Smith Introduces Native American Small Business Act

May 22, 2003

Smith Introduces Native American Small Business Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced the Native American Small Business Development Act. The Act creates a statutory office in the U.S. Small Business Administration to serve Native American communities and establishes three new assistance programs.

"This legislation mirrors the approach and success of the Oregon Native American Business and Entrepreneurial Network by recognizing the importance of small business as the building block of any community," said Smith. "We must empower both tribes and individuals so that they can diversify and expand the economic base of Native American communities."

The new Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) created by this bill would be responsible for helping Native Americans start, operate, and grow small businesses. The director of the ONAA will also work to assist Native American business people increase access to capital markets and gain federal procurement opportunities. The programs funded by the bill will focus on job training, business and management education, as well as the teaching of marketing and advertising techniques.

Smith, a member fo the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, cosponsored similar legislation last year.

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