The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) offers a variety of grant opportunities aimed at empowering Indigenous American Indian communities. Among these, the Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Grant stands out as a vital resource for tribal leaders seeking to evaluate and identify viable economic opportunities for their communities.
Established in 2007, the NABDI is a competitive and discretionary grant program designed to foster job creation and stimulate economic activity within American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The grant serves as a crucial tool for tribes, enabling them to conduct feasibility studies that assess potential projects, thereby mitigating risks and empowering informed decision-making about their economic futures. The outcomes of these studies often assist tribes in securing financial backing from lenders and investors, turning their entrepreneurial visions into reality.
Typically, the BIA awards between 20 to 35 grants annually, each ranging from $25,000 to $75,000. These funds are allocated to federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes for conducting feasibility studies and designing business plans for proposed economic development projects, businesses, and technologies. In addition to feasibility studies, NABDI grants may also support business plans aimed at new or revitalized tribal enterprises.
The studies funded by NABDI primarily focus on feasibility assessments, economic development strategies, business planning, and marketing analysis.
- Feasibility studies help determine the viability of ideas, often followed by detailed business plans outlining execution steps and marketing strategies for growth.
- Economic impact analyses measure the increased activity resulting from a project; for instance, enhancing a local stadium can attract more visitors who contribute to the regional economy through spending on tickets, food, and accommodations.
- Highest and best use studies are also integral to NABDI projects, examining factors such as geography and market trends to identify optimal uses for properties or land parcels.
While the NABDI program is not offering grants in 2024, there is hope for its return in the future. Due to the unpredictability of funding announcements in an election year, clarity on future NABDI funding remains uncertain.
Success Stories
The impact of NABDI funding is evident in various success stories across Indian Country:
- Hydaburg Cooperative Association, Alaska: Insights from a NABDI-funded study enabled the Hydaburg Cooperative Association, one of two federally recognized Haida tribes, to secure a $600,000 Housing and Urban Development Indian Community Development Block Grant for constructing a café and laundromat.
- Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma: The Citizen Potawatomi Nation leveraged NABDI funding to establish “Iron Horse,” the first American Indian-run rail line in the U.S. The grant facilitated a study that explored the feasibility of an industrial park and the restoration of a 66-mile rail line, ultimately leading to $3,500,000 in financing for a 400-acre industrial park and $1,000,000 for repairing an existing railroad bridge.
- Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Texas: NABDI funding allowed Ysleta del Sur Pueblo to conduct an analysis and develop a reuse plan for their recreation and wellness center, initially a state-of-the-art facility promoting healthy lifestyles, which faced challenges following the shutdown of the tribe’s casino.
Capacity Consulting’s Role in NABDI
Since 2019, Capacity Consulting has been honored to collaborate on grant applications with several awardees. In 2022, the final year of NABDI funding, we proudly participated as part of three out of the 15 successful recipients.
Our strength lies in assisting Indigenous communities through customized feasibility studies and strategic planning initiatives. By utilizing our comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by tribal nations, we empower them to make informed decisions that support their economic development aspirations.
Looking ahead, Capacity Consulting remains dedicated to advocating for initiatives like the NABDI Grant, ensuring that Indigenous communities are equipped with the necessary resources and support to flourish.