Navajo Nation receives $88.7 mil in federal small business funding

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Washington Office is set to receive nearly $89 million through the expanded State Small Business Credit Initiative as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

The tribe will use the funding to implement transformative programs to offer a lifeline to Navajo small businesses and tribal enterprises, the Office of the President and Vice President said Jan. 5.

The funding will operate a loan guarantee program and a loan participation program. Both will be crafted to target eligible Navajo small businesses that demonstrate potential for job creation for tribal members, both on and off the Navajo Nation.

“With this SSBCI award, we are taking a significant step forward to fulfill our promise to support small businesses,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “Our administration is focused on fostering an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish and where the Navajo people can access the resources they need to contribute to a robust and diverse economy.”

The sectors poised to benefit from this initiative include construction, business services, energy, agriculture and art, said Justin Ahasteen, Navajo Nation Washington Office executive director.

“This funding serves as a foundation for these industries to survive the aftermath of the pandemic and to thrive and expand,” Ahasteen said. “That ensures the Navajo Nation’s economy is inclusive.”

Nygren said he’s both encouraged and dedicated to leveraging the Navajo Nation’s network of five Regional Business Development Offices to improve small business lending on Navajo.

The Navajo business development offices will play a pivotal role to identify businesses that require support. That will ensure the SSBCI funds are allocated effectively to achieve the most economic development opportunities within the diverse communities of the Navajo Nation.

Tony Skrelunas, Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development executive director, said the Navajo Nation is staged to lead.

“The Navajo Nation is ready to lead by example to promote sustainable economic growth,” he said. “This funding will enable us to empower our local businesses, create jobs, and pave the way for future generations to achieve success and prosperity.”

Information provided by the OPVP.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Washington Office is set to receive nearly $89 million through the expanded State Small Business Credit Initiative as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

The tribe will use the funding to implement transformative programs to offer a lifeline to Navajo small businesses and tribal enterprises, the Office of the President and Vice President said Jan. 5.

The funding will operate a loan guarantee program and a loan participation program. Both will be crafted to target eligible Navajo small businesses that demonstrate potential for job creation for tribal members, both on and off the Navajo Nation.

“With this SSBCI award, we are taking a significant step forward to fulfill our promise to support small businesses,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “Our administration is focused on fostering an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish and where the Navajo people can access the resources they need to contribute to a robust and diverse economy.”

The sectors poised to benefit from this initiative include construction, business services, energy, agriculture and art, said Justin Ahasteen, Navajo Nation Washington Office executive director.

“This funding serves as a foundation for these industries to survive the aftermath of the pandemic and to thrive and expand,” Ahasteen said. “That ensures the Navajo Nation’s economy is inclusive.”

Nygren said he’s both encouraged and dedicated to leveraging the Navajo Nation’s network of five Regional Business Development Offices to improve small business lending on Navajo.

The Navajo business development offices will play a pivotal role to identify businesses that require support. That will ensure the SSBCI funds are allocated effectively to achieve the most economic development opportunities within the diverse communities of the Navajo Nation.

Tony Skrelunas, Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development executive director, said the Navajo Nation is staged to lead.

“The Navajo Nation is ready to lead by example to promote sustainable economic growth,” he said. “This funding will enable us to empower our local businesses, create jobs, and pave the way for future generations to achieve success and prosperity.”

Information provided by the OPVP.