Ho-Chunk U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) has reintroduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving federal support for Native-owned businesses.

     The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act would strengthen the Small Business Administration’s Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA), which works with tribal communities and Native business owners across the country.

     Davids introduced the bill alongside Representatives Eli Crane (R-Arizona), Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), and Kelly Morrison (D-Minnesota).

     Native-owned small businesses play an important role in many tribal economies, but access to federal business programs and funding has often been limited. The ONAA currently helps connect Native entrepreneurs with SBA resources, but the office does not have permanent authorization or dedicated funding, which limits staffing and long-term planning.

     Davids’ bill would formally establish the office in federal law and create an Assistant Administrator position within the SBA to oversee Native entrepreneurship programs. The legislation would also expand the office’s ability to provide grants, technical assistance, and training, while strengthening government-to-government consultation between tribes and federal agencies.

     “Our economy is stronger when small businesses can succeed, and in tribal communities, Native-owned businesses are often the backbone of local economies,” Davids said in a statement. “For too long, Native entrepreneurs have faced unnecessary barriers to accessing the tools and resources they need to grow, create jobs, and compete.”

     Supporters of the bill say codifying the Office of Native American Affairs would help ensure Native businesses have consistent representation within the SBA and better access to federal contracting and development programs.

     The legislation previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support in 2024 and advanced out of committee in the Senate in 2023, but did not become law before the end of the congressional session. Lawmakers are now working to move the bill forward again in the current Congress.

     Davids has also worked on other efforts related to Native business development, including advocating for fair access to federal contracting opportunities and oversight of small-business relief programs.