicate existing programs within the SBA or other federal agencies. They may suggest that current resources could be more efficiently reallocated or existing programs modified to serve these communities without creating a new administrative structure.
The bill is very concise and clearly written, allowing for quick and easy comprehension of its core provisions by any informed reader.
Section 2, inserting new Section 49(b) into the Small Business Act.
Establishment of the Office of Native American Affairs
This provision mandates the establishment of the Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration. The Office's primary role will be to build working relationships with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations, specifically targeting SBA programs related to entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital access. Its goal is to help establish or expand small businesses owned by members of these groups and promote economic development in Indian country.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this office will provide a much-needed focal point within the SBA to address the unique challenges faced by Native American and Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs, ensuring that federal resources are effectively channeled to these underserved communities.
Critics contend
Some might contend that creating a new office could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies or that existing SBA offices could be sufficiently tasked with these responsibilities through internal directives and resource reallocation, rather than establishing a new, potentially redundant, structure.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire for dedicated, culturally competent support for Native businesses and concerns about expanding federal bureaucracy versus optimizing existing structures.
Section 2, inserting new Section 49(c) into the Small Business Act.
Appointment and Responsibilities of Assistant Administrator
This section establishes the position of an Assistant Administrator for Native American Affairs to lead the new Office. This individual will be appointed by the Administrator, must have knowledge of Native American cultures, and experience in providing culturally tailored small business development assistance. Their duties include formulating policies, collaborating with other agencies, providing financial assistance (grants, contracts) to tribal organizations for training and outreach, and conducting tribal consultations.
Section 2, inserting new Section 49(d) and (e) into the Small Business Act.
Annual Reporting and Seven-Year Sunset Clause
This provision requires the Assistant Administrator to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the Office's effectiveness, including client numbers, consultations conducted, and trainings held in Tribal communities. Crucially, the authority for the Office and the Assistant Administrator will terminate seven years after the enactment date, establishing a sunset clause for the entire initiative.