The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening nation-to-nation relationships through its Tribal Consultation Policy for 2022. The policy acknowledges the unique political relationship with Native American governments, their inherent powers of self-governance, and the Federal government’s trust responsibility to protect tribal sovereignty.
According to the SBA, the agency will consult with federally recognized Tribes before finalizing policies that implicate stakeholders. The policy commits the SBA to observe Tribal protocols, assess the impact of proposed policies, conduct proper outreach and education initiatives, and ensure formal communications are culturally appropriate.
Small businesses owned by Native American Tribes or their members can participate in various SBA programs that provide business development assistance, contract support, access to capital, and grant funding. The SBA will consult with Tribes before implementing regulatory or policy changes that impact these programs.
The entire SBA policy and consultation plan is available here.