New Native American Trade Expansion Program (NATEP) Pilot Award will expand National Center’s work to expand export opportunities for its clients
WASHINGTON - The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) is the first Native American Trade Expansion Program grantee from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Native American Affairs (SBA ONAA), announced SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. The pilot program’s goal is to help support economic growth and trade opportunities for Native American-owned small businesses. SBA’s ONAA Assistant Administrator Jackson Brossy and Office of International Trade Associate Administrator Dan Krupnick joined members of The National Center team in Hawaii on November 20 to formally present the award.
“The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to increasing economic opportunities for tribal communities and creating pathways for the more than 340,000 Native American and Indigenous small business owners in the U.S.,” said Administrator Guzman. “Our launch of the Native American Trade Expansion Program and work with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development emphasizes that support and will help Native American entrepreneurs grow their businesses by exporting to reach 95% of the world’s consumers.”
The award recognizes The National Center’s efforts in advancing the interests of American Indian entrepreneurs and the organization’s commitment to fostering economic development within Native American communities. The NATEP grant will allow The National Center to provide resources, training, and networking opportunities that will enhance the competitiveness of Native American enterprises in the global marketplace. Representatives from the SBA, The National Center, key stakeholders, and community leaders gathered in Hawaii to commemorate the award and discuss the future of Native American trade expansion.
“We are thrilled to be the recipient of the NATEP pilot award,” said National Center President and CEO Chris James. “This recognition further validates our ongoing efforts to empower Native American entrepreneurs and promote economic self-sufficiency. We look forward to collaborating with the SBA and other stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and create new opportunities for our communities.”
With the funds, The National Center can support Native small businesses with:
- Participation in foreign trade missions, reverse trade missions/shows that bring foreign buyers to the U.S., commerce subscription services from the U.S. Commercial Service, trade show exhibitions, and export training workshops
- A foreign market sales trip that will enable them to explore or expand their international business opportunities
- Website and product translation, search engine optimization and localization
- International marketing media design
NATEP will help The National Center expand its services in exports and international trade. The organization currently operates the Arizona MBDA Export Center from its headquarters in Phoenix, where it provides high-level business development services enabling clients to participate and succeed in the global marketplace. Chris James sits on the EXIM Bank’s Advisory Committee, as well as the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations at the United States Trade Representative. Members of The National Center team have participated in several international trade missions and forums in recent years, partnered with foreign governments interested in doing business in Indian Country, and the annual Reservation Economic Summit is welcoming more attendees from around the world.
