Federal contracting delays remain a major hurdle for small businesses. Our colleagues at the Native American Contractors Association (NACA) recently applauded congressional efforts to hold the SBA accountable:

“We thank Administrator Loeffler for recognizing the important role Tribal entities play in the 8(a) Business Development Program,” Jon Panamaroff, Co-Chair of NACA’s Board of Directors said. “Native participation in the program is grounded in longstanding federal law and supports economic opportunity, self-determination, and critical services in Tribal communities across the country.”

For many Tribal communities, revenues generated through federal contracting help fund essential services including healthcare, education, infrastructure, public safety, and workforce development. The timely processing of 8(a) applications is critical to ensuring those opportunities remain available to Native-owned businesses seeking to grow and serve both their communities and federal agency partners.

Source: Native American Contractors Association Continue Reading

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, Tribal Nations face critical decisions about how to protect their natural resources, safeguard Tribal data sovereignty, and ensure emerging technologies align with Tribal values. By exercising governance over AI, Tribal Nations can also harness these tools to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages, strengthen self-determination, and create high-quality economic and workforce opportunities for Native people.

Featured Speakers:

The Risks: Land & Water — Cora Tso, Arizona State University

The Risks: Data & DNA — Dr. Krystal Tsosie & Joe Yracheta, Native BioData Consortium

The Opportunity: Workforce — Danielle Forward, Natives Rising

Innovation: Language — Michael Running Wolf, FLAIR

Source: National Congress of American Indians Register to Join on July 22

Date: Thursday, July 23rd at 1:00 p.m. MT

The Department of Energy’s Unleashing Tribal Energy Development grant, with an overall funding pool of $50M, is due at 𝟱 𝗽.𝗺. 𝗘𝗧 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. Individual Tribes pursuing energy planning and deployment projects are eligible for grants up to $7.5M, depending on the project topic.

If you’re finalizing your application, the Alliance Grants team is holding drop-in office hours to help you get it across the finish line — ask questions, troubleshoot budget or technical issues, and get direct feedback on your draft.

Source: Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy Join the Google Meet on July 23

The Native American Development Corp. has secured a $2 million low-interest loan from the Montana Facility Finance Authority to help finance a new $23 million health clinic in Billings, according to reporting from Tribal Business News. The clinic will be built at the former Shrine Auditorium site and is expected to increase patient capacity, modernize services and expand access to culturally responsive care.

Source: The Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance-Buffalo’s Fire Continue Reading

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the overall fiscal management of the Bois Forte Tribal Government. Must understand Federal, State, Local and Private funding requirements, Position also supports the sovereignty of the Tribal Government and its long-term goals.

Learn More & Apply at nafoa.org/jobs