Small Business Administration assists Native Americans in establishing or expanding small business enterprises. In order to get a native American fund, an individual must be enrolled with a tribal nation.ie:the individual should be officially enrolled as a member of a Native American tribe. Federal Programs and Resources for the Native Americans can be obtained from SBA Office of Native American Affairs. The Office of Native American Affairs offers programs and resources to American Indians, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians seeking to create, develop and expand small businesses.

A variety of different grant programs are there for Native Americans. The most common type of program that provides Native American small business grants is zone funding. This type of grant program is given by the Department of Commerce. Different programs are available for each geographic area in need of economic assistance and enhancement. For example, a particular Native American reservation may be established as an economic zone targeted for grant assistance. A local agency is provided grant funding directly from the Department of Commerce. In turn, the local agency provides funds through grant funding to individual Native American small businesses in the established economic development zone.

Special tribal grants are awarded to certain tribal areas by Federal Government. This is because of the revenue generated on Native American tribal lands as well as mineral leases in some states such as Alaska. These tribal grants are available to Native American small businesses. These grant programs are administered by local tribal governments. Tribal-sponsored small business grant programs tend to be receptive to a wide range of business concepts provided the owner is enrolled in the tribe and will employ other tribe members.

Native American Business centers are established each year in different parts of the country, including Native American tribal lands. These centers target economically weaker areas with comprehensive financial assistance, including targeted grants to minority-owned business enterprises, including businesses owned by Native Americans.

A wide range of loans and grants are given to individuals interested in establishing or expanding businesses of all types by Small Business Administration. The funding available through the SBA includes minority grant programs, that includes programs designed to serve Native American entrepreneurs. According to SBA, a minority owned business is one that is controlled by a recognized minority group. Grants are a great source of help for Native Americans because they do not have to be paid back the way a loan would. Grants can help individuals go to school, build homes and to start business.

Small Business Grant Source:
Learn the application procedures, various funding sources for specific types of businesses and eligibility criteria for small business grants. You can find the most comprehensive information on availing of small business grants by visiting this online guide on grants

African Americans have, perhaps, the most grant opportunities. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is one of the most popular places for African American students to apply for grants. This organization, which came up with the slogan “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” provides grants for over 30 schools that cater to African Americans. Other options for African American students include the March of Dimes Nursing Scholarship, the American Psychological Association’s Minority Fellowship Program, and the Mordecai Wyatt Johnson Program, among others.

Hispanic Americans have fewer grants to choose from as compared with other minority groups. However, there are some, and more are coming as the U.S. government has recently acknowledged that there needs to be more and has contributed $15 million towards costs to start Hispanic universities and colleges. Grants currently available for Hispanic students include the Jose Mari Challenge Grant, the Silicon Valley Scholarship, and the Hispanic Nurses Association Grants and Scholarships.

Asian American students also have some grant options to consider. One of the most popular grants is the Luisa Mallari Fellowship, which allows Asian students to study the countries they come from. For those interested in studying within the United States, the Asian American Journalists Association, Asian American Federation of New York, and the Association for Asian Studies all have grant options available.

Those who can prove they are of Native American descent, with a Certificate of Indian Blood, and belong to a recognizable Native American tribe can also qualify for scholarships. This is not always easy to do, because many who are legitimately Native American do not have the necessary proof. However, if you do, check with the Indian Adult Education, Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement organizations to see if there are any grants available.

If you are a minority searching for a way to pay for school, remember to fill out the FAFSA first. While you may qualify for grants, they may not be sufficient to meet your needs. Filing a FAFSA will open the door for federal loans and grants to add to your minority grants, giving you even more money to pay for your education.

Author: Denise Brienne
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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