Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 7396, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, as amended, which would allow SBA to codify the Office of Native American Affairs.

I commend Ms. Davids, Mr. Ellzey, Ms. Morrison, and Mr. Crane for working on this bipartisan legislation.

We know that small businesses on Tribal reservations face a mix of challenges, ranging from lack of access to capital to inadequate business training. SBA's office has proven to be a valuable resource to Native American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, supporting approximately 2,000 small businesses every year.

Codifying the office will help make sure that small Tribal businesses have access to SBA's full range of business development tools regardless of the administration.

Moreover, the Assistant Administrator will report directly to the Administrator, making sure that the voices of Tribal communities will be heard throughout the SBA.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. OLSZEWSKI. Davids), the sponsor of this bill.

In closing, Native American-owned businesses are economic engines, generating $86 billion in sales, shipments, and revenues every year, and employing nearly 364,000 people in their communities.

The ONAA serves an important role in aiding Native American communities that lack access to Federal programs. By helping American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians launch, grow, and expand their small businesses, the office strengthens local economies and promotes economic development. This bill will go a long way in empowering Native entrepreneurs and supporting long-term economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7936, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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